Jessikah McKenzie
Detroit
Summary
I am a passionate and dedicated educator who is driven to create an optimal learning environment for children at all stages of their learning process. In my 23 years of experience in education, I have been a teacher's assistant as well as a lead teacher in both New York City and in Michigan. I have a proven track record in relationship building and classroom management because I pride myself on building strong and positive relationships with scholars and their caregivers, and by leading by example. I firmly believe in treating others as you would want to be treated, and being the change that I want to see.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
4th Grade Classroom Teacher
National Heritage Academies
Detroit, MI
10.2015 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans to foster student understanding and enthusiasm for learning, while implementing differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Utilized data-driven assessments to track student progress, identify areas for improvement, and used data-driven decision-making to guide instructional planning, leading to improved student performance.
- Established a positive classroom environment that promoted collaboration and teamwork among students through group projects and cooperative learning activities. respect, teamwork, and academic growth.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on curriculum implementation and classroom management techniques.
- Integrated technology tools to facilitate interactive learning experiences and improve student engagement.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to foster a supportive learning community, and fostered a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and consistently enforcing rules and consequences.
- Increased parent involvement in their child''s education by maintaining open communication lines and hosting regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss student achievements and develop collaborative support plans for their scholars.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with educational trends and enhance teaching skills, and collaborated with grade-level team members to develop cross-curricular units that reinforced key concepts across subject areas.
- Integrated social-emotional learning strategies into daily routines, promoting healthy emotional growth in students while supporting academic achievement.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth, and reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Supported the inclusion of special education students in the general education classroom through effective accommodations and modifications.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards, and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Taught core subjects of ELA, math, science, moral focus, and social studies.
Preschool Lead Teacher
The Guidance Center
Lincoln Park, MI
08.2014 - 10.2015
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate curriculum that fostered cognitive and social development in preschool children.
- Led classroom management strategies to create a positive and engaging learning environment for diverse learners.
- Collaborated with parents and caregivers to support children's developmental milestones and address individual needs.
- Implemented behavior management plans that promoted positive behavior reinforcement among students, improving classroom dynamics.
- Completed documentation on individual children and teachers for recordkeeping.
K-5 Teacher
Grand Concourse Academy Charter School
Bronx, NY
08.2004 - 09.2012
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards, and assessed student progress through various evaluation methods, providing tailored feedback.
- Facilitated a positive classroom environment promoting student collaboration and respect, and designed interdisciplinary projects fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student development and address concerns.
- Contributed positively to school culture by actively participating in staff development opportunities, sharing ideas with colleagues, and collaborating on school-wide initiatives.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively through clear expectations, consistent routines, and fair consequences for misbehavior.
- Developed strong relationships with students by demonstrating empathy, understanding, and patience in addressing their academic and personal challenges.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions for struggling learners, providing additional support and resources to help them succeed academically.
Education
Master of Science - Childhood Education
Lehman College
Bronx, NY06-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Music Industry And Technology
Mercy College
Dobbs Ferry, NY06-2003
Skills
- Parent-teacher communication
- Growth mindset
- Relationship building
- Behavioral management
- Classroom management
- Adaptability and flexibility
Accomplishments
2020-2021 Teacher of the Year Nominee
2021-2022 Teacher of the Year Nominee
2022-2023 Teacher of the Year Nominee
2023-2024 Excellence in Teaching Nominee
2024-2025 Excellence in Teaching Nominee
Certification
State of Michigan Standard Teaching Certificate
CPR & AED Certified
Timeline
4th Grade Classroom Teacher
National Heritage Academies
10.2015 - Current
Preschool Lead Teacher
The Guidance Center
08.2014 - 10.2015
K-5 Teacher
Grand Concourse Academy Charter School
08.2004 - 09.2012
Master of Science - Childhood Education
Lehman College
Bachelor of Arts - Music Industry And Technology
Mercy College