Durna Graham
Cameron,USA
Summary
Dedicated educator skilled in implementing age-appropriate learning activities and maintaining a safe classroom environment. Strong communication fosters positive relationships with students and families, while proactive behavior management supports optimal development. Collaborative experience enhances curriculum effectiveness and student engagement.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Child and Youth Program Associate
Alexander CDC
Lindon Oaks-Cameron , NC
06.2019 - Current
- Assisted in planning and implementing daily educational activities for children.
- Supported teachers in maintaining a safe and engaging classroom environment.
- Facilitated communication with parents regarding children's progress and needs.
- Organized and supervised playtime to encourage social interactions among children.
- Prepared learning materials and resources for various age groups and subjects.
- Monitored children's behavior, ensuring adherence to classroom rules and routines.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance curriculum delivery and effectiveness.
- Participated in staff meetings to discuss program improvements and student development.
- Kept classrooms clean, tidy and well stocked with supplies while ensuring they met health standards.
- Provided a safe, secure and nurturing environment for the children.
- Supervised indoor and outdoor playtime including setting up equipment and organizing games or crafts.
- Monitored children in classroom spaces, common areas and on playground to maintain optimal safety.
- Maintained daily records of attendance, activities, meals served and medications administered.
- Encouraged students to interact positively and calmly solve disputes.
- Developed positive relationships with families by communicating regularly about their child's progress.
- Developed and enforced positive strategies to encourage good behavior.
- Modeled good behaviors for students and maintained classroom discipline.
- Encouraged creative thinking through art projects, storytelling and music appreciation activities.
- Provided individual attention to each child based on their needs using appropriate behavior management techniques.
- Demonstrated knowledge of basic first aid procedures for minor illnesses or injuries.
- Assisted in developing and implementing age-appropriate activities for children to learn new skills.
- Responded quickly to any unexpected situations such as injuries or behavioral issues.
- Instructed children in personal hygiene habits such as hand washing, toileting, teeth brushing.
- Read aloud and played alphabet games to encourage early literacy.
- Collaborated with other staff members to ensure that all safety protocols were followed at all times.
- Prepared meals, snacks and refreshments for children according to dietary needs and restrictions.
Lead Teacher
South Post Chapel USAG-Yongsan
, South Korea
08.2012 - 06.2018
- Responsible for supervision and teaching children as assigned; to include implementing lessons and activities for a developmentally appropriate, learn-through-play Christian atmosphere.
- Prepare the classroom make the environment conducive to learning and to meet academic goals of the program in advance.
- Assist the Director and the administrative assistant with student registration and children’s records.
- Maintain an orderly and safe classroom and playground area.
- Participate in activities to communicate student’s performance to parents, e.g. parent conferences/open house, and special programs which require volunteers.
- Coordinate, implement, and participate in field trips.
- Train and orient new staff members assigned.
Teacher’s Aide
South Post Chapel USAG-Yongsan
, South Korea
08.2012 - 06.2015
- Responsible for maintaining control of and accounts for the safety and whereabouts of children assigned by ensuring supervision at all times.
- Helped maintain and prepare indoor activity areas by cleaning the area and materials daily.
- Assisted the lead teacher with maintaining children’s records which ensured children and youth departed with authorized personal only according to the written parental instruction.
- Participated in helping to establish a program that promotes positive children and youth interactions by coordinating frequent field trips and group activities.
- Observed children and youth for signs of illness, abuse, and neglect by having daily one on one interactions.
- Reviewed and Implemented appropriate procedure for reporting signs of illness, abuse, and neglect as needed.
Home and Finance Manager
Self Employed
, South Korea
02.2001 - 08.2012
- Allocated and monitored finances bi-monthly to ensure budget adherence and financial stability.
- Budgeted existing funds and maintained family records.
- Contributed to major decisions regarding investment and insurance purchases to secure family assets.
- Procured essential supplies for daily household needs.
- Developed daily meal plans to ensure balanced nutrition.
- Provided physical, emotional, intellectual and moral support to two children.
- Supervised their daily schedules to help them complete tasks.
- Attended all conferences and meetings related to children’s educational goals.
- Encouraged and promoted their participation in extracurricular activities.
- Purchased clothing, furniture, toys and educational items important to their growth.
- Provided emotional support to husband and children during deployment to foster resilience and maintain family unity.
Education
National University of Panama
01-2000
High School of techniques, accounting and commerce -
01-1995
Skills
- Youth program evaluation
- Child development assessment
- Child psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Behavior management strategies
- Program design
- Lesson planning
- Classroom control
- Child evaluation
- Parent engagement
- Safety protocols
- Communication
- Decision-making
- Planning control
- Management
- Supervision
- Personnel training
- Developing
- Implementing
- Administration
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Word
- Excel
- Power Point
- Microsoft Outlook
- Team player
- Problem solving
- Listening
- Teaching
- Delegating
- Safety protocols
- Parent engagement
- Problem solving
Certification
- Infant/Child CPR/First Aid, 2018
- Annual Troop Training, 2017
- The Movement and Mindfulness Curriculum, 2017
- Family Advocacy Program Child Abuse/Neglect Identification & Reporting Training, 2016
- Official Zumba Kids and Zumba Kids Jr. Instructor, 2014
- DOD AAFES employee Civilian Background Check, 2013
- University of Panama: V cycle of administrative conference, 1996
Awards
- Outstanding lead teacher, 2017
- Volunteer teacher in Zumba for Kids, 2017
- Award for outstanding courtesy and responsiveness to the AAFES customer, 2002
- Certificate of Appreciation as an Army Community Service Volunteer, 2000
Languages
- Spanish (Oral and written)
- English (Oral and written)
- Korean (Written and able to read)
Timeline
Child and Youth Program Associate
Alexander CDC
06.2019 - Current
Lead Teacher
South Post Chapel USAG-Yongsan
08.2012 - 06.2018
Teacher’s Aide
South Post Chapel USAG-Yongsan
08.2012 - 06.2015
Home and Finance Manager
Self Employed
02.2001 - 08.2012
National University of Panama