Dr. Melba Foster
Educator/University Professor/K-12 Leadership
Atlanta,TX
Summary
Education professional experienced in program leadership, teaching, curriculum alignment, and student mentorship. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results, ensuring adaptability to changing needs. Skilled in clinical teaching procedures, classroom management, and utilizing technology for educational purposes. Strong ability in building and maintaining professional relationships with colleagues and community stakeholders. Leads with a collaborative and supportive approach. Reliable and goal-oriented, valued for fostering positive learning environment.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Instructor in Education
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Texarkana, TX
07.2017 - 08.2024
- Coordinator of Clinical Practices
- Partnership with Raise Your Hand Texas and Charles Butt Foundation & Raising Texas Teachers focusing on:
- Continuous improvement
- Partnerships with school districts
- Rigorous clinical preparation
- Practice based assessments
- Partnership with the University of Michigan and Teaching Works focusing on:
- Diversity Equity and Inclusion training
- High leverage practices
- Providing rigorous feedback to student candidates
- Practice based instruction utilizing the four dimensions of equity
- Partnership with University-School Partnerships for the Renewal of Educator Preparation (USPREP) focusing on:
- Developing high yield practices
- Curriculum alignment
- Site Coordinator for USPREP Year Long Residency pilot program to scale
- Field Supervisor for field based, clinical teaching students and the utilization of the Co-Teaching Model
- Coordinating the Eagle Pinning Celebration
- Student Advising
- Certification test preparation workshops
- Taught the following courses:
- Ed 331 Classroom Management
- Ed 311 Growth and Development EC-12
- Ed 486 Methods of Language Arts, Social Studies, Fine Arts
- Ed 487 Methods of Math, Science, Physical Education
- ECE 401 History and Philosophy of Early Childhood Education
- ECE 402 Teaching Practices in Early Childhood Classrooms
- Supervised students during clinical rotations, providing immediate feedback on their performance and suggesting areas for improvement when necessary.
- Implemented instructional presentations to communicate coursework goals.
- Participated in faculty meetings, committees, and continuing education events to stay current on trends and practices.
- Updated course materials regularly to reflect current best practices within the program.
- Collaborated with education instructors to implement best practices to enhance student learning and to ensure consistency in teaching methods and curriculum content.
- Implemented online learning platform for instruction, enabling students to access materials and support remotely, thereby enhancing flexibility and accessibility of program.
- Contributed to curriculum development, incorporating evidence-based practices and latest research findings to enrich learning materials.
- Engaged in continuous professional development to stay abreast of changes in education, ensuring students received most current instruction.
- Advocated for student needs, leading to allocation of additional resources for clinical instruction program.
Primary Campus Principal
Atlanta Independent School District
Atlanta, TX
07.2003 - 05.2017
- Responsible for K-2nd grade students, faculty, and staff.
- Implemented innovative approaches to teaching and learning that improved student engagement and achievement levels.
- Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
- Led school improvement efforts by setting clear expectations for staff performance and providing regular feedback on progress towards goals.
- Increased teacher effectiveness through comprehensive coaching, professional development opportunities, and mentorship programs.
- Mentored newly hired educators and provided encouragement and feedback.
- Trained teachers on effective teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and behavior modification.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders to foster trust, collaboration, and commitment to shared goals.
- Defined and enforced student academic achievement standards in line with district goals and objectives.
- Supervised afterschool program to promote student growth and maintain safety for all attendees.
- Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.
- Monitored student behavior and enforced discipline policies.
- Monitored and evaluated educational programs to maintain high-quality performance objectives and standards.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by promoting open communication among staff, students, and parents.
- Championed technology integration in classrooms to increase efficiency in lesson delivery while also preparing students for the digital age.
- Evaluated curriculum materials for alignment with state standards, ensuring consistency across grade levels and subject areas.
- Managed budgets and resources efficiently to ensure optimal allocation of funds for school programs and initiatives.
- Improved student outcomes by analyzing data and adjusting instructional practices accordingly.
- Facilitated collaboration between departments to develop interdisciplinary curricula for a more holistic educational experience.
- Established instructional practices driven through statistical performance data.
- Implemented school-wide behavior management system, reducing classroom disruptions and fostering better learning environment.
- Enhanced safety protocols, creating secure and welcoming school environment for students and staff.
- Facilitated professional learning communities, encouraging collaboration and shared best practices among faculty.
- Increased parent and community engagement with strategic communication plans and regular events.
- Conducted comprehensive data analysis to identify areas for instructional improvement, leading targeted interventions.
- Improved student learning outcomes with well-designed professional development programs for teachers.
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Atlanta Independent School District
Atlanta, TX
08.1994 - 05.2003
- Served as a classroom teacher in first and second grades
- Designed daily lesson plans customized to student needs.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Impacted lessons positively by incorporating smart boards, computers, games and music into classroom.
- Implemented project-based learning strategies, encouraging teamwork and critical thinking skills among students.
- Established clear expectations for behavior, creating a respectful and inclusive classroom environment.
- Utilized data-driven instruction practices to identify areas needing improvement and adjust teaching strategies accordingly.
- Incorporated differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
Education
Doctorate - Education Leadership
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Texarkana, TX05-2022
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Texas A&M-Texarkana
Texarkana, TX05-1997
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Pan American University
Edinburg, TX05-1987
Skills
Supervising and advising clinical students
Collaboration with school and district leaders
Educational leadership
Building and maintaining professional relationships
Continuous improvement
Mentoring
Evaluating student performance
Classroom management
Professionalism
Reliability
TEACHING AWARDS/ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Southwest Educational Research Association (SERA) Dean's Award for Doctoral Paper Submission 2022.
Texas A&M System Chancellor’s Team Award 2023
Affiliations
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
- Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG)
- Southwest Educational Research Association (SERA)
- Texas Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (TACTE)
- Texas Association of Teacher Educators (TxATE)
Timeline
Clinical Instructor in Education
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
07.2017 - 08.2024
Primary Campus Principal
Atlanta Independent School District
07.2003 - 05.2017
Elementary Classroom Teacher
Atlanta Independent School District
08.1994 - 05.2003
Doctorate - Education Leadership
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Texas A&M-Texarkana
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Pan American University