Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
Hobbies and Interests
Honors And Awards
Leadership And Volunteer Experience
References
Timeline
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Jolissa Cunningham

Bradenton,United States

Summary

Dedicated and passionate Elementary School Teacher with 8+ years of teaching experience across Jamaica and the United States. Skilled in inclusive education, differentiated instruction, behavior support, and fostering academic growth for students with diverse learning needs. Currently serving as a 5th-grade teacher and Grade Level Team Leader in the School District of Manatee County. Recognized as Oneco Elementary Teacher of the Year for outstanding leadership, mentorship, and student impact. Committed to equity, student empowerment, and creating engaging, culturally responsive learning environments.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Elementary School Teacher (5th Grade)

School District of Manatee County
Bradenton, USA
07.2023 - Current
  • Provide inclusive, standards-based instruction supporting general education and students with disabilities.
  • Implement differentiated strategies to meet diverse academic and behavioral needs.
  • Lead the 5th-grade team, offering curriculum support, planning guidance, and instructional leadership.
  • Co-Manage the Student Council (Cougar Council), fostering leadership, character, and student voice.
  • Build strong relationships with families to support student success and smooth transition to middle school.

Mentor

TPG Cultural Exchange
07.2023 - Current
  • Mentor international teachers transitioning to U.S. education systems.
  • Provide guidance on classroom expectations, cultural adjustment, and instructional practices.

Teacher

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
10.2023 - 11.2024
  • Led workshops and team-building activities promoting collaboration and confidence in youth.
  • Supported literacy growth through Lexia reading program.
  • Created safe, structured environments that emphasized social-emotional learning and academic enrichment.

Elementary School Teacher

Howard Cooke Primary School
, Jamaica
01.2018 - 07.2023
  • Taught Grades 1–4 across core areas: Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science & Integrated Studies.
  • Managed class sizes of 25–50 students with strong instructional and classroom management practices.
  • Developed students’ skills through sports, literacy, dance, and extracurricular programs.
  • Jamaica

Tutor

SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica
, Jamaica
01.2022 - 01.2023
  • Provided individualized instruction in core subjects to primary-level students.
  • Supported academic confidence and foundational literacy and numeracy.

Elementary School Teacher

Maldon Primary School
, Jamaica
09.2016 - 12.2017
  • Taught Grade 1 with a focus on early childhood literacy and numeracy development.
  • Managed classes of 20–30 students.
  • Jamaica

Invigilator (GSAT, Literacy, Numeracy Exams)

Ministry of Education
, Jamaica
01.2013 - 01.2017
  • Supervised examination administration and ensured compliance with standardized testing protocols.
  • Jamaica

Education

Master in Education - Special Education

American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN
12.2025

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) - Primary Education (Mathematics minor)

Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College
Montego Bay Jamaica
01.2018

Skills

  • Classroom management
  • Active listening
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Lesson planning
  • Special education support
  • Differentiation strategies
  • Student behavior management
  • Social-emotional development
  • Sports coaching
  • Youth mentorship
  • Program planning
  • Curriculum alignment
  • Microsoft Office proficiency
  • Communication skills
  • Team collaboration
  • Instructional design
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Student counseling

Certification

  • Certificate in Team Jamaica — INVEST, 01/01/23
  • BLS for Healthcare Providers — Heart Foundation of Jamaica, 01/01/21
  • Advanced Coaching Development Programme — Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College & GC Foster College, 01/01/18

Hobbies and Interests

  • Sports, Dance, Coaching, Traveling, Reading,Community Service, Youth Development

Honors And Awards

  • Oneco Elementary Teacher of the Year, 01/01/23
  • Mentorship Recognition, TPG Cultural Exchange, 01/01/23

Leadership And Volunteer Experience

  • 5th grade Team Lead, Oneco Elementary, 01/01/25 - Present
  • Mentor Teacher, TPG Cultural Exchange, 01/01/23 - Present
  • Teacher Representative, Jamaica Teachers’ Association, 01/01/21 - 12/31/23
  • Sports Coordinator, JTA, 01/01/20 - 12/31/23
  • Vice President, Little Genius Kindergarten & Preschool, 01/01/20 - 12/31/23
  • Community Service Leader, Girl Guides, Sign Language Club, Literacy Workshop Facilitator, 01/01/20 - Present

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Teacher

Boys & Girls Clubs of Manatee County
10.2023 - 11.2024

Elementary School Teacher (5th Grade)

School District of Manatee County
07.2023 - Current

Mentor

TPG Cultural Exchange
07.2023 - Current

Tutor

SOS Children’s Villages Jamaica
01.2022 - 01.2023

Elementary School Teacher

Howard Cooke Primary School
01.2018 - 07.2023

Elementary School Teacher

Maldon Primary School
09.2016 - 12.2017

Invigilator (GSAT, Literacy, Numeracy Exams)

Ministry of Education
01.2013 - 01.2017

Master in Education - Special Education

American College of Education

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) - Primary Education (Mathematics minor)

Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College