Kelly Richards
Timberlake,North Carolina
Summary
Dedicated middle school educator with 25 years of experience at a single institution, specializing in Social Studies and Science for grades 6–8. Expertise in fostering a dynamic, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that promotes academic success, critical thinking, and holistic student growth. Proficient in adapting curriculum to meet diverse learning needs, integrating technology to enhance educational experiences, and collaborating effectively with colleagues to drive improved outcomes. Committed to empowering students to reach their full potential through innovative teaching strategies and a focus on lifelong learning.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
7th Grade Social Studies And Science Teacher
Person County Schools
07.2000 - Current
- Taught Social Studies and Science in a high-needs, Title I school, providing rigorous, standards-based instruction to a diverse population of students.
- Established a rigorous, student-centered classroom using AVID DigitalXP strategies, including focused note-taking, Socratic seminars, collaborative group work, and digital organization tools.
- Developed and implemented standards-aligned lesson plans, assessments, and projects.
- Led cross-curricular initiatives to promote literacy, inquiry-based learning, and STEM education.
- Integrated digital tools and platforms (e.g., Google Classroom, Kami, Gimkit, virtual science labs, and digital escape rooms) to enhance student engagement and differentiate instruction.
- Collaborated with colleagues, administrators, and families to support students' academic and social-emotional development.
- Mentored new teachers and contributed to school-wide professional development initiatives.
- Served on school committees, such as curriculum planning, school improvement, and hospitality.
- Designed and facilitated hands-on science lab activities to support inquiry-based learning and reinforce key scientific concepts.
- Led students in conducting experiments, collecting data, and forming evidence-based conclusions aligned with state science standards.
- Emphasized the scientific method, safety procedures, and lab report writing to prepare students for higher-level science coursework.
- Middle School Teacher (Grades 6–8)
- Northern Middle School, Roxboro, NC
- 2000-present
Education
Bachelor Of Arts - Secondary Social Studies Education
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania
Bachelor Of Arts - Sociology
University Of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PASkills
- Lesson planning and curriculum development
- Standards alignment and assessment
- Digital tool implementation
- Inquiry-based learning and science experimentation
- Effective communication and online instruction
- Multicultural awareness and engagement
- Parent and student communication
- Curriculum development
- Multimedia integration
- Google classroom
- Lab management
- Technologies integration
Accomplishments
- Bright Ideas Grant Recipient – 2024
- Secured competitive funding to purchase classroom microscopes, expanding hands-on science instruction and fostering inquiry-based lab activities.
- Teacher of the Year – 2020–2021
- Honored for outstanding teaching performance, leadership excellence, and commitment to student achievement and school community engagement.
- Sonic Teacher Grant Recipient – 2019
- Obtained grant funding through Sonic's Limeades for Learning program to enhance classroom resources and improve student learning outcomes.
Certification
- North Carolina Professional Educator's License
- Middle Grades Social Studies (Grades 6–8)
Training
- AVID DigitalXP – Digital Badges in Instructional Practices and Rigorous Classrooms
- Middle School Education Conferences – Attended sessions on curriculum, engagement, and adolescent development
- Social Studies Conference – Focus on content updates, inquiry-based learning, and civic literacy
- Holocaust Conferences – Deepened historical understanding and instructional strategies for teaching sensitive content
- Digital Literacy Conferences – Explored tools and strategies for tech integration and digital citizenship
- Google Training & Certification – Proficient in Google Workspace: Classroom, Docs, Drive, Gmail, Slides
- Remote Learning Workshops – Effective use of Google Classroom and digital tech tools for online and hybrid learning
- Learning Focused Strategies – Trained in planning and delivery of rigorous, research-based instruction
- Journeys Program – Effectively deliver literacy instruction and differentiated support (Year)
- Capturing Kids' Hearts – Social-emotional learning strategies to build safe, respectful classroom
- North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching (NCCAT) - help teachers grow in knowledge, skills, compassion, and professionalism, so that students become engaged, self-motivated, and successful
Activities
Team Leader, Hospitality Committee, PTSO Committee, Teacher Advisory Council (TAC), National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Advisor, Principal's Advisory Council (PAC), Calendar Committee, Positive Behavior Support (PBIS) Team, School Improvement Team (SIP)
Timeline
7th Grade Social Studies And Science Teacher
Person County Schools
07.2000 - Current
Bachelor Of Arts - Sociology
University Of Pittsburgh
Bachelor Of Arts - Secondary Social Studies Education
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania
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