Derek A. Ferguson
Florida School For The Deaf And Blind
Saint Augustine
4
Languages
1
Certification
10
years of professional experience
Dedicated education professional with expertise in social studies instruction for students with sensory impairments. Developed engaging lesson plans that foster student interest and appreciation for the subject. Committed to delivering measurable results through effective collaboration and adaptability in diverse educational environments.
Work History
Social Studies Teacher Rank I
2 Years 2 Months- Teach sensory impaired students in a state-mandated academic program using adapted and accessible materials
- Conduct and direct student learning experiences using written lesson plans that cover the requirements of the State with regard to the Current Florida Curriculum Standards and course descriptions
- Use required instructional materials with fidelity to introduce and develop concepts
- Develop and maintain a classroom management program
- Identify/develop, implement, use, monitor and evaluate long and short term objectives based on students' IEPs
- Analyze and utilize student data to drive instruction
- Monitor student progress based on the goals of the IEP, and FSDB and State mandated objectives
- Record and report data on individual students
- Document and correct disruptive student behavior in accordance with school policies and procedures
- Develop and maintain a professional relationship with students, parents and other staff members
- Attend trainings/meetings and implement skills acquired during professional development activities as required by federal, state and school mandates
- Coordinate quarterly honor roll ceremonies and sponsor students in APH Monarch Student Pilot Project
Social Studies Teacher
9 Months- Developed standards-aligned social studies lessons using district and College Board curriculum and state benchmarks.
- Managed classroom routines and behavior to maintain focused, respectful learning environment.
- Differentiated instruction for diverse learners, including English language learners and students with accommodations.
- Communicated regularly with families regarding student performance, behavior, and academic support.
- Integrated educational technology to support lesson delivery, student participation, and assignment completion.
- Implemented project-based learning activities that encouraged students to apply their knowledge to real-life situations, enhancing problem-solving skills and deepening understanding of course concepts.
- Assisted struggling students through targeted one-on-one tutoring sessions, resulting in improved academic performance.
- Differentiated activities to support diverse learning needs and student engagement.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations, adjusting instruction for mastery.
- Enhanced critical thinking skills for students through engaging debates and inquiry-based activities.
- Communicated student progress with families and support staff to address concerns.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in social studies education and incorporating new strategies into lessons.
- Planned learning activities that provided students with opportunities to observe, question and investigate social studies topics.
- Completed documentation of attendance, grades, and other required details.
History Instructor
11 Months- Delivered lectures and facilitated discussions to strengthen critical thinking and historical analysis.
- Designed engaging history curricula aligned with college learning outcomes and course objectives.
- Assessed student performance through exams, essays, and class participation using clear grading standards.
- Advised students on coursework, academic progress, and transfer pathways to support retention.
Social Studies Teacher
1 Year 11 Months- Developed standards-aligned social studies lessons using College Board curriculum and state benchmarks.
- Delivered engaging instruction across history and geography topics.
- Communicated student progress with families and support staff to address concerns.
- Integrated digital tools to enhance research, collaboration, and classroom instruction.
- Implemented project-based learning activities that encouraged students to apply their knowledge to real-life situations, enhancing problem-solving skills and deepening understanding of course concepts.
- Designed, wrote, administered, and evaluated all assignments and assessments and regularly discussed performance with students..
- Differentiated activities to support diverse learning needs and student engagement.
- Assessed student progress through quizzes, projects, and performance-based tasks.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in social studies education and incorporating new strategies into lessons.
- Founded and advised Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society campus chapter, fostering a passion for social studies beyond the classroom setting.
- Cultivated strong relationships with parents, maintaining open lines of communication to support student progress at home.
- Maintained orderly classroom routines using consistent behavior management strategies.
- Developed a positive classroom environment by fostering open communication, respect, and collaboration among students.
- Assisted struggling students through targeted one-on-one tutoring sessions, resulting in improved academic performance.
Tour Guide
5 Years 6 Months- Led engaging historic walking tours, delivering accurate local narratives and adapting commentary to diverse guest interests.
- Guided visitors through tour routes, maintaining group flow, safety awareness, and clear pacing throughout excursions.
- Answered guest questions with detailed knowledge of St. Augustine landmarks, history, and cultural
- Checked in tour guests and ensured guest safety and satisfaction by adapting routes as needed.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Orientation And Mobility
Master of Science - Blindness And Low Vision Studies
Master of Arts - History
- Dean's Napoleon Fellowship, 2017-2018
- Graduate Research Assistant and Teaching Assistant, 2017-2019
Bachelor of Arts - History
- Honors in the Major
- Thesis: "The King who Quit France: British Perspectives on Louis XVI's Flight to Varennes, 1774-1793." Supervisor: Sheryl Kroen
- Study Abroad: University of Cambridge, England; Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne, Paris, France
Skills
Blind/visually impaired instruction
Classroom teaching methods
Teaching and learning principles
Response to Intervention
Instructional technology
Independent problem-solving
Classroom regulations knowledge
Conflict resolution
Culturally responsive pedagogy
CPR/CPI
Communication skills
Relationship building
Accomplishments
- McFarland Travel Stipend, Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (2026)
- Excellence in Teaching History Award, Florida Council for the Social Studies (2025)
- Excellent Teaching Performance, St. Joseph Academy (2023)
- “Bringing History to Life” Recognition, St. Joseph Academy (2022)
- Employee of the Year, Tour St. Augustine, Inc. (2019)
Certification
- CEUs from AERBVI Conference (Louisville, KY)
- CEUs from APH Hive, AERBVI, and CEC Courses
- CEUs from AP® Annual Conference (Boston, MA)
- Florida Professional Teaching License (Social Science 6-12 & Visually Impaired K-12)
- AVID I & II and ESOL Competency
- AP® Human Geography Summer Institute
- Cambridge International AS and A Level History (9489)
- AP® World History: Modern Summer Institute
- Competency I & II Florida Reading Endorsement
- Level I Catechist Certification
- AP® Online Workshop (World History: Modern)
- Commissioned Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
- VITAS Protecting Gods’ Children
- Licensed Tour Guide (St. Augustine, FL)
Languages
Spanish
French
German
English
Timeline
Social Studies Teacher Rank I
Florida School For The Deaf And Blind
08.2024 - CurrentRead More
Social Studies Teacher
Celebration High School
08.2023 - 05.2024Read More
History Instructor
St. Johns River State College
07.2022 - 06.2023Read More
Social Studies Teacher
St Joseph Academy
07.2021 - 06.2023Read More
Tour Guide
Tour St. Augustine, Inc.
01.2017 - 07.2022Read More
Western Michigan University
Graduate Certificate from Orientation And Mobility
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Florida State University
Master of Science from Blindness And Low Vision Studies
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Florida State University
Master of Arts from History
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University of Florida
Bachelor of Arts from History
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