Diana Brewster
Bloomfield,NJ
Summary
Skilled individual with passion for helping students reach academic goals. Creates engaging learning experiences tailored to meet individual student needs. Smart candidate develops strategies to help students bolster academic performance.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Literacy Coach
Newark Public Schools
09.2019 - 10.2023
- Guided teachers to collect and analyze data and developed action plans in response to determined student needs.
- Assessed literacy needs of school by reviewing student data and current curriculum.
- Monitored status of students requiring special attention.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of literacy improvement action and communicated results to teachers and administrators.
- Provided planned objectives and instruction for struggling readers.
- Administered standardized tests to assess student strengths and weaknesses.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators and parents to determine how best to support student success.
- Assessed student learning needs and provided relevant instruction to close knowledge gaps.
- Maintained records of student assessments, tutoring activities and results.
- Created personalized lesson plans to meet needs of diverse learners.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback and support.
- Developed methods to motivate and engage students in learning.
Elementary School Teacher
Newark Public Schools
09.2008 - 10.2023
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Created and presented clever lessons to engage students and focus on core subjects necessary for personal and academic growth.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by presenting challenges to boost self-esteem and performance.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest in learning through hands-on activities and field trips.
- Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Directed class discussions to spark conversation about key concepts, complex problems and overarching themes.
- Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Developed and implemented discipline strategies to maintain classroom order.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Incorporated [Software] technology into lesson planning to create engaging, multi-dimensional lessons.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
After-School Program Coordinator
Newark Public Schools
09.2018 - 06.2021
- Scheduled mini-lessons, art projects and unstructured playtime for school-age children.
- Created fun, age-appropriate activities for school-age children.
- Connected and frequently communicated with students and parents regarding programs, policies and individual needs.
- Supervised up to 130 students during outdoor exercise periods, monitoring group and individual safety.
- Implemented student safety measures across program to minimize accidents.
- Completed and kept records related to program and individual students for future use by other personnel.
- Managed behavioral issues and used positive behavior strategies for groups of up to 130 students.
- Selected nutritious snacks and educational toys for students.
- Trained and supervised site staff.
- Maintained confidentiality of records by using appropriate data security methods.
- Facilitated student recruitment for the after school program
- Developed and coordinated after-school programs and activities.
- Coordinated staff and student activities to promote a safe and productive learning environment.
- Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Communicated with parents to encourage active parental participation in education.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.
- Observed teachers, documented activities and implemented improvement plans to optimize classrooms.
- Established positive, stimulating learning environment for students and exciting education-focused setting for teachers.
- Proven record of developing and implementing school policies to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Formulated and implemented school safety and security policies.
- Maintained school focus on learning by enforcing rules related to academics, student discipline and class attendance.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
- Participated in workshops and in-service meetings to enhance personal growth and professional development.
- Prepared agendas and took notes at meetings to archive proceedings.
Substitute Teacher, K-Eighth Grade
Newark Public Schools
05.2007 - 06.2008
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Organized and cleaned teaching areas after daily use to maintain high standards for returning teachers or other substitutes.
- Provided instruction for students in core subject areas.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
- Assigned, explained and graded homework.
- Adapted lesson plans and student activities to meet needs of students with special learning needs.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to students, parents and school administrators.
- Monitored student behavior and administered discipline as needed.
- Counseled students with adjustment or academic problems.
- Developed creative instructional strategies to keep students engaged and motivated.
- Distributed textbooks, workbooks, papers and pencils to students.
- Monitored student performance and provided feedback to inform instruction.
- Documented student progress and provided regular updates to parents.
- Assisted students in mastering subject material and preparing for tests.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans for students with challenging behavior.
- Researched and selected age-appropriate materials and resources for classroom instruction.
- Conferred with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop innovative approaches to teaching.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to accommodate varied student learning styles.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Developed lesson plans to align with grade-level standards and objectives.
- Attended professional meetings, educational conferences or teacher training workshops to improve professional competence.
- Operated computers or audio-visual aids to supplement presentations.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Utilized variety of instructional strategies to meet individual student needs.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Prepared objectives and outlines for courses of study by following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
- Incorporated technology into learning to enhance student engagement and learning.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment.
Education
Master of Arts - Reading Teacher Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ10.2016
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ08.2007
Skills
- Literature Identification
- Literacy Program Development
- Differentiated Instruction
- Instructional Planning
- Study Skills Development
- Lesson Planning
- Teaching Methods Knowledge
- Interactive Learning
- Online Teaching
- Classroom Management
- Individualized Instruction
- Group Instruction
- Program Implementation
- Innovative Lesson Planning
- Homework Assistance
- Learning Techniques
- Enrichment Programs
- Academic Performance Improvement
- Individualized Learning Plans
- Group Tutoring
- Reading Level Analysis
- Recommending Books and Materials
- Homework Support and Assistance
- Academic Advice and Counseling
- Individual and Small Group Instruction
- Computer Proficiency and Microsoft Office
- Dependable and Responsible
- Student Evaluation and Needs Assessment
- Child Development
- Student Motivation
- Relationship Building and Emotional Support
- Building Blocks of Learning
- Problem-Solving Support
- Activity-Based Learning
- Inspiring Love of Learning
- Group or Individual Study
- Teaching Foundational Study Skills
- Administering Diagnostic Assessments
- Confidence Building
- Google Drive
- Elementary Education
- Student Assessment
- Building Rapport and Trust
- Analytical and Critical Thinking
- Student-Parent-Teacher Collaboration
- Developing Individualized Lessons
- Test Preparation and Test-Taking Strategies
- Establishing Learning Goals
- Attention to Detail
- Writing Assessments
- Creating Customized Learning Plans
- In-Class or At-Home Support
- Clear Instruction and Communication
- Adapting to Student's Learning Style
- Reading Comprehension
- Encouraging and Motivating Students
- Curriculum Review and Lesson Preparation
- Transitional Support
- Age-Appropriate Curriculum
- Building Confidence
- Test Preparation
- Online Tutoring
- Progress Reports and Check-Ins
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Workshop Facilitation
- Organization and Planning Skills
Accomplishments
Teacher of The Year 2019: Dr. E. Alma Flagg Elementary School
Timeline
Literacy Coach
Newark Public Schools
09.2019 - 10.2023
After-School Program Coordinator
Newark Public Schools
09.2018 - 06.2021
Elementary School Teacher
Newark Public Schools
09.2008 - 10.2023
Substitute Teacher, K-Eighth Grade
Newark Public Schools
05.2007 - 06.2008
Master of Arts - Reading Teacher Education
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Montclair State University
Similar Profiles
Jenette RosarioJenette Rosario
Court Representative at Newark Public SchoolsCourt Representative at Newark Public Schools
Marvin GarciaMarvin Garcia
Teacher of the Handicap at Newark Public SchoolsTeacher of the Handicap at Newark Public Schools
Asia McGoyAsia McGoy
4th and 7th Classroom Teacher at Newark Public Schools4th and 7th Classroom Teacher at Newark Public Schools