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, IN12.2025
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) - Primary Education (Mathematics minor)
Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College
Montego Bay Jamaica01.2018
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
Websites
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