Kelley Barnes
Apollo Beach
Summary
Experienced English and Social Studies Instructor with 5 years of hands-on teaching experience, passionate about creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment. Adept at using a variety of instructional techniques to help students build a strong foundation in essential skills, while also exploring advanced concepts. Skilled in promoting critical thinking, fostering deeper understanding, and supporting student growth through personalized learning plans. Knowledgeable in standardized assessments, and effective at leveraging data to inform instruction and improve outcomes.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Upper School English Instructor
ACADEMY PREP CENTER OF ST. PETERSBURG
07.2024 - Current
- Curriculum Development & Instructional Strategy: Develops and implements dynamic, standards-aligned curriculum for 7th and 8th grade English and Social Studies, incorporating innovative instructional strategies to meet diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Interactive Novel Reading & Critical Thinking Facilitation: Leads interactive novel reading activities, fostering critical thinking, discussion, and analytical skills by guiding students through rich, thought-provoking literature in both whole-class and small-group settings.
- Multimedia Lesson Creation & Student Engagement Integrates Canva and Nearpod to create visually engaging and interactive lesson materials, enhancing student engagement and reinforcing key concepts in a variety of multimedia formats.
- Digital Learning Environment Management: Utilizes Google Classroom to streamline assignments, communication, and grading, providing students with clear, organized resources and fostering a collaborative digital learning environment.
- Data-Driven Instruction & Student Progress Monitoring: Monitor and evaluate student progress through formative and summative assessments, using data to adjust instructional strategies and provide personalized feedback for continuous improvement.
ELA Instructor
STATESMEN PREPARATORY ACADEMY
06.2020 - 05.2021
- Standards-Aligned Instruction: Developed and delivered rigorous, standards-based lessons in line with educational frameworks to ensure that all students achieve academic success. Focused on maintaining a balance between content mastery and engaging learning experiences.
- Differentiation & Inclusivity: Adept at differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners, including students with disabilities, English Language Learners (ELL), those with academic challenges, and advanced learners. Implemented varied instructional strategies, accommodations, and modifications to create a learning environment where every student can succeed.
- Lavinia Literacy Curriculum Implementation: Applied the Lavinia Literacy curriculum to design targeted literacy lessons that promote reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Emphasized critical thinking, comprehension strategies, and student-centered learning to support diverse literacy development.
- Relationship Building with Students and Parents: focused on fostering positive and supportive relationships with students and parents through regular communication, progress updates, and personalized engagement. Developed trust and rapport, ensuring that students felt supported both academically and emotionally.
- Innovative Virtual Learning Environment: created a dynamic and interactive virtual classroom environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, using a variety of digital tools and platforms to engage students and enhance the learning experience. Ensured continuity of education while fostering a sense of community and belonging in a virtual setting.
- Interactive and Engaging Virtual Assignments: developed engaging assignments and activities using platforms such as Nearpod, Kahoot, Google Classroom, and Google Slides. Leveraged interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and collaborative activities to keep students engaged and motivated in the virtual classroom.
- Technology Integration for Enhanced Learning: Implemented tech tools and applications to enhance student interaction, assessment, and collaboration. Focused on creating meaningful, tech-enhanced learning experiences that supported critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
High School/Middle School Teacher - Criminal Law, Journalism, Social Studies and Literature Arts
RIVERDALE BAPTIST SCHOOL
09.2018 - 06.2020
- Provide individual and small group instruction to tailor the curriculum to the needs of pupils with varying intellectual abilities, attitudes and cultural backgrounds.
- Planned and conducted activities for a balanced and dynamic program of instruction through demonstration, and practical application to provide students with the opportunity to observe, question and investigate new concepts and materials.
- Advanced the early use of iPads, computers and other equipment and materials to supplement presentations, and appeal to the unique learning methods of today's generation, thus, increasing student retention.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice, Political Science
UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD
Hartford, CT01.2016
High School Diploma -
RIVERDALE KINGSBRIDGE ACADEMY
The Bronx, NY06-2012
Skills
- Polished oral and written communication skills
- Curriculum development
- Testing and grading
- Individualized instruction
- Instructional planning
- Digital literacy skills
- Group instruction
- Natural ability to effectively communicate with leadership
- Students and parents
Timeline
Upper School English Instructor
ACADEMY PREP CENTER OF ST. PETERSBURG
07.2024 - Current
ELA Instructor
STATESMEN PREPARATORY ACADEMY
06.2020 - 05.2021
High School/Middle School Teacher - Criminal Law, Journalism, Social Studies and Literature Arts
RIVERDALE BAPTIST SCHOOL
09.2018 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice, Political Science
UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD
High School Diploma -
RIVERDALE KINGSBRIDGE ACADEMY