Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Heather Buchanan Cookey, Ed.D.

Douglasville,GA

Summary

Accomplished educator with a proven track record in the DeKalb County School District, adept at leveraging collaborative learning and organizational skills to enhance educational outcomes. Spearheaded mentorship and teacher training programs, significantly improving instructional strategies and classroom management. Demonstrates exceptional leadership and communication, fostering teamwork and innovation among peers.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

English Teacher

DeKalb County School District
08.2016 - Current


  • Design curriculum that challenges the learning ability of students and ensuring overall development of the study of literature.
  • Differentiate instruction to accommodate diverse learner needs, ensuring all students had equal access to education opportunities.
  • Utilize data-driven instruction to identify areas of need and implement targeted strategies for improvement.
  • Increase student motivation by providing timely feedback and recognizing individual achievements.
  • Assist struggling students through targeted interventions, leading to increased academic success.
  • Improve classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior.
  • Promote a positive learning environment by modeling respect, empathy, and active listening skills during all interactions with students.
  • Establishes a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations including FERPA, Section 504, and Special Education.
  • Collaborate with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary curriculum, resulting in enriched learning experiences for students.
  • Utilize multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
  • Mentor new teachers within the department, sharing best practices and offering guidance on effective teaching methods.
  • Led after-school tutoring sessions for students needing extra support or enrichment opportunities, resulting in improved academic outcomes.
  • Establish and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members..
  • Participate in ongoing professional development opportunities to remain current on educational trends and research-based strategies for instruction.

English Department Chair

DeKalb County School District
08.2018 - Current
  • Served as a liaison between English Department faculty members and administration, advocating for necessary changes or improvements within the department.
  • Designed assessments that accurately measured student understanding of course material while minimizing test anxiety issues among students.
  • Observed, coached and mentored instructional staff to promote warm, structured and responsive classroom culture.
  • Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant pedagogical research findings to inform teaching methods within the English Department consistently.
  • Mentored new teachers within the department, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management techniques.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop and implement departmental goals, ensuring alignment with school-wide objectives.
  • Organized professional development opportunities for English Department staff, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
  • Collaborated with faculty, staff and students to identify and address institutional challenges.

Gifted Liaison

DeKalb County School District
08.2018 - Current
  • Oversee the testing and identification of students eligible for gifted services.
  • Serve as liaison regarding gifted services with appropriate personnel in the DeKalb County School District and local school.
  • Work closely with program coordinators to embed different instructional strategies to meet the needs of gifted learning students at the local school level.
  • Facilitate professional learning training that help gifted certified teachers identify students for gifted education services.
  • Assist with the administration of gifted screener test.


Professional Learning Facilitator

DeKalb County School District
09.2020 - Current
  • Facilitate four gifted courses.
  • Provide leadership courses and coordination for planning, implementation, and assessment of curriculum/instructional initiatives related to secondary gifted education services.
  • Provide approximately 50+ hours of instruction and feedback to teacher candidates.
  • Maintain a caseload of approximately 25-35 teacher candidates.

Ignite DeKalb Mentor Teacher

DeKalb County School District
01.2024 - Current
  • Mentor resident teacher, providing guidance on instructional strategies and classroom management techniques for successful outcomes.
  • Facilitate and lead resident teacher meetings and coaching.
  • Mentor resident teacher to develop content skills, pedagogy, and latest research-based best practices.
  • Assess resident teachers progress through on-going instructional observations and coaching.
  • Partner with cooperating institution, Middle Georgia State University, to provide teaching tips, deep knowledge of students, and observe instructional delivery.
  • Support the resident teacher in gradually assuming teaching responsibilities.
  • Collaborate and Plan with the resident teacher for specific teaching responsibilities

Regional Program Coordinator

University Instructors, Inc.
01.2013 - 03.2016
  • Served as a liaison between different partnership public schools in the State of Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina involved in regional projects, facilitating clear communication channels when needed.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired elementary and secondary instructors and implemented professional learning training to carryout the program's mission, vision, and after school curriculum.
  • Assisted content teachers face-to-face instruction for supporting students in grades 6-12.
  • Created a nurturing and stimulating educational environment where children can develop their academic, social, and emotional skills.
  • Collaborated with content teachers to plan and deliver high-quality instruction, assessing student progress, and a supportive learning experience for students.
  • Established strong relationships with community partners, increasing visibility and support for the programs offered.


Intermediate Level Teacher

Archdiocese Of Atlanta
08.2008 - 06.2010
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
  • Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
  • Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Served as lead teacher sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their instructional roles successfully.
  • Hosted department meetings that focused on curriculum building, discipline, and instructional practices.

Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher

Georgia Magnet Schools
08.2007 - 06.2008
  • Differentiated instruction for diverse learners, providing tailored support for individual student needs and objectives.
  • Maintained open lines of communication with parents through newsletters, conferences, and online platforms to keep them informed of their child's progress.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need and implement targeted strategies for improvement.
  • Contributed to a positive school culture by participating in committee work and collaborating with other departments on school-wide initiatives.
  • Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
  • Worked with other teachers to support struggling students and provide thorough help to rectify comprehension issues.
  • Attended department meetings to develop and update course curricula.
  • Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.

Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher

Miami Dade Public Schools
08.2005 - 06.2007
  • Planned a program of study that meets the individual needs, interests, and abilities of the students, challenging each student to produce their best work.
  • Provided direct instruction in whole-class, small group, and individual settings.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learner needs, ensuring all students had equal access to education opportunities.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need and implement targeted strategies for improvement.
  • Assessed student reading development.
  • Helped improve student reading proficiency and comprehension.
  • Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior.
  • Led after-school tutoring sessions for students needing extra support or enrichment opportunities, resulting in improved academic outcomes.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians, fostering open communication regarding student progress and needs.

Education

Educational Leadership Tier 1 License - Educational Leadership

Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA
12-2022

Ed.D. - Educational Leadership-Curriculum And Instruction

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
02-2016

Master of Arts - Secondary Teacher Education

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
05-2007

Bachelor of Arts - Art

Mount Saint Mary's University
Los Angeles, CA
05-2003

Skills

  • Collaborative learning
  • Teaching strategies
  • Research implementation
  • Peer coaching
  • Teacher Training
  • Teacher Mentoring and Coaching
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Leadership and Inspiration
  • Customer Service
  • Multitasking
  • Excellent Communication
  • Classroom Management
  • Organizational Skills
  • Proficiency in technology

Certification

  • High School 6-12 English Certification
  • Middle Grades 4-8 Reading Certification
  • Middle Grades 4-8 Language Arts Certification
  • Gifted In-field Certification
  • Educational Leadership Tier 1 Certification

Timeline

Ignite DeKalb Mentor Teacher

DeKalb County School District
01.2024 - Current

Professional Learning Facilitator

DeKalb County School District
09.2020 - Current

English Department Chair

DeKalb County School District
08.2018 - Current

Gifted Liaison

DeKalb County School District
08.2018 - Current

English Teacher

DeKalb County School District
08.2016 - Current

Regional Program Coordinator

University Instructors, Inc.
01.2013 - 03.2016

Intermediate Level Teacher

Archdiocese Of Atlanta
08.2008 - 06.2010

Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher

Georgia Magnet Schools
08.2007 - 06.2008

Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher

Miami Dade Public Schools
08.2005 - 06.2007

Educational Leadership Tier 1 License - Educational Leadership

Kennesaw State University

Ed.D. - Educational Leadership-Curriculum And Instruction

University of Phoenix

Master of Arts - Secondary Teacher Education

University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Arts - Art

Mount Saint Mary's University

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Heather Buchanan Cookey, Ed.D.