Ivy Farr
Summary
High School English Teacher with nearly 20 years of experience in education, designing innovative and standards-aligned curricula that enhance literacy and foster a culture of inclusivity and respect. Expert in differentiation, project-based learning, and data-driven instruction, consistently driving measurable improvements in student outcomes. Passionate about creating a collaborative educational environment that aligns with school-wide goals and nurtures well-rounded student development.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
10th Grade Team Leader
Hampden Charter School of Science
08.2023 - Current
- Lead grade-level meetings, fostering cohesion among 10th grade teachers. Serve as link between administration and faculty to implement data-driven initiatives, leading to measurable improvements in student performance and teacher effectiveness.
- Cultivate strong parent-teacher relationships through proactive communication on academic and behavioral matters, enhancing student support network.
- Organize educational field trips connected to curriculum content, further enhancing students' understanding of real-world applications.
ELA Grade 10, Creative Writing, Young Adult Literature
Hampden Charter School of Science
08.2022 - Current
- Develop and Implement state standards-aligned ELA curriculum for Grade 10, addressing learning gaps and enhancing literacy skills across diverse student groups with measurable improvements.
- Analyze individual learning patterns to create targeted intervention strategies, leading to marked improvement in student writing proficiency.
- Cultivate a respectful classroom fostering risk-taking and community building.
- Led parent-teacher conferences focused on identifying areas of growth and developing action plans for continued success at home and in the classroom.
- Mentored struggling students through targeted interventions and one-on-one support, improving overall class performance.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice.
- Design and implement creative writing curriculum, incorporating various genres, sparking student engagement and improved self-expression.
- Inspire and nurture a love of reading while building literacy skills in a community based in openness, empathy, and cultural awareness.
Creative Writing Summer School Teacher
Hampden Charter School of Science
06.2024 - 07.2024
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy.
- Introduced students to various genres and styles of literature, broadening their understanding of artistic expression within the written word.
- Implemented innovative approaches to teaching creative writing, resulting in increased student engagement and motivation.
Head Teacher, STEAM Summer Program
Mohawk Regional Trail School District
06.2022 - 07.2022
- Fostered student engagement through creative hands-on activities in science, drama, and art.
- Planned and led field trips; collaborated with instructors to create a respectful, safe, and fun environment for summer learning.
10th Grade ELA Teacher
Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School
04.2022 - 06.2022
- Promoted a growth mindset in students by setting high expectations and providing support for individual academic goals.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to address diverse learning needs and ensure student success.
- Monitored student progress closely using formative assessments, adjusting instructional approaches as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on teaching strategies and best practices for ELA education.
English Language Development Coordinator
Alameda High School
08.2019 - 06.2021
- Planned and led bi-monthly English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meetings to inform EL families of essential elements of the ELD program.
- Strengthened relationships with families by communicating updates and changes in school policies and bringing their feedback, concerns, and suggestions to administrators.
- Represented the school in district-wide (DELAC) bi-monthly meetings and collaborated with leads from other schools to address concerns and successes within the ELD program.
- Reviewed district-level data, such as budgets, grading criteria, and testing metrics, and validated policy changes before broader roll-outs as an ELD subject matter expert.
- Provided support for ELLs in other courses through scaffolding materials and small-group interventions.
English and ELD Teacher, Grades 9-12
Alameda High School
08.2015 - 06.2021
- Developed and implemented adaptive teaching methods for diverse learning styles, integrating multimedia resources to enhance language acquisition.
- Implemented projects that significantly boosted student participation and comprehension.
- Mentored peers in ELD techniques, fostering a collaborative teaching environment.
- Led immersive field trips integrating language exercises to enhance student engagement.
- Orchestrated cross-departmental initiatives to integrate language learning with core subjects, strengthening student comprehension
ELD Lead Teacher
Alameda High Summer School
06.2015 - 07.2019
- Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
- Planned and led field trips to enhance language acquisition skills and real world application.
10th Grade Lead Teacher
Envision Schools-Impact Academy of Arts and Technology
08.2012 - 06.2013
- Led teacher meetings to resolve school-wide and student-specific issues effectively.
- Fostered teacher collaboration, and implemented student support systems.
- Organized cross-disciplinary exhibitions, enhancing student critical thinking and leadership skills.
Advisory Lead & English Subject-Area Lead
Envision Schools-Impact Academy of Arts and Technology
08.2009 - 06.2013
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies for project-based learning, empowering first-generation college-bound students through hands-on experience and real-world applications.
- Customized lessons to diverse learning styles, ensuring state standards compliance.
- Provided one-on-one student advising on holistic wellness and academic progress.
- Mentored 20 students in portfolio preparation, showcasing content mastery and leadership.
