Kathryn Belanger Barber
Virginia Beach,VA
Summary
Seasoned Educator and Trainer with over 20 years of teaching and classroom management experience providing engaging learning environments and core-curricular teaching for children and adults looking to use established leadership skills as a corporate trainer or academic instructor. Extensive experience in all aspects of providing training and meeting educational standards including reaching district, state, and national performance goals and objectives and employing multimedia and instructional technology. Continually exceeds expectations by building valuable relationships and works well with people at all levels of an organization including administrators, colleagues, parents, students, and the community. Results-oriented achiever with proven ability to exceed targets and drive success in fast-paced environments. Combines strategic thinking with hands-on experience to deliver impactful solutions and enhance organizational performance.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher Middle School English/Reading Specialist
Virginia Beach Public School
09.2022 - 06.2024
- Teaching 6th grade/8th grade SOL curriculum 2022/2023
- Reading Specialist- 6th- 8th grade (students who read below 2nd grade, providing targeted reading and phonetic instruction)
- Overseeing academic progress and attendance for students while communicating high expectations and support
- Showing active interest in student's achievement as well as preparing students for high stakes standardized tests
- Supporting and planning course objectives, preparing learning plans, and using data to determine student needs
- Applying understanding of how diverse and unique characteristics of students and families impact required support
- Augmenting course content according to prescribed policies and procedures using appropriate tools and methods
- Collaborating with others regarding instruction, resources, interventions, and data related to student's needs
- Establishing and maintaining positive rapport with families and regularly communicating with students and parents
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had equal opportunity for success.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering supportive learning environment.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into curriculum.
Teacher 5th Grade All Subjects
Nansemond Parkway Elementary
09.2018 - 06.2022
- Teaching 5th grade SOL curriculum for socioeconomic and educationally disadvantaged students at a Title 1 school
- Overseeing academic progress and attendance for students while communicating high expectations and support
- Showing active interest in student's achievement as well as preparing students for high stakes standardized tests
- Supporting and planning course objectives, preparing learning plans, and using data to determine student needs
- Applying an understanding of how diverse and unique characteristics of students and families impact required support
- Augmenting course content according to prescribed policies and procedures using appropriate tools and methods
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Collaborating with others regarding instruction, resources, interventions, and data related to student's needs
- Establishing and maintaining positive rapport with families and regularly communicating with students and parents
- Working collaboratively with other teachers to ensure that all students are successfully progressing through the program
Teacher 3rd and 4th Grade Math, Science, and Social Studies
Park Place School
10.2017 - 06.2018
- Enhanced classroom engagement through use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had equal opportunity for success.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering supportive learning environment.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Branch Manager
Colgate School of Sailing
06.2017 - 09.2017
- Collaborated with senior leadership on strategic planning initiatives to align branch objectives with corporate goals.
- Interviewed and hired talented individuals with top-level strengths, improving organizational talent, and skill set.
- Met deadlines by proactively managing individual and team tasks and streamlining processes.
- Enhanced branch production rates by handling staff conflicts, evaluations, hiring, and termination processes and coaching employees on company protocol and payroll operations.
- Enhanced staff competency with regular training sessions, boosting productivity levels across branch operations.
Lead Sailing Instructor
Norfolk Naval Sailing Center
02.2015 - 06.2017
- Instructed students in Basic Keelboat, Intermediate Keelboat, Basic Cruising, Bare Boat Cruising, and Coastal Navigation
- Taught Passage-making Cruising, Sailing Safely, and Weather Seminars as a certified US Sailing STEM Educator
- Managed curricula, instructor team, marketing materials, and vessel maintenance/repairs including parts procurement
- Assisted other sailing instructors in daily activities including safety, rigging, and assisting sailors on site
- Served as appropriate role model for students by encouraging the highest levels of sportsmanship and behavior
- Generated enthusiasm and commitment to learning while maintaining a commitment to program objectives
- Assisted in boat maintenance and repair and stressed the importance of equipment maintenance and general seamanship
- Encouraged others in daily set up/clean up, attending to sailors, reporting to supervisors, and following directions
- Reported any minor or serious accidents/illness to the Senior Lead Sailing Instructor and parents/guardians
- Maintained full safety and boating credentials.
