Donna Higgins
Virginia Beach
Summary
Accomplished Reading Specialist with a proven track record at Virginia Beach City Public Schools, enhancing reading proficiency through targeted interventions and comprehensive assessment tools. Expert in parent-teacher collaboration and literacy support, significantly boosting student engagement and achievement. Skilled in mentoring educators and fostering a culture of literacy across disciplines.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading Specialist
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
09.2021 - Current
- Analyzed data trends to identify areas of need and inform instructional decision-making processes related to reading interventions.
- Implemented research-based instructional practices to improve overall reading proficiency among students.
- Provided ongoing support for struggling readers by offering one-on-one tutoring sessions and small group instruction.
- Built positive and productive relationships with teachers to drive improvements to reading programs.
- Served as a resource for educators by providing professional development workshops on best practices in literacy instruction.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to optimize growth.
- Enhanced reading comprehension by implementing targeted literacy interventions and strategies.
- Contributed to the development of school-wide literacy initiatives aimed at improving achievement for all students.
- Mentored new teachers in literacy instruction methodologies, sharing expertise and best practices for successful outcomes.
- Developed goals and realistic plans for achieving each target.
- Increased student engagement through the use of interactive reading materials and technology integration.
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure consistent implementation of reading interventions across all subject areas.
- Developed individualized learning plans for diverse learners, addressing specific literacy needs and goals.
- Implemented peer-reading program to encourage students to support each other's literacy growth.
- Provided individualized reading support to students requiring additional assistance, helping to boost their confidence and skills.
Reading Specialist
Chesapeake Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2021
- Analyzed data trends to identify areas of need and inform instructional decision-making processes related to reading interventions.
- Implemented research-based instructional practices to improve overall reading proficiency among students.
- Provided ongoing support for struggling readers by offering one-on-one tutoring sessions and small group instruction.
- Developed goals and realistic plans for achieving each target.
- Increased student engagement through the use of interactive reading materials and technology integration.
- Performed assessments and analyzed results to spot students in need of further help.
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure consistent implementation of reading interventions across all subject areas.
- Developed individualized learning plans for diverse learners, addressing specific literacy needs and goals.
- Promoted a culture of literacy within the school community through various events, such as book fairs, author visits, and family reading nights.
- Collaborated with teachers across various subjects to incorporate literacy skills into their lesson plans, enhancing interdisciplinary learning.
- Implemented peer-reading program to encourage students to support each other's literacy growth.
- Created positive and inclusive reading environment, where students felt comfortable taking risks and sharing their thoughts.
- Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
- Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
- Applied proven strategies to improve students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills.
- Mentored new teachers on student progress monitoring and legal document preparation.
Elementary Teacher
Portsmouth Public Schools
09.1994 - 07.2006
- 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.
- Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting teaching strategies as needed for improved outcomes.
- Developed strong relationships with students and their families through consistent communication and involvement in school events.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students'' understanding of multiple subjects.
Education
E.D.S - Educational Administration
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA06-2017
Master of Science - Reading Specialist Nk-12
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA06-2003
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood NK-4
Norfolk State University
Norfolk, VA12-1992
Skills
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Comprehension techniques
- Progress monitoring
- Small group instruction
- Materials preparation
- Intervention planning
- Individualized support
- Response to intervention
- Dyslexia support
- Tutoring skills
- Reading assessment
- Assessment tools
- Reading remediation
- Instructional best practices
- Literacy support
- Teacher collaboration
- Phonics instruction
- Tutoring
- One-on-one support
- Assessments
Certification
NK-4 Early Childhood Elementary
NK-12 Reading Specialist
NK-12 Administration
License Type:Postgraduate Professional LicenseExpiration Date:6/30/2032
Timeline
Reading Specialist
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
09.2021 - Current
Reading Specialist
Chesapeake Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2021
Elementary Teacher
Portsmouth Public Schools
09.1994 - 07.2006
NK-4 Early Childhood Elementary
NK-12 Reading Specialist
NK-12 Administration
License Type:Postgraduate Professional LicenseExpiration Date:6/30/2032
E.D.S - Educational Administration
Old Dominion University
Master of Science - Reading Specialist Nk-12
Old Dominion University
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood NK-4
Norfolk State University
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