Experienced educator with 17 years of elementary education experience and a Graduate Assistant in Literacy Studies at East Carolina University. Holds a Master of Arts in Elementary Education and is pursuing a second Master of Arts in Reading & Literacy. Experienced in literacy instruction, curriculum development, educational research, teacher preparation, and evidence-based instructional practices. Passionate about preparing future educators and advancing literacy through teaching, research, and professional collaboration.
Work History
Graduate Assistant
2 Months
East Carolina University | 05.2026 - Current
Assist university faculty with literacy research, graduate-level coursework, and teacher preparation initiatives.
Coordinated planning, development, and organization of instructional materials for graduate literacy courses, enhancing course delivery.
Conduct literature reviews and synthesize research related to reading, literacy, and elementary education.
Collaborate on curriculum development, instructional resources, and academic projects aligned with evidence-based literacy practices.
Provided administrative and instructional support for faculty through project coordination, document preparation, and effective communication with students.
Analyzed educational research and contributed to projects that improved literacy instruction and supported teacher development.
Utilize educational technology and digital tools to support teaching, learning, and research activities.
Maintain professionalism while working collaboratively with faculty, graduate students, and educational partners.
Beginning Teacher Mentor
11 Months
Wake County School System | 08.2025 - Current
Mentored beginning teachers by guiding instructional planning, classroom management, student assessment, and effective teaching practices to enhance their teaching efficacy.
Modeled evidence-based instructional strategies, observed classroom instruction, and provided constructive feedback to promote professional growth.
Assisted new teachers with curriculum implementation and lesson design, facilitating data-driven decision-making to elevate student learning outcomes.
Collaborated with school administrators and instructional staff to ensure beginning teachers received ongoing support and successfully transitioned into the profession.
Fostered professional relationships by encouraging reflection and continuous learning, boosting confidence in instructional practice among beginning teachers.
4th Grade ELA Teacher
11 Months
Wake County School System | 08.2025 - Current
Implement the EL Education English Language Arts curriculum to develop students' reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing, and critical thinking through collaborative, inquiry-based learning experiences.
Design and deliver rigorous, standards-aligned instruction in English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies for diverse learners using the North Carolina Standard Course of Study and district curriculum.
Differentiated instruction using formative and summative assessment data to meet academic and social-emotional needs of students, including multilingual learners and those requiring intervention.
Analyzed student performance data to create targeted intervention plans, track growth, and elevate student achievement.
Collaborated with grade-level teams, instructional coaches, specialists, and families to enhance student success and drive achievement.
Integrate educational technology and digital learning tools to enhance instruction, increase student engagement, and personalize learning experiences.
Participate in ongoing professional learning focused on literacy, evidence-based instructional practices, curriculum implementation, and continuous school improvement.
3rd Grade Teacher
3 Years 10 Months
Cumberland County Schools | 08.2021 - 06.2025
Planned and delivered engaging, standards-aligned instruction in all core subject areas while differentiating lessons to meet the diverse needs of elementary learners.
Monitored student progress using assessment data to provide targeted interventions that enhanced reading comprehension, writing, and critical thinking skills.
Fostered a positive classroom environment that promoted student engagement, collaboration, leadership, and academic success.
Collaborated with colleagues, administrators, and families to enhance student achievement and advance school initiatives.
Mentored students as Head Coach of Gallberry Step Team in leadership, teamwork, and discipline while planning practices, choreographing performances, and coordinating school and community events.
1st Grade Teacher
2 Years 10 Months
Harnett County Schools | 08.2018 - 06.2021
Planned and delivered engaging, standards-aligned instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies to support the academic growth of diverse learners.
Used student assessment data to differentiate instruction, monitor progress, and implement targeted interventions that supported individual student achievement.
Utilized student assessment data to tailor instruction, monitor progress, and implement targeted interventions, enhancing individual student achievement.
Developed a positive, inclusive classroom environment, fostering student engagement, independence, collaboration, and social-emotional growth.
Collaborated with grade-level teams, interventionists, specialists, and school leadership to develop instructional strategies that met the needs of all learners.
Integrated technology and hands-on learning experiences to enhance instruction and promote active student participation.
Integrated technology and hands-on learning experiences to enhance instruction and actively engage students in their learning.
Maintained accurate student records, analyzed performance data, and participated in professional learning to continuously improve instructional practices.
Supported school initiatives through active participation in committees, professional learning communities (PLCs), and school-wide events.
Pre-K Teacher
1 Year 10 Months
Freedom Christian Academy | 08.2016 - 06.2018
Planned and delivered engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction using the Abeka curriculum to build foundational skills in early literacy, mathematics, language development, handwriting, and kindergarten readiness.
Established structured, nurturing classroom environment fostering academic, social-emotional, and spiritual growth.
