Jessica Garretson
Nebo
Summary
Proven educator with a track record of fostering student engagement and academic growth, particularly within McDowell County Schools. Specializes in multi-subject instruction and positive reinforcement, enhancing learning for diverse student populations. Known for exceptional curriculum knowledge and strong relationship-building skills, consistently achieving trusted performance accolades.
Organized and detail-oriented individual with proven ability to effectively manage and motivate student learning. Collaborates with fellow professionals to promote stimulating learning environment. Offers strong organizational and student engagement skills. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-12
McDowell Country Schools
07.2017 - 04.2024
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs, and recordkeeping.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assigned, explained and graded homework.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Monitored student behavior and administered discipline as needed.
After-School Tutor
McDowell County
07.2010 - 06.2020
- Improved students'' overall academic performance by providing one-on-one tutoring in various subjects.
- Assisted students with homework assignments, ensuring timely completion and thorough understanding of concepts.
- Motivated students towards learning and studying to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
- Provided homework assistance using specific curriculum and materials.
- Introduced creative learning strategies that catered to diverse learner needs, enhancing overall educational experience.
- Collaborated with parents to develop appropriate tutoring lessons.
- Boosted students'' confidence in their abilities through positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
- Offered one-on-one and small group instruction to foster opportunities for flexible and differentiated learning.
- Empowered students to take ownership of their education through goal-setting exercises and self-reflection activities.
- Supported the development of organizational skills, time management techniques, and study habits among students.
- Planned lessons for allotted time to strengthen weak subjects and build skills.
- Responded to email and telephone requests to provide students with specific information.
- Developed customized lesson plans tailored to each student''s individual needs and learning style.
- Met with parents to discuss student progress and address concerns.
- Taught students remotely using online video chat platform and other delivery channels.
Assistant Teacher
McDowell County
07.2008 - 07.2017
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Supervised recess, lunch and daily student intake and dismissal.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Ensured a safe and supportive learning environment by enforcing classroom rules and addressing behavioral issues promptly.
- Completed daily reports, meal count sheets, and attendance logs.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Assisted lead teacher in providing individualized attention to students, resulting in improved academic performance.
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating genuine care for their well-being and academic success.
- Worked with teachers to design lesson plans and coordinate activities for classes.
- Monitored and reported student progress and development, offering mentoring as needed.
- Kept records of student progress for teachers and parents and made notes on behavior, grades, comprehension, and personal growth.
- Established positive relationships with parents through effective communication, fostering parental involvement in their children''s education.
- Worked with teacher to identify and target opportunities for instructional improvements.
- Assisted in implementation of new learning tools, systems and materials.
- Assisted in lessons, curriculum and homework planning.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Provided one-on-one and group-based learning support focused on student progress.
- Worked with teacher and administrators to enforce school policies and procedures.
- Supported teacher in preparing individualized learning plans for underperforming students.
- Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into the curriculum.
- Graded assignments and reported individual progress to teacher.
- Supported lead teacher in organizing field trips, enhancing real-world connections to classroom content for increased understanding.
- Monitored student progress regularly, using assessments to adjust instructional strategies as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Planned, prepared and presented group assignments to encourage collaboration.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying informed of best practices for teaching strategies and educational technologies.
- Oversaw classroom operations during teacher and parent meetings.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lessons, promoting interdisciplinary learning among students.
- Monitored students during quizzes and tests.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to address diverse learning needs of the students in the class.
- Enhanced students'' critical thinking skills through problem-solving exercises and open-ended questions.
- Delivered supplementary lessons and practice assignments.
- Created visually appealing bulletin boards that showcased student work and reinforced key concepts from lessons.
- Provided additional mentoring based on student evaluations.
- Distributed tests, assignments and handouts per teacher specifications.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
Education
Associate of Arts - Elementary School Teaching
McDowell Technical Community College
Marion, NC05.2024
Skills
- Student Engagement
- Positive Reinforcement
- Multi-Subject Instruction
- Curriculum knowledge
- Special Needs Support
- Literacy development
- Instructional Strategies
- Physical education fundamentals
- Classroom Management
- Verbal and written communication
- Relationship building and management
- Adaptable
- Behavior Management
- Classroom Organization
- Safety awareness
- Activity Planning
- Organizational abilities
- Lesson Planning
- Behavior Modeling
- Group and individual instruction
- Student Tutoring
- Group Instruction
- Parent Communication
- Records Management
- Discipline
- Multitasking and Organization
- Decision-Making
- Google Classroom
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, K-12
McDowell Country Schools
07.2017 - 04.2024
After-School Tutor
McDowell County
07.2010 - 06.2020
Assistant Teacher
McDowell County
07.2008 - 07.2017
Associate of Arts - Elementary School Teaching
McDowell Technical Community College