Laila Sermon
Brandywine,MD
Summary
Dynamic and passionate music educator skilled in creative lesson planning and student mentorship. Proven ability to enhance engagement through interactive classes and collaborative learning. Committed to fostering a love for music while effectively communicating with students and parents to support their growth and development.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
2
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Inspired Teaching Demonstration School
Washington, DC
09.2025 - Current
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
Instructor
Icook After School
Washington, DC
09.2025 - Current
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and instruct and motivate students.
- Optimized learning plans based on student performance and feedback.
- Developed and clearly presented classroom rules, guidelines and objectives.
- Increased student participation via engaging lectures and assignments.
Office Assistant
Richardson School of Music
Takoma Park, MD
09.2025 - Current
- Prepared and edited documents to produce precise, accurate and professional communication.
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
- Purchased and maintained office supplies.
- Monitored and tracked budgets and expenses.
- Coordinated and scheduled meetings and appointments.
- Informed and supported business leaders through consistent communication and administrative support duties.
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails, and letters, to appropriate staff.
- Fostered operational efficiency and compliance with company policies through effective coordination of office activities.
First Music Teacher
Levine School of Music
Washington, DC
09.2025 - Current
- Organized musical equipment thoughtfully to develop classroom routines, managing materials efficiently with minimal lost activity time.
- Instructed individuals and groups in vocal and dance movements to foster music appreciation and comprehension.
- Led instrumental students in playing simple ensemble songs.
- Developed daily lesson plans to generate interest in vocals, movements and use of classroom instruments.
- Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
- Taught students to identify different instruments from instrument's sound and shape.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
Servant Leader Intern
Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools
Suitland, Maryland
06.2025 - 08.2025
- Facilitated engaging reading sessions to promote literacy and foster a love for learning.
- Organized and led enrichment activities to enhance student engagement and participation.
- Mentored students by providing guidance and encouraging personal growth in a supportive environment.
- Supported curriculum development by collaborating with educators and community partners.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms to gather insights from students and improve programming quality.
Front Desk
Joyland Indoor Playground
Brandywine, MD
05.2025 - 07.2025
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked successfully with diverse group of coworkers to accomplish goals and address issues related to our products and services.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Identified needs of customers promptly and efficiently.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
Teaching Assistant
Kingdom Flute Works Summer Camp
Baltimore, Maryland
06.2025 - 06.2025
- Perform in master classes with professional flutists
- Plan and perform in the culminating showcase.
- Assisted instructors in delivering engaging flute lessons to young campers.
- Organized daily activities and schedules for music practice sessions and group rehearsals.
- Led small group workshops to enhance campers' flute playing skills.
Flute Tutoring
Self-Employed
Brandywine, MD
01.2021 - 12.2024
- Designed lesson plans tailored to individual student needs and skill levels.
- Instructed students on flute techniques, music theory, and performance practices.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments and feedback sessions.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss student development and progress reports.
- Developed engaging exercises to enhance students' musical abilities and confidence.
- Maintained a positive learning environment that encouraged creativity and expression.
Marketing Intern
Dupont Brass
Washington, DC
06.2024 - 10.2024
- Assisted in developing marketing materials for product promotions.
- Conducted market research to identify customer preferences and trends.
- Created engaging content for social media platforms to enhance brand visibility.
- Collaborated with team members on campaign strategies and execution plans.
- Supported event planning efforts for product launches and promotional activities.
Flute Instructor
Richardson School of Music
Takoma Park, MD
09.2025 - Current
- Educated students aged 5 to 18 in reading music and playing flute.
- Instructed students from beginner to advanced levels of flute-playing.
- Marketed instruction services on social media platforms and local resources to increase enrollment.
- Supported students with learning challenges.
- Taught diverse musical styles based on students' interests and goals.
- Encouraged students to set and achieve personal goals for instrument mastery.
- Developed rapport with parents of young students to increase family support for lessons.
- Worked individually with each student during scheduled lessons, focusing on student-specific needs and goals.
- Communicated with parents to maintain regular communication about student progress and any concerns.
Instructor
Tunes 4 Tots
Washington , DC
05.2024 - 08.2024
- Developed engaging music lesson plans for early childhood education.
- Facilitated interactive classes to enhance children's musical skills and creativity.
- Coordinated group activities to promote teamwork and social interaction among students.
