Desiree Thornton
Academic Instructor
Lehigh Acres,FL
Summary
To contribute as a passionate, equity-driven Academic Instructor at Babcock Neighborhood School by leveraging my 17+ years of experience teaching diverse student populations through inclusive, project-based, and standards-aligned instruction. Committed to cultivating real-world learning and academic excellence through collaboration, student voice, and rigorous engagement.
Experienced with curriculum development and student engagement strategies. Utilizes innovative teaching methods to enhance learning outcomes. Strong understanding of classroom management and collaborative educational environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
Work History
English Academic Tutor
Seminole Tribe of Florida & Professional Tutors of America
Clewiston, FL
03.2019 - 07.2025
- Provided onsite and virtual ELA and math tutoring (K–12 and adult) focused on FAST, GED, iReady, B.E.S.T., ACT/SAT, etc.
- Customized plans based on academic data, skill deficits, and individual learning goals
- Supported test prep in reading fluency, number sense, writing, and social-emotional growth
- Maintained consistent, supportive communication with parents and caregivers
- Empowered students to take ownership of their learning process, setting goals and tracking progress towards those objectives.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
Instructional Aide
Ahfachkee School
Clewiston, Florida
09.2019 - 06.2024
- Supported classroom delivery of standards-aligned instruction, and data-driven assessments.
- Created anchor charts, station rotations, and visual tools to enhance engagement for all learners.
- Managed K-12 classrooms using inclusive practices, such as Class Dojo, Class Store, and behavior tracking.
- Flexibly substituted in K-12 classrooms, ensuring instructional continuity, and academic rigor.
- Applied culturally relevant methods when engaging Native and minority students
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
- Recorded grades for coursework and tests in online reporting system.
- Aided teachers in designing and implementing lesson plans to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Implemented behavior management strategies as directed by lead teacher, maintaining a focused learning environment for all students.
Founder & Director
Ambitious All-Stars Learning
Conyers, GA
06.2014 - 12.2019
- Designed a homeschool support group and year-round academic camp focused on PBL, character, and enrichment.
- Recruited, trained, and led 4 instructional staff.
- Created thematic learning units aligned with student interests and local partnerships.
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Created organization's mission and vision statements for use by employees.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
- Cultivated loyal customer base through personalized marketing campaigns and loyalty programs.
Lead Teacher (3rd Grade)
Ivy Preparatory Academy
Atlanta, GA
07.2016 - 01.2018
- Delivered Common Core/GSE instruction with hands-on strategies and PBL units.
- Facilitated peer-to-peer learning opportunities within the classroom environment increasing collaboration among students and deepening understanding of material.
- Developed and executed class-wide behavior plans, fostering student autonomy and resilience.
- Increased parental involvement through transparent communication and collaborative goal-setting.
- All-Girls Charter
- Organized rooms in line with current educational thinking to maximize educational opportunities for students.
- Communicated frequently with parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home reinforcement to support struggling students.
- Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
Kindergarten & Lead Teacher
New Life Community Achievers Academy
Decatur, GA
08.2009 - 05.2014
- Simultaneously implemented project-based learning and advanced curriculum instruction for early literacy and math.
- Created Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) to support each child’s growth.
- Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
- Used data-driven decision-making processes to analyze student performance trends and adjust instructional practices accordingly, leading to improved outcomes.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
- Worked one-on-one with students and student teachers to increase overall classroom success.
- Guided student teachers and teaching aides in classroom management, leading by example and thoroughly answering questions.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
7th Grade English Teacher & Team Leader
Academy of Lithonia Charter School
Lithonia, GA
09.2007 - 06.2009
- Led ELA instructional planning using Georgia Performance Standards, and benchmark assessments.
- Organized professional development and collaborative lesson studies.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions for struggling students, helping them improve their grades and build confidence in their abilities.
- Encouraged active participation in class activities by creating a supportive atmosphere that valued each student''s contributions.
- Assessed student performance through regular quizzes, tests, and essays, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to inform lesson planning and target areas where students needed additional support.
- Organized engaging field trips that enriched course content and provided real-world context for literary concepts studied in class.
- Enhanced student engagement with diverse teaching methods, such as multimedia presentations and hands-on activities.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, fostering connections between subjects for deeper understanding.
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English, Print Journalism
Alabama State University
Montgomery, AL 05.2001 - 07.2007
Skills
- Project-Based Learning (PBL)
- Inclusive Pedagogy
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Standards-Based Grading
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Equity & Access
- Parent & Community Engagement
- Problem Solving/Conflict Management
- Differentiated Instruction
- Student Ownership & Motivation
- Data-Driven Planning
- Cross-Grade Collaboration
Certifications And Specializations
- Formerly trained in & taught Project-Based Learning (PBL)
- Experienced with standards-based grading, curriculum alignment, and data-driven instruction
- CPR & First Aid
Timeline
Instructional Aide
Ahfachkee School
09.2019 - 06.2024
English Academic Tutor
Seminole Tribe of Florida & Professional Tutors of America
03.2019 - 07.2025
Lead Teacher (3rd Grade)
Ivy Preparatory Academy
07.2016 - 01.2018
Founder & Director
Ambitious All-Stars Learning
06.2014 - 12.2019
Kindergarten & Lead Teacher
New Life Community Achievers Academy
08.2009 - 05.2014
7th Grade English Teacher & Team Leader
Academy of Lithonia Charter School
09.2007 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Arts - English, Print Journalism
Alabama State University
05.2001 - 07.2007
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