LaTonya Sims
Suwanee
Summary
Dedicated Educator with over 20 years of experience and a Master of Education in Reading, Language, and Literacy from Georgia State University. Specialized in ELA, ESOL, and Special Education, with a proven track record of fostering student initiatives through data-driven, innovative teaching strategies. Passionate about instructional coaching, curriculum development for gifted programs, and implementing multi-tiered support systems to improve student outcomes.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ESOL Adjunct Instructor
Gwinnett Technical College
- My main role was to teach TOEFL preparation courses for those students hoping to enter college or professional careers in the United States.
- I also taught Pronunciation and Advanced Grammar Courses to the young adults.
- Organized reading clubs and book discussions to encourage reading books in English and communication skills.
- Wrote many letters of recommendations for student career advancement and college entrance.
- Conducted seminars on connecting schools, people and community to encourage volunteerism among parents and bilingual students.
Substitute Teacher
Georgia Pre-K
- Worked with preschoolers and special needs students to assist them in the absence of their teachers.
- Assisted students with center learning.
- Assisted special needs students in classroom participation when necessary.
- Carried out the responsibilities of the teacher in her absence.
English/Language Arts Teacher
Richardson Independent School District
- Taught 8th and 9th grade English.
- I also taught gifted Speech and Acting courses.
- Student taught 11th grade English.
- Worked with at-risk kids by forming a school club to encourage kids to get involved in the schools and communities.
- Took a group of kids to camp at TCU, where they were able to live on campus and gain leadership skills.
- Managed all after school programs held in the school gym, which included, volleyball, basketball, after school dances, hiring security, selling tickets, paying refs, and making deposits.
10th grade Literature and Composition II (Gifted, College Prep, Co-taught)
Gwinnett County Public Schools
08.2017 - Current
- Lanier High School
- Berkmar High School
- AP English Language and Composition
- 10th grade Literature and Composition II (Gifted)
- Instructional Lead
- Instructional Coach
- Head Cheer Coach
- New Teacher Orientation Team Member
- Special Education (co-taught and Resource)
- 9th Grade Language Arts (Gifted and College Prep)
ESOL/ELA 6th, 7th, and 8th grade
Dekalb County Schools
08.2013 - 05.2017
- RTI Team Coordinator
- IB training
- ACCESS Testing
- Maintained ESOL records in TieNet
- Monitored exited ESOL students
- County Reading Bowl
- Dance Team Assistant Coach
Title I Academic Tutor
Gwinnett County Public School
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Worked with middle school and high school students recognized as Title I recipients by Gwinnett County Public Schools.
- ACCESS Testing Administrator
- Tested English Language Learners throughout Gwinnett County as needed for elementary, middle and high school.
Substitute
Substitute
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Worked in a middle school setting as needed in various capacities as an experienced teacher in the absence of content area teachers.
- Mainly worked with Special needs students, from mild to severely autistic.
- Worked directly with ESOL students regularly as a substitute as well as a volunteer tutor.
- Worked with the Reading and ESOL teachers to help individual students who needed extra assistance.
Education
Master of Education - Reading Language and Literacy
Georgia State University
Atlanta, Georgia01-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Literary Studies/ Secondary Education
University of Dallas at Texas
Richardson, Texas01-1996
Skills
- Lesson Plans were written out weekly to reflect newest technology and innovative ideas
- Behavior Modification to keep students on task and focused
- Differentiation of assignments/strategies
- Cross content integration of Subjects was used in order to reinforce other content area objectives
- Measurement and Evaluation of student ability for proper academic placement
- Individualized and Small Group Instruction for a varied approach to reach learners from diverse backgrounds
- Helped develop student evaluations to measure progress
- Implementation Strategies from the newest and most innovative research to reach a variety of learners
Accomplishments
- Worked with local schools and educational programs to connect English Language Learners to their surrounding communities, schools and other areas as needed.
- Conducted seminars on the importance of volunteerism and community activism.
- Worked as a consultant in setting up a blog where students can ask language or community questions on edublog.
- Integrated technology across curriculum providing additional classroom resources and enabling hands-on use of computer equipment.
- Effectively implemented available lesson plans to ensure continuity of instruction.
- Developed a book club to effectively encourage reading at home.
- Helped develop interactive grammar websites for students.
- Organized seminars to connect the community with schools.
- Wrote letters of recommendations for continued student education.
Affiliations
- Member- International Reading Association, 2009. This membership sends me relevant articles on relevant research in my field of study.
- Member- Teacher's Education Association, Texas, 1996 to 1998
Certification
- Georgia T5 Certificate – Secondary (middle and high school)
- English/Language Arts
- Instructional Coaching Endorsement
- Reading
- ESOL
- Special Education (General Curriculum I and II)
- Gifted Endorsement
- AP English Language and Composition Certificate
- Wilson Reading Certification 2018
- WiDA 2016
- Georgia State T-5 Certificate in English 6-12
- Endorsements: Gifted, Reading, TESOL, Special Education General Curriculum I & II
- Professional Development and Secondary English Certification, Texas State Board Certificate, Texas, 1996. To view copy of certificate goes to www.sbec.state.tx.us
Timeline
10th grade Literature and Composition II (Gifted, College Prep, Co-taught)
Gwinnett County Public Schools
08.2017 - Current
ESOL/ELA 6th, 7th, and 8th grade
Dekalb County Schools
08.2013 - 05.2017
Title I Academic Tutor
Gwinnett County Public School
08.2012 - 05.2013
Substitute
Substitute
01.2009 - 01.2013
ESOL Adjunct Instructor
Gwinnett Technical College
Substitute Teacher
Georgia Pre-K
English/Language Arts Teacher
Richardson Independent School District
Bachelor of Arts - Literary Studies/ Secondary Education
University of Dallas at Texas
Master of Education - Reading Language and Literacy
Georgia State University
Goals/Objectives
To obtain a position where I can guide and mentor teachers who desire to grow their students through innovative teaching strategies.
Graduate School Coursework
- Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia 2011
- M. Ed, Reading, Language and Literacy
- This degree includes courses for Reading and TESOL endorsements.