- Utilized various musical instruments to introduce children to sound and rhythm concepts.
- Mentored new instructors on effective teaching techniques and classroom management strategies.
Hostess
Piano Keys Restaurant and Lounge
Brandywine, MD
05.2023 - 01.2024
- Greeted and welcomed guests upon arrival at Piano Keys Restaurant and Lounge.
- Managed reservations and organized seating arrangements for optimal flow.
- Provided menus and informed guests of daily specials and promotions.
- Coordinated with waitstaff to ensure timely service for all patrons.
- Handled guest inquiries and resolved seating conflicts efficiently.
- Maintained a clean and inviting entrance area for guests' comfort.
- Collaborated with management to enhance the overall guest experience at the venue.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Music Education
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
Tallahassee, FL 08.2023 - Current
High School Diploma -
Suitland High School
Suitland, MD05.2023
Skills
- Musical Performance
- Music Education
- Verbal and written communication
- Reporting and documentation
- Collaborative learning
- Creative lesson planning
- Classroom instruction
- Subject matter expertise
- Student mentorship
- Problem Solving
Awards
- AP Scholar Recognition, 05/01/23
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Psi Nu Chapter Talent Hunt, 1st Prize, 2023
- New Bern Alumnae Chapter DST Miss Jabberwock, 04/01/23-Present
- National Honors Society Inductee, 10/01/23
Conferences Relevant Experience
- Florida Music Education Association Conference, 01/01/24, 01/01/25
- Florida National Association for Music Education Fall Conference, 10/01/24
- Midwest Clinic: International Band and Orchestra Conference, 12/01/24
-Listening Within the Circle, Dr. Shelby Chipman
- Florida Music Education Association Collegiate Advocacy Day at the Capitol, 03/01/25
- Student Florida Education Association “Tallahassee Day of Learning” Conference, 04/01/25
Performance And Volunteer Experiences
- ANG Music Services, 2019-2023
- Umoja Flute Institute Conference and Composition Project, 05/01/21
- Coalition for African American Performing Artists “Melody of Art” Kickoff Event, 09/01/21
- Black Georgetown Cemeteries Project, 11/01/21
- Coalition for African American Performing Artists Summer Arts Camp Counselor, 07/01/20-08/01/22
- Southern Maryland Youth Orchestra, 2021
- Towson University Honor Band, 2021
- Volunteer Director’s Assistant, Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, 2020
- Dacumba Music Studios, 2018-2023
- Tallahassee Sista’s Combined Flute Choir, Spring 2025
- Kingdom Flute Works Summer Camp, 2021-2025
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Inspired Teaching Demonstration School
09.2025 - Current
Instructor
Icook After School
09.2025 - Current
Office Assistant
Richardson School of Music
09.2025 - Current
First Music Teacher
Levine School of Music
09.2025 - Current
Flute Instructor
Richardson School of Music
09.2025 - Current
Servant Leader Intern
Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools
06.2025 - 08.2025
Teaching Assistant
Kingdom Flute Works Summer Camp
06.2025 - 06.2025
Front Desk
Joyland Indoor Playground
05.2025 - 07.2025
Marketing Intern
Dupont Brass
06.2024 - 10.2024
Instructor
Tunes 4 Tots
05.2024 - 08.2024
Bachelor of Science - Music Education
Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University
08.2023 - Current
Hostess
Piano Keys Restaurant and Lounge
05.2023 - 01.2024
Flute Tutoring
Self-Employed
01.2021 - 12.2024
High School Diploma -
Suitland High School
Similar Profiles
Kaylen BrooksKaylen Brooks
Assistant Teacher at Inspired Teaching Demonstration SchoolAssistant Teacher at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School
Remy MallettRemy Mallett
Lead Teacher, First Grade at Inspired Teaching Demonstration SchoolLead Teacher, First Grade at Inspired Teaching Demonstration School
Rebecca DeSalvoRebecca DeSalvo
Middle School Team Leader at Baker Demonstration SchoolMiddle School Team Leader at Baker Demonstration School
DEVIN EDWARDSDEVIN EDWARDS
Executive Team Leader, Human Resources at TargetExecutive Team Leader, Human Resources at Target
SHANDI MITCHELLSHANDI MITCHELL
Intern at Chopz SalonIntern at Chopz Salon