- Implemented innovative teaching techniques, resulting in heightened student engagement and satisfaction levels.
Administrative Assistant and Instructor
Hampton Roads Maritime Training Programs
06.2014 - 11.2015
- Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
- Managed phone and email correspondence and handled incoming and outgoing mail and faxes.
- Interacted with vendors, contractors and professional services personnel to receive orders, direct activities, and communicate instructions.
- Optimized calendar management for executives by scheduling appointments strategically while considering priorities and minimizing conflicts.
- Taught US Coast Guard Approved Captains classes
Reading Specialist/English Teacher
Williamsburg James City County Schools
09.2005 - 06.2013
- Ran and taught multiple sections of English or Reading courses to grades 7 and 8
- Created lesson plans as well as mentored and trained new student teachers in teaching and classroom management
- Developed and implemented interesting, interactive learning to increase student understanding of course materials
- Analyzed student progress and provided appropriate instruction while implementing classroom management plan
- Administered and taught appropriate English and reading curricula that was aligned with school and departmental goals
- Ensured opportunity for all students to learn by creating positive, orderly, and academic learning environment
- Developed and implemented effective lesson plans while working professionally with administrators and parents
- Ensured assessment standards and guidelines were followed while implementing innovative learning strategies
- Developed positive classroom climate that promoted positive learning for students to gain understanding of English
Reading Specialist
Hampton City Public Schools
09.2005 - 08.2008
- Taught 4th grade reading classes including a Title I class and a gifted class in which majority of students had GIEPs
- Analyzed a variety of data including PSSA and 4Sight scores in order to plan instruction to meet students' needs
- Adapted instruction to meet the Common Core Standards and used the Promethean board and the Study Island program
- Administered and taught appropriate English curriculum that was aligned with school and departmental goals
- Taught novels, short stories, and informational texts to reinforce reading skills and self-monitoring of comprehension
- Delivered student testing, grading, coaching, parent/guardian interface, and special events or field trip planning
- Attended faculty or staff meetings, strategy sessions, in-service training, and professional development courses
Special Education Teacher
Newport News Schools
08.1999 - 08.2005
- Partnered with standard education teachers from across academic departments.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Evaluated student progress regularly using various assessment methods, ensuring accurate measurement of skill development and areas requiring additional support.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
Education
Master of Education - Reading, Language, and Literacy
College of William And Mary
Williamsburg, VA01.2005
Bachelor of Science - Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond,VA01.1986
Skills
- Parent Involvement
- Leadership Qualities
- Best Practices
- Community Relations
- Social Development
- Emotional Development
- Intellectual Development
- Learning Styles
- State Academic Outcomes
- Federal Academic Outcomes
- Learning Strategies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Word
- Excel
- Outlook
- PowerPoint
Traininglicensescertifications
- Reading Specialist – Collegiate Professional Certifications
- Elementary Education K-6 – Collegiate Professional Certifications
- English 6-12 – Collegiate Professional Certifications
- Special Education-General Curriculum – Collegiate Professional Certifications
- Differentiated Classroom: Planning for Learning and Instructional Strategies NESI Title I Workshop – 06/2018
- Google Basics Certification – CEU Credits
- Google Intermediate Certification – CEU Credits
- STEM Toolkit for Elementary – CEU Credits
- American Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and AED
- Currently enrolled with Learning Design Classes
Timeline
Teacher Middle School English/Reading Specialist
Virginia Beach Public School
09.2022 - 06.2024
Teacher 5th Grade All Subjects
Nansemond Parkway Elementary
09.2018 - 06.2022
Teacher 3rd and 4th Grade Math, Science, and Social Studies
Park Place School
10.2017 - 06.2018
Branch Manager
Colgate School of Sailing
06.2017 - 09.2017
Lead Sailing Instructor
Norfolk Naval Sailing Center
02.2015 - 06.2017
Administrative Assistant and Instructor
Hampton Roads Maritime Training Programs
06.2014 - 11.2015
Reading Specialist/English Teacher
Williamsburg James City County Schools
09.2005 - 06.2013
Reading Specialist
Hampton City Public Schools
09.2005 - 08.2008
Special Education Teacher
Newport News Schools
08.1999 - 08.2005
Master of Education - Reading, Language, and Literacy
College of William And Mary
Bachelor of Science - Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
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