Kandis Pugh-Alexander
Summary
Dedicated elementary educator and instructional leader with a passion for fostering critical thinking, creativity, and student achievement. Committed to continuous growth, collaborative leadership, and creating learning experiences that empower students while driving positive change within the school community.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
5th Grade Teacher
Dekalb Arts Academy
Avondale Estates, GA
08.2021 - Current
- Served as the school's designated Jennifer Serravallo Literacy Representative, redelivered best practices and instructional strategies to strengthen literacy instruction.
- Organized and coordinated DeKalb Arts Academy's inaugural 5th Grade Science Fair, providing students with opportunities to engage in scientific inquiry and research-based learning.
- Served as K–5 ELA Teacher Leader, facilitating professional learning, modeling instructional strategies, and supporting teachers in the implementation of Georgia ELA standards.
- Led professional development sessions focused on writing instruction, literacy strategies, and standards-based best practices for elementary educators.
- Implemented STEAM based activities in the classroom to support STEM certification and increased student engagement
- Created engaging lesson plans that encourage students to think critically
- Facilitated cross-curricular learning opportunities by integrating literacy, science, social studies, and the arts into classroom instruction.
- Collaborated with school stakeholders to create mental health support group called, “DESA Cares”
- K-5 ELA leader for professional development of staff
4th Grade ELA Teacher
Murphy Candler Elementary School
07.2017 - 05.2021
- Created differentiated student centered activities geared towards their interests based on the curriculum
- Created engaging lesson plans that encouraged students to think critically
- Practiced restorative practices and positive behavior management strategies that create a warm, safe, positive learning environment
- Conducted professional development sessions including MAP guidance, guided reading, and the components of a lesson
- Students achieved high growth during MAP testing
- Implemented a project given by the principal called “Test Talk”, which involves pushing strategically chosen students to be proficient on the Georgia Milestones Test
- 4th grade level chair for the 2019-2020 school year
- Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP Committee)
- Social Emotional Learning Committee
- Black History Committee president
- Accelerated Reader Committee
- Book Room Organization Committee
- Girls on the Run coach
Preschool Coordinator/ Lab Supervisor
Emory Autism Center
06.2013 - 07.2017
- Taught both children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children in an inclusion program
- Trained staff in applied behavioral methods to socially engage and prompt children for language development
- Provided intervention to feeding disorders, social skills, and language development
- Led staff meetings and organized staff schedule
- Implemented treatment plan goals regarding overall classroom behaviors and play based treatment sessions
- Collected data and monitored children’s progress throughout the classroom
- (Early Emory Childhood Center)
Student Teacher
Oakhurst Elementary School
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Created and implemented lessons that deepened student thinking in a first grade classroom
- Incorporated multiple intelligences (ie. music and movement) in lessons to engage students
- Differentiated lesson plans and included choice in assignments to target all students’ learning
- Included models and demonstrations to guide student learning in their zone of proximal development
- Practicum and Student Teaching
Education
Master of Art in Teaching -
Mercer University
12-2016
Specialist - Curriculum And Instruction
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN05-2018
Bachelors - Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Emory University
05-2014
Skills
- Strong communication skills with parents, teachers, and children
- Schoolwide Initiative Planning
- Literacy Leadership & Instruction
- Professional Development Facilitation
- Curriculum Design & Development
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Differentiated & Small Group Instruction
- STEAM & Arts Integration
- Project-Based Learning, Higher Order Thinking, and Inquiry Based Learning
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Activities
- Educational Technology Integration
- Teacher Mentoring & Collaboration
- Classroom & Behavior Management
- Assessment & Progress Monitoring
- Standards-Based Instruction
Certification
- First aid and CPR Certified
- GACE: Passed on a professional level for Early Childhood Test 1 and Early Childhood Test 2
- Certifications acquired at Emory Autism Center: Prevention of problem behaviors, Incidental teaching in an inclusive setting, Positive prompting and redirection, Language development, One-on-one sessions in the classroom, and Promoting social skills.
Timeline
5th Grade Teacher
Dekalb Arts Academy
08.2021 - Current
4th Grade ELA Teacher
Murphy Candler Elementary School
07.2017 - 05.2021
Student Teacher
Oakhurst Elementary School
01.2016 - 12.2016
Preschool Coordinator/ Lab Supervisor
Emory Autism Center
06.2013 - 07.2017
Bachelors - Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology
Emory University
Master of Art in Teaching -
Mercer University
Specialist - Curriculum And Instruction
Walden University
Awards
- Teacher of the Month for April of the 2018-2019 school year
- Acknowledged as model classroom during focus walk
- Certificate from Dekalb County District for Highest ELA MAP Score Gains 2023-2024
- Teacher of the Year 2019-2020 School Year