English Teacher and Advisor, Grades 9-10
Envision Schools-Impact Academy of Arts and Technology
08.2008 - 06.2013
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Implemented project-based learning activities that encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to remain current on educational trends and research-based strategies for instruction.
- Increased student motivation by providing timely feedback and recognizing individual achievements.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learner needs, ensuring all students had equal access to education opportunities.
Humanities Teacher, Grades 9-10
Brooklyn School for Global Studies
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Co-created humanities curriculum for combination 9th and 10th grade core class
- Partnered with a Special Education teacher to support inclusion class of 10th graders
Humanities Founding Teacher & Advisor, Grade 9
New Day Academy
08.2005 - 06.2006
- Pioneered humanities curriculum for New Day Academy's inaugural 9th grade, integrating cross-disciplinary approaches to foster critical thinking and creativity.
- Cultivated a supportive learning environment, mentoring students and collaborating with colleagues to establish foundational educational practices.
After School Program Instructor
Brooklyn Friends School
08.2003 - 06.2005
- Organized after-school programs and clubs that provided additional enrichment opportunities for students.
- Facilitated positive peer interactions, encouraging collaboration and teamwork among students in the classroom setting.
Creative Writing Workshop Leader
New York Writers' Coalition
05.1998 - 09.2001
- Conducted free and low-cost creative writing workshops for people in underserved communities.
- Created a welcoming, respectful environment where participants felt safe sharing their work and giving and providing warm feedback.
Education
M.A. - Adolescent Education - English
CUNY Hunter College
B.A. - Theater/English
State University of New York
Geneseo, NYMindful Communication Course -
Mindful Schools
Oakland, CA03-2020
Self-Care: Healthy Strategies for Sustained Excellence -
CSU-Pueblo
11-2019
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Certification -
MBSR
Berkeley, CA05-2016
Hatha Yoga Certification
Integral Yoga
San Francisco, CA05-2009
Skills
- Project-Based Learning Differentiation
- Curriculum Design
- Classroom Management
- ELD Instruction
- Data Analysis
- Parent Communication
- Team Leadership
- Lesson Planning
- Student Engagement
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Responsiveness
Certification
- Massachusetts Licensure, English Grades 5-12 (2023)
- California Single-Subject Teaching Credential in English (2008)
- New York Teacher Certification in English Grades 7-12 (2006)
Professional Development
- Diversity and Inclusion Training
- Literacy Development
- Facing History and Ourselves Workshops
- Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
- Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain
- ELD Trainings (Imagine Learning, SIPPS, Constructing Meaning Institute, Systematic ELD Institute)
Hobbies and Interests
- Yoga Instructor
- Improv performer
- World traveler
- Creative Writer
Timeline
Creative Writing Summer School Teacher
Hampden Charter School of Science
06.2024 - 07.2024
10th Grade Team Leader
Hampden Charter School of Science
08.2023 - Current
ELA Grade 10, Creative Writing, Young Adult Literature
Hampden Charter School of Science
08.2022 - Current
Head Teacher, STEAM Summer Program
Mohawk Regional Trail School District
06.2022 - 07.2022
10th Grade ELA Teacher
Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School
04.2022 - 06.2022
English Language Development Coordinator
Alameda High School
08.2019 - 06.2021
English and ELD Teacher, Grades 9-12
Alameda High School
08.2015 - 06.2021
ELD Lead Teacher
Alameda High Summer School
06.2015 - 07.2019
10th Grade Lead Teacher
Envision Schools-Impact Academy of Arts and Technology
08.2012 - 06.2013
Advisory Lead & English Subject-Area Lead
Envision Schools-Impact Academy of Arts and Technology
08.2009 - 06.2013
English Teacher and Advisor, Grades 9-10
Envision Schools-Impact Academy of Arts and Technology
08.2008 - 06.2013
Humanities Teacher, Grades 9-10
Brooklyn School for Global Studies
08.2006 - 06.2007
Humanities Founding Teacher & Advisor, Grade 9
New Day Academy
08.2005 - 06.2006
After School Program Instructor
Brooklyn Friends School
08.2003 - 06.2005
Creative Writing Workshop Leader
New York Writers' Coalition
05.1998 - 09.2001
- Massachusetts Licensure, English Grades 5-12 (2023)
- California Single-Subject Teaching Credential in English (2008)
- New York Teacher Certification in English Grades 7-12 (2006)
M.A. - Adolescent Education - English
CUNY Hunter College
B.A. - Theater/English
State University of New York
Mindful Communication Course -
Mindful Schools
Self-Care: Healthy Strategies for Sustained Excellence -
CSU-Pueblo
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Certification -
MBSR
Hatha Yoga Certification
Integral Yoga
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