Lana Clifton
Woodstock
Summary
Dedicated Georgia-certified K-2 Educator with a diverse background in both virtual and traditional classroom settings. Recognized for a strong foundation in early literacy and a commitment to data-driven student growth. Currently seeking to transition from virtual education back to a brick-and-mortar environment within the Cobb County School District. Motivated to contribute to CCSD's reputation for academic excellence while pursuing a Master's degree through the Georgia's BEST program to further enhance instructional leadership and classroom impact.
Overview
210
210
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher, 1st Grade Gifted
Georgia Cyber Academy
01.2024 - 01.2222
- As a Departmentalized Virtual Gifted Teacher specializing in ELA and Social Studies, I design and implement accelerated, student-led instruction for high-achieving first graders. I manage a rigorous academic environment through a blend of large-group synchronous sessions and targeted small-group instruction, focusing on inquiry based learning and academic acceleration. My role includes maintaining full GIEP compliance, analyzing student data for gifted eligibility, and partnering with Learning Coaches to ensure high-engagement and measurable growth in a virtual setting.
Educational Sales Consultant, Remote
Varsity Tutors, A Nerdy Company
06.2022 - 10.2023
- Consulted with families to engineer personalized learning plans for K-12 students. Leveraged educational expertise to assess students' academic needs and prescribe targeted tutoring solutions. Consistently averaged >90% of Key Performance Indicators and maintained 20% Terminal Sales Conversion Rate.
Teacher, 1st Grade Gifted/ESOL
Corley Elementary, GCPS
07.2019 - 03.2022
- Differentiated instruction for 1st grade Gifted (2019-21) and ESOL (2021-2022) students using standards based curricula. Let the successful transition of young learners from brick-and-mortar to virtual platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Managed all compliance for Gifted/ESOL eligibility, utilized data-driven interventions to close achievement gaps, and maintained high engagement through digital integration and parent collaboration.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher, 1st Grade
Corley Elementary, GCPS
01.2019 - 04.2019
- Assumed full-time instructional and classroom management responsibilities for a 1st grade classroom. Developed and executed daily lesson plans in alignment with Gwinnett County AKS standards, covering all core subject areas. Conducted student assessments, maintained accurate progress reports, and participated in grade-level meetings to ensure curricular continuity. Managed parent-teacher communications and effectively implemented classroom behavior systems to maintain a positive learning environment.
Teacher, 2nd Grade
Montclair Elementary, DCSD
07.2016 - 12.2018
- As a 2nd Grade Teacher and K-5 Mathematics Chair, I delivered differentiated, standards-based instruction in all core subjects, utilizing small group rotations and data driven interventions to ensure student mastery. I let the K-5 math department in vertical standards alignment and served on the Curriculum Implementation Committee to pilot and launch new instructional frameworks. By analyzing school-wide assessment data and facilitating professional learning, I mentored staff in best practices while consistently meeting and exceeding student growth targets in my own classroom.
Teacher, First Grade Gifted
Chesnut Elementary, DCSD
07.2015 - 07.2016
- Gifted Instruction: Designed and implemented accelerated lesson plans for first-grade gifted learners, focusing on inquiry-based learning and higher-order thinking skills. STEM Afterschool Facilitator: created hands-on engineering and science challenges for K-2 learners that extended classroom learning into real world. Robotics Team Co-Chair: Provided leadership and strategic oversight for the school's afterschool robotics program; managed team logistics, coordinated student participation for training and competitions.
Teacher, Kindergarten and 1st Grade Gifted
Oakcliff Traditional Theme School, DCSD
10.2013 - 07.2015
- In this role, I provided instructional continuity by looping with my Kindergarten cohort to First Grade, delivering high-rigor, differentiated curriculum tailored to gifted and advanced learners in a Title 1 environment. Beyond the classroom, I served as a Co-Chair of the STEM Steering Committee, where I collaborated with school leadership to develop and implement strategic plans for STEM integration and certification. I also served as the Junior LEGO League Coach for grades K-2 introducing students to foundational engineering concepts. Through these leadership positions, I successfully balanced rigorous classroom instruction with the administrative demands of school-wide STEM initiatives.
Assistant Pre-K Teacher
Smoke Rise Elementary, DCSD
08.2012 - 09.2013
- Served as Assistant Teacher for a Pre-K classroom while concurrently completing Georgia State University's teacher certification program. Responsible for implementing GELDS- aligning curriculum and managing daily classroom operations to ensure Kindergarten readiness.
Education
Bachelor's - Early Childhood Education
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia 08.2013
Skills
- ESOL Certified
- Gifted Endorsed
- Technology Integration
- Science of Reading
- Balanced Literacy Framework
- Georgia Standards of Excellence
Timeline
Teacher, 1st Grade Gifted
Georgia Cyber Academy
01.2024 - 01.2222
Educational Sales Consultant, Remote
Varsity Tutors, A Nerdy Company
06.2022 - 10.2023
Teacher, 1st Grade Gifted/ESOL
Corley Elementary, GCPS
07.2019 - 03.2022
Long-Term Substitute Teacher, 1st Grade
Corley Elementary, GCPS
01.2019 - 04.2019
Teacher, 2nd Grade
Montclair Elementary, DCSD
07.2016 - 12.2018
Teacher, First Grade Gifted
Chesnut Elementary, DCSD
07.2015 - 07.2016
Teacher, Kindergarten and 1st Grade Gifted
Oakcliff Traditional Theme School, DCSD
10.2013 - 07.2015
Assistant Pre-K Teacher
Smoke Rise Elementary, DCSD
08.2012 - 09.2013
Bachelor's - Early Childhood Education
Georgia State University