Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Denise Aldridge

Hurlock,MD

Summary

Professional educator with strong background in literacy improvement and instructional strategies. Known for fostering collaborative environments and driving student success through targeted interventions. Skilled in curriculum development, data analysis, and mentoring teachers to enhance instructional practices. Reliable team player with flexible approach, adapting to evolving educational needs. literacy coach with extensive experience at DCPS, specializing in data-driven instruction and teacher mentoring.

Overview

48
48
years of professional experience

Work History

District Middle School Literacy Coach

DCPS Central Office
08.2023 - 06.2025
  • Conducted professional development workshops on effective literacy strategies for colleagues, enhancing overall instructional quality.
  • Served as a mentor to new educators, sharing expertise in curriculum planning and classroom management techniques.
  • Conducted ongoing evaluations of literacy improvement action and communicated results to teachers and administrators.
  • Assessed literacy needs of school by reviewing student data and current curriculum.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with literacy research and best practices, ensuring continued growth as an educator.
  • Promoted a culture of collaboration among staff members through regular team meetings focused on sharing best practices in literacy instruction.
  • Guided teachers to collect and analyze data and developed action plans in response to determined student needs.

Mace's Lane Middle School Literacy Coach

DCPS
08.2020 - 06.2023
  • Provided planned objectives and instruction for struggling readers.
  • Monitored status of students requiring special attention.
  • Evaluated instructional materials and resources to ensure alignment with district goals and state standards for English Language Arts education.
  • Analyzed student assessment data, providing insights for tailored instruction and support.
  • Trained educators on best practices in literacy instruction, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

High School English and AP Teacher

DCPS
08.1986 - 06.2020
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
  • Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
  • Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • Mentored new teachers as English Department Chair, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
  • Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
  • Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.

Middle School English Teacher

DCPS
08.1980 - 06.1986
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations and consistently enforcing consequences when necessary.
  • Designed engaging lesson plans that addressed diverse learning styles and promoted active participation.
  • Developed strong relationships with students and parents, fostering a positive learning environment.
  • Maintained classroom discipline and modeled correct behaviors.
  • Evaluated and improved student reading comprehension through personalized instruction.
  • Taught students how to express ideas in detail.
  • Enhanced critical thinking skills by challenging students to analyze complex texts and engage in reflective writing exercises.
  • Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and modifying instruction as needed.

English and Social Studies Teacher-6-8

DCPS
08.1979 - 06.1980
  • Improved student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and materials tailored to individual learning styles.
  • Planned learning activities that provided students with opportunities to observe, question and investigate social studies topics.
  • Cultivated strong relationships with parents, maintaining open lines of communication to support student progress at home.
  • Managed extracurricular activity programs such as Model United Nations or History Club, fostering a passion for social studies beyond the classroom setting.
  • Established and supported positive educational environment for student learning.
  • Developed a positive classroom environment by fostering open communication, respect, and collaboration among students.
  • Created lesson plans and made adjustments based on overall class performance throughout year.

English/Social Studies Teacher-Save-A-Youth Prog.

DCPS
08.1977 - 06.1979
  • Consulted with teachers in other disciplines to identify and adopt successful instructional strategies.
  • Gave assignments, graded work and regularly discussed performance with students.
  • Implemented prepared lesson plans in established classrooms.
  • Established and communicated clear objectives for all educational activities.
  • Increased student success rates with regular assessments and timely feedback on assignments and performance.
  • Fostered positive learning environment, adapting teaching strategies to meet diverse needs of students.

Education

No Degree - Educational Administration

Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD

Graduate Courses - AVID, English Language And Composition, Literacy

Additional Course Work

English Education

University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
Princess Anne, MD
05-1977

Skills

  • Teacher mentoring
  • Instructional planning
  • Literacy program development
  • Teaching techniques
  • Program implementation
  • Data-driven instruction
  • Writing instruction
  • Literacy assessment
  • Academic problem solving
  • Assessment analysis
  • Instructional coaching and planning
  • Reading strategies

Timeline

District Middle School Literacy Coach

DCPS Central Office
08.2023 - 06.2025

Mace's Lane Middle School Literacy Coach

DCPS
08.2020 - 06.2023

High School English and AP Teacher

DCPS
08.1986 - 06.2020

Middle School English Teacher

DCPS
08.1980 - 06.1986

English and Social Studies Teacher-6-8

DCPS
08.1979 - 06.1980

English/Social Studies Teacher-Save-A-Youth Prog.

DCPS
08.1977 - 06.1979

No Degree - Educational Administration

Salisbury University

Graduate Courses - AVID, English Language And Composition, Literacy

Additional Course Work

English Education

University of Maryland, Eastern Shore