Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Donna Forrest

Orlando,FL

Summary

Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Orange County Public Schools, specializing in curriculum development and cross-cultural communication. Proven track record of enhancing student engagement and achieving a high respected level of integrity and standards. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills foster positive learning environments and community partnerships, driving academic excellence and student growth.

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience

Work History

English Instructor

Orange County Public Schools
11.2022 - Current
  • Developed daily lesson plans and instructional materials to enhance student engagement.
  • Sustained classroom management by maintaining a positive and invigorating learning environment for all students.
  • Utilized educational technology tools to facilitate interactive learning experiences for students.
  • Adapted teaching methods based on diverse learning styles to accommodate individual student needs for ESE and ESOL students.
  • Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and provide constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Assessed and Coordinated IEP Plan Reviews with staff and parents.
  • Developed community business partnerships through fundraising and multicultural events.

High School Guidance Counselor

Family Christian Center
08.2018 - 06.2020
  • Helped students complete admissions applications and pursue scholarships to fund education at state, private and vocational schools.
  • Maintained positive relationships and open communication with parents about application paperwork, testing requirements and upcoming deadlines.
  • Built schedules around students' strengths and long-term goals, customizing different approaches for college preparatory and technical school pathways.
  • Supported students through challenging developmental milestones and crisis situations and coordinated outside service referrals for those needing extra assistance.
  • Recommended school-wide policy changes to better serve needs of Type students.
  • Guided students through evaluating career interests and potential schools.
  • Organized informative college visits and guest speakers to expose students to various post-secondary education options.
  • In charge of State Assessment Testing for Grades 3-12. Conducted Mock SAT/ACT Reviews
  • Partnered with local Businesses to implement Internships for students in varied sectors.

GED Instructor YO

Sumter Correctional Institution
08.2016 - 08.2018
  • Classroom Instructor for the Youth Offenders ages 14-17 years old. Curriculum consisted of all areas of the GED spectrum.
  • Implemented a Life Skills Course that consisted of Public Speaking and Business Management.
  • Exercised classroom management to achieve a daily positive learning environment. Evaluated students to meet the gaps in education.
  • Achieved one of the Highest Honors of being the Teacher in the State of Florida with over 50 students acquiring GEDs
  • TABE Testing Certification

Assistant Principal ( Interim)

Solid Rock Christian School
08.2010 - 05.2011
  • Partnered with principal to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment.
  • Supported a positive school culture by addressing student behavior concerns promptly and effectively.
  • Enhanced teacher effectiveness through regular classroom observations and feedback sessions.
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
  • Taught the High School Curriculum for grades 9-12.

Principal

Agape Christian Academy
08.2009 - 06.2010
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness for 3 Campuses ( Pre-K, Middle and High)
  • 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.
  • Evaluated, assessed and chose curriculum to accommodate all students of a diverse culture.
  • Assisted in the Accreditation Process for the High School.
  • Partnered with community leaders, businesses and organizations to promote the academy and bring community togetherness.
  • Developed a Vocational Program consisting of certified academies of Cosmetology , HVAC, Engineering and Culinary Arts
  • Managed a staff of 65 and student body of 400+.

Teacher of English and ESOL

Montverde Academy
08.2006 - 06.2009
  • 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
  • Taught students of Diverse Cultures representing over 20 countries..
  • 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.
  • Organized, coordinated and Fundraised for a trip to Washington, DC with over 40 students.
  • Instructor of English for the Middle School under the Supervision of Mr. Delmolino.
  • Instructor of ESOL for the Upper School under the Supervision of Mr, Ross.

English Teacher

Lake County Public School
08.1995 - 05.2006
  • Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
  • Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior.
  • Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
  • Worked with Title I to create and develop the ESOL Curriculum.
  • Created the Multicultural Club. Brought cultural awareness to the school and community by way of student involvement in cultural celebrations, stage performances and out of state Fieldtrips.

Education

Bachelor Of Arts - English

Clemson University
Clemson, SC

Associate Of Arts - English

Chipola State College
Marianna

Skills

  • Reading comprehension
  • Speaking practice
  • Teaching english
  • Curriculum development
  • Learning style assessment
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Performance evaluation
  • Community outreach
  • Critical thinking
  • Decision-making
  • Interpersonal communication
  • School Administration
  • Leadership
  • Business Management

Timeline

English Instructor

Orange County Public Schools
11.2022 - Current

High School Guidance Counselor

Family Christian Center
08.2018 - 06.2020

GED Instructor YO

Sumter Correctional Institution
08.2016 - 08.2018

Assistant Principal ( Interim)

Solid Rock Christian School
08.2010 - 05.2011

Principal

Agape Christian Academy
08.2009 - 06.2010

Teacher of English and ESOL

Montverde Academy
08.2006 - 06.2009

English Teacher

Lake County Public School
08.1995 - 05.2006

Bachelor Of Arts - English

Clemson University

Associate Of Arts - English

Chipola State College

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