Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Jennifer Sheffield

Gainesville

Summary

Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Marion County Public Schools, adept at fostering critical thinking and enhancing student motivation through innovative lesson planning and collaborative teamwork. Recognized for exceptional storytelling and classroom management, significantly improving engagement and comprehension. Employs active listening and strong editing skills to elevate student writing and critical analysis abilities.

Overview

15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

6th Grade ELA and Creative Writing Teacher

Marion County Public Schools-Ocali Charter School
08.2023 - 11.2024
  • Utilized diverse instructional materials such as multimedia presentations and guest speakers to supplement traditional teaching methods.
  • Implemented innovative approaches to teaching creative writing, resulting in increased student engagement and motivation.
  • Introduced students to various genres and styles of literature, broadening their understanding of artistic expression within the written word.
  • Established a safe space for open communication, allowing students to share their thoughts and ideas without fear of judgment or ridicule.
  • Enhanced students'' writing skills by providing constructive feedback and guidance on their work.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices for teaching creative writing and integrating new technologies into the classroom setting.
  • Collaborated with fellow educators to develop interdisciplinary projects, enriching the overall curriculum.

Teacher - 2nd Grade

Marion County Public Schools- East Marion Elem.
08.2020 - 01.2022
  • Achieved Highly-Effective Student Achievement Status
  • Lead Teacher for a team of six colleagues
  • Developed positive relationships with parents, communicating regularly about student progress and classroom happenings.
  • Enhanced students'' mathematical abilities through hands-on activities and real-world examples.
  • Provided individualized support for struggling learners, fostering a growth mindset and boosting confidence in their abilities.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational best practices and improve teaching effectiveness.
  • Improved reading comprehension skills by implementing guided reading groups and literature circles.
  • Organized engaging field trips that reinforced curriculum concepts and broadened student perspectives on various topics.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies that maintained a structured yet nurturing environment conducive to learning.
  • Served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance on effective lesson planning, assessment strategies, and classroom management techniques.

4th Grade Teacher

Marion County Public Schools- Emerald Shores Elem.
08.2017 - 06.2018
  • Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
  • Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
  • Developed students'' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
  • Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
  • Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adjusting instructional approaches as needed.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and innovative teaching techniques.

4th Grade Teacher

Marion County Public Schools- Sparr Elementary
08.2016 - 06.2017
  • Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
  • Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
  • Developed students'' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
  • Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
  • Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adjusting instructional approaches as needed.

4th Grade Teacher

First Assembly Christian School
08.2014 - 12.2016
  • Coached Middle school cheerleading
  • Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
  • Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
  • Developed students'' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
  • Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
  • Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adjusting instructional approaches as needed.

4th Grade Teacher

Briarwood Christian School
08.2011 - 12.2013
  • Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
  • Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
  • Developed students'' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
  • Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
  • Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adjusting instructional approaches as needed.

Paraprofessional-3rd and 4th Grade

Briarwood Christian School
08.2010 - 06.2011
  • Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
  • Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
  • Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
  • Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
  • Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
  • Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
  • Enhanced classroom efficiency through organizing instructional materials, managing daily schedules, and preparing resources for lessons as needed.

Pre-K Teacher

Christian Life Learning Academy
12.2009 - 08.2010
  • Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Promoted social-emotional development with interactive lessons on empathy, conflict resolution, and self-regulation techniques.
  • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
  • Fostered a love of learning among students by maintaining an energetic teaching style and incorporating creative, interactive elements into lessons.
  • Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
  • Participated in ongoing professional learning opportunities to remain current on best practices in early childhood education.
  • Boosted student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into lesson plans.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

Avila University
Kansas City, MO
12-2009

Associate of Arts - Christian Ministry

Wagner Institute
Birmingham, AL
05-2003

Skills

  • Empathetic
  • Active listening
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Critical thinking promotion
  • Strong editing skills
  • Classroom management strategies
  • Exceptional storytelling
  • Innovative lesson planning
  • Conflict resolution techniques
  • Student motivation techniques
  • Project-based learning
  • Assessment and evaluation

Certification

Florida Teacher Certification, K-6, Expired

Timeline

6th Grade ELA and Creative Writing Teacher

Marion County Public Schools-Ocali Charter School
08.2023 - 11.2024

Teacher - 2nd Grade

Marion County Public Schools- East Marion Elem.
08.2020 - 01.2022

4th Grade Teacher

Marion County Public Schools- Emerald Shores Elem.
08.2017 - 06.2018

4th Grade Teacher

Marion County Public Schools- Sparr Elementary
08.2016 - 06.2017

4th Grade Teacher

First Assembly Christian School
08.2014 - 12.2016

4th Grade Teacher

Briarwood Christian School
08.2011 - 12.2013

Paraprofessional-3rd and 4th Grade

Briarwood Christian School
08.2010 - 06.2011

Pre-K Teacher

Christian Life Learning Academy
12.2009 - 08.2010

Florida Teacher Certification, K-6, Expired

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

Avila University

Associate of Arts - Christian Ministry

Wagner Institute
Jennifer Sheffield