Denise Pristas
Daytona Beach,FL
Summary
Accomplished educator with a track record of fostering student success and enhancing team dynamics at Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School. Specializes in expert problem-solving and building interpersonal relationships. Achieved significant improvements in learning environments and educator effectiveness through innovative project-based learning and enrichment programs. Demonstrates exceptional adaptability and a commitment to fostering trust and rapport. Enthusiastic Leader and Educator eager to help teachers and educational staff discover worthwhile resources for curriculum development and lesson planning. Relies on creativity and innovative problem-solving skills to offer recommendations for staff training and continuing education programs for instructors. Actively monitors and evaluates material submissions from publishers to verify content compliance with government regulations and institutional policies.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Math Coach/Dept., Speech/Debate Teacher/Coach
Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School
08.2018 - Current
- Enhanced student understanding by incorporating real-life examples and problem-solving exercises into lessons.
- Led professional development workshops for fellow educators, focusing on new approaches to teaching concepts.
- Established a positive and inclusive classroom environment that welcomed diverse learning styles, backgrounds, and abilities.
- Established a strong rapport with students through open communication channels, offering ongoing support both inside and outside the classroom.
- Promoted a growth mindset culture within the classroom by celebrating perseverance and effort in solving challenging problems.
- Served as a liaison between school administration and teachers, ensuring clear communication of goals and expectations.
Team Leader & Intermediate Teacher
Broward County Public Schools
08.2004 - 08.2018
- Set performance expectations for the team, monitoring progress towards goals and providing constructive feedback as needed.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
Principal and Intermediate Teacher
Somerset Academy (Academica)
08.2001 - 08.2004
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds for school programs and initiatives.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders to foster trust, collaboration, and commitment to shared goals.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
Intermediate and Special Education Teacher
Miami Dade Public Schools
09.1987 - 04.1998
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
Intermediate Teacher
Alachua County Public Schools
09.1989 - 06.1992
- Promoted academic growth by providing targeted feedback on assignments, guiding students toward improvement in specific areas.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance throughout their first year in the profession.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, enriching students'' understanding of complex concepts across multiple subjects.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, accommodating diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Florida International University
Miami, FL12.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL05.1987
Skills
- Expert Problem Solving
- Interpersonal Relationships
- Project-based learning
- Relationship Building
- Confidence building
- Building Rapport and Trust
- Enrichment Programs
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Dependable and Responsible
- Multitasking Abilities
- Adaptability and Flexibility
Accomplishments
FCDI/FDI Coach and Immersion Trip Chaperone
NSDA Distinction Honors
Spoken Word Cafe Organizer
TedEx Talks Coordinator
Fundraising Developer for Nonprofits and Schools
NSU Holocaust Reflections Teacher
BEF Grant Recipient for Speech & Debate
Pembroke Pines Teacher of the Year
Broward Schools Staff of Character
FL High Impact Teacher
Highly Effective Teacher
Clubs' Sponsor
Academic Competitions' Coach
Field Trip Coordinator/Chaperone
FL History Day Judge
Certification
Florida Teacher Certificate:
Educational Leadership
Elementary Education
Civics Seal of Excellence
Middle Grades Math
Reading Endorsement
ESOL Endorsement
Youth Mental Health
Timeline
Math Coach/Dept., Speech/Debate Teacher/Coach
Pembroke Pines Charter Middle School
08.2018 - Current
Team Leader & Intermediate Teacher
Broward County Public Schools
08.2004 - 08.2018
Principal and Intermediate Teacher
Somerset Academy (Academica)
08.2001 - 08.2004
Intermediate Teacher
Alachua County Public Schools
09.1989 - 06.1992
Intermediate and Special Education Teacher
Miami Dade Public Schools
09.1987 - 04.1998
Master of Science - Educational Leadership
Florida International University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Florida
Florida Teacher Certificate:
Educational Leadership
Elementary Education
Civics Seal of Excellence
Middle Grades Math
Reading Endorsement
ESOL Endorsement
Youth Mental Health
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