Created a structured, nurturing classroom environment that promoted academic, social-emotional, and spiritual growth.
Engaged families in discussions about student progress, encouraging reinforcement of learning at home and supporting overall development.
Coordinated with school staff to sustain positive learning environment and advance school-wide educational initiatives.
Education Coordinator & Teacher
1 Year 11 Months
Childcare Network | 08.2014 - 07.2016
Coordinated curriculum implementation and supported teachers in delivering instruction aligned with early learning standards, enhancing overall educational quality.
Planned and taught engaging lessons that promoted early literacy, language development, mathematics, social-emotional learning, and kindergarten readiness.
Monitored classroom quality and student progress, providing instructional guidance that improved curriculum effectiveness and teaching staff capabilities.
Established positive partnerships with families through regular communication on student progress, fostering collaboration that supported children's academic and developmental growth.
Maintained compliance with licensing regulations, health and safety standards, and program requirements while fostering a safe, engaging learning environment.
PreK Teacher
1 Year 9 Months
KinderCare Learning Centers | 08.2012 - 05.2014
Planned and implemented developmentally appropriate lessons that supported early literacy, language development, mathematics, social-emotional learning, and school readiness.
Fostered safe, nurturing classroom environment that encouraged curiosity, creativity, and independent learning, promoting overall student engagement.
Monitored student development through ongoing observations and assessments to individualize instruction and support each child's growth.
Established strong partnerships with families through regular communication of student progress and collaborative support for children's academic and developmental success.
Ensured compliance with licensing regulations and health standards while collaborating with colleagues to deliver high-quality early childhood education.
School Age Teacher
5 Years 3 Months
Breezewood Childcare Center | 02.2007 - 05.2012
Supervised and transported elementary students between school and after-school program, ensuring safety and a supportive environment.
Provided homework assistance, academic tutoring, and enrichment activities that reinforced classroom learning and promoted student success.
Fostered positive relationships with students, families, and staff while encouraging responsibility, teamwork, and positive behavior.
Supervised and transported elementary students safely between school and the after-school program while maintaining a structured and supportive environment.
Maintained attendance records, ensured student safety, and communicated with parents about student progress and daily activities.
Education
Master of Arts - Reading and Literacy
East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | 05-2027
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
East Carolina University | Greenville, NC | 07-2025
Teaching Children in Poverty Certification
GPA 4.0
Bachelor of Science - Education & Social Science, Professional Studies
Fayetteville State University | Fayetteville, NC | 05-2018
Associate of Science - School-Age Education
Fayetteville Technical Community College | Fayetteville, NC | 05-2017
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Fayetteville Technical Community College | Fayetteville, NC | 05-2016
Skills
Curriculum Development
Curriculum Design
Reading Intervention
Teacher Mentoring
Teacher Preparation
Educational Research
Assessment & Data Analysis
Evidence-Based Literacy Practices
Differentiated Instruction
Instructional Technology
Professional Development
Multilingual Learner Support
Classroom Management
Google Workspace
Canvas
Microsoft Office
Research & Presentations
Dixon, J. (2025, April). Unleashing Potential: Exploring Factors and Strategies to Enhance Student Motivation in the Classroom. Research & Creative Achievement Week, East Carolina University.
North Carolina General Assembly
Raleigh, North Carolina | 2026
Selected to represent East Carolina University's College of Education during Graduate Education Day at the North Carolina General Assembly.
Represented graduate scholarship alongside master's thesis students while engaging legislators, university leadership, and higher education stakeholders.
Overhills Elementary School Certificate for Exceeding Expected Growth in EVAAS
Certification
North Carolina Professional Educator's License (North Carolina Department of Public Instruction)
Continuing Professional License
Elementary Education (K–6)
Teaching Children in Poverty - June 2025
Timeline
Graduate Assistant
East Carolina University
05.2026 - CurrentRead More
Beginning Teacher Mentor
Wake County School System
08.2025 - CurrentRead More
4th Grade ELA Teacher
Wake County School System
08.2025 - CurrentRead More
3rd Grade Teacher
Cumberland County Schools
08.2021 - 06.2025Read More
1st Grade Teacher
Harnett County Schools
08.2018 - 06.2021Read More
Pre-K Teacher
Freedom Christian Academy
08.2016 - 06.2018Read More
Education Coordinator & Teacher
Childcare Network
08.2014 - 07.2016Read More
PreK Teacher
KinderCare Learning Centers
08.2012 - 05.2014Read More
School Age Teacher
Breezewood Childcare Center
02.2007 - 05.2012Read More
East Carolina University
Master of Arts from Reading and Literacy
Read More
East Carolina University
Master of Arts from Elementary Education
Read More
Fayetteville State University
Bachelor of Science from Education & Social Science, Professional Studies
Read More
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Associate of Science from School-Age Education
Read More
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Associate of Science from Early Childhood Education