KAREN SIMMONS
Chesapeake,VA
Summary
Licensed and dedicated educator with over 10 years of experience in advising and counseling students. Demonstrated expertise in fostering strong, productive relationships with students and colleagues. Adept at communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing, and skilled in organization and multitasking. Proven track record of helping students achieve their educational goals and enhance their social skills. Experienced in meeting and exceeding the objectives of school counseling programs. Eager to contribute to a new school community and support its mission of student success.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Counselor
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
- Delivering supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
- Advising students on educational, career and social opportunities.
- Helping students develop organizational, time management and study skills.
- Promoting positive behavior among students by implementing school-wide behavior management strategies.
- Assisting with the development of school policies that foster a safe, inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Facilitating student academic growth by identifying learning barriers and developing appropriate interventions.
- Serving as 504 Coordinator for caseload of students.
Tutor Educator
Ignite Reading
08.2023 - 08.2024
- One-on-one virtual foundational reading skills tutoring utilizing the Science of Reading.
- Maintained detailed records of student progress, using data to inform future instruction and target areas for improvement.
- Designing instructional plans for differentiated learning.
- Motivated students towards learning to build self-confidence and reduce fear of failure.
Lead Preschool Teacher
Messiah Preschool
09.2022 - 06.2024
- Planned and implemented a theme-based preschool curriculum
- Managed and supervised classroom of 12 students
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication regarding their child's progress, fostering increased parental involvement in the educational process.
- Incorporated play-based learning opportunities into daily routines, allowing students to explore new concepts while developing critical thinking skills through hands-on experiences.
- Supported the social-emotional development of students by implementing lessons on empathy, communication skills, and conflict resolution.
School Counselor
Chesapeake Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2017
- Met individually and in small groups with students to discuss courses, scheduling, grades, behavior, college applications, scholarships, graduation, and personal social concerns.
- Tracked graduation requirements and maintained records for caseload of over 400 students.
- Collaborated with teachers and administrators to address the social, emotional, and academic needs of all students.
- Provided crisis intervention in response to emergencies, employing existing trust, and rapport to deescalate situations.
- Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
- Implemented data-driven strategies to identify areas of need within the school population, leading to targeted interventions and support services.
- Partnered with parents and guardians to promote student success in school environment.
- Used data to monitor students' progress and recommend solutions for improvement.
- Contributed to school counseling department through numerous collateral duties throughout tenure to include: PSAT and AP Testing Coordinator, 504 Coordinator, and Truancy Coordinator.
Education
Masters - Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA01.2006
Bachelors - Psychology
Virginia Wesleyan University
Virginia Beach, VA01.2003
Skills
- Individual Counseling
- Mediation and Crisis Intervention
- Student Advocacy
- Academic Support
- Cultural Competency
- Career Planning
- Student Records Management
Timeline
Middle School Counselor
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
Tutor Educator
Ignite Reading
08.2023 - 08.2024
Lead Preschool Teacher
Messiah Preschool
09.2022 - 06.2024
School Counselor
Chesapeake Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2017
Masters - Education
Old Dominion University
Bachelors - Psychology
Virginia Wesleyan University
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