Latoya A. Ferguson
Ocala,FL
Summary
Dedicated educator with over 13 years of experience in teaching Biology and Physical Science, specializing in inquiry-based instruction and supervising laboratory and field investigations. Expertise in integrating public health and environmental concepts into science curricula, supported by a Master of Science in Public Health. Proven track record in department leadership, curriculum development, and student mentorship, demonstrating a strong commitment to enhancing student outcomes. Recognized for fostering a collaborative, student-centered learning environment that effectively prepares learners for careers in science, health, and environmental fields while driving operational improvements through strategic planning and process optimization.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Science Department Lead / 7th Grade Science Teacher
Horizon Academy / Marion County Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
- Led the Science Department, standardizing curriculum and lesson plans, resulting in improved student assessment scores and more consistent instruction across the grade level.
- Delivered hands-on, inquiry-based Life Science instruction, increasing student engagement and concept mastery by 10%.
- Analyzed student data to implement targeted interventions, resulting in improved learning outcomes by 5% among at-risk learners.
- Facilitated professional development on classroom management and engagement, strengthening classroom effectiveness.
- Trained teachers and staff to integrate AI tools, improving instructional efficiency and reducing administrative workload.
Mph Intern (Curriculum & Instruction Focus)
Public Health 4 Kidz
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Developed a middle school health education curriculum on mental health, nutrition, and substance use, aligned with Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS), serving as a foundation for future instructional materials.
- Conducted research-based community needs assessments in Ocala, FL, informing responsive and relevant curriculum design.
- Created age-appropriate instructional resources for Public Health for Kidz virtual labs and after-school programs, increasing student engagement by 40%.
- Partnered with interdisciplinary teams to produce engaging, youth-focused public health education materials, enhancing student learning and participation by 60%.
4th Grade Teacher
Marion Oaks Elementary
08.2023 - 05.2024
- Delivered Instruction in English Language and Social Studies, resulting in measurable improvements in academic performance and critical thinking skills.
- Developed personalized intervention plans that improved student achievement by 10% and supported differentiated learning needs.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date student grade records, ensuring timely reporting, compliance, and data-informed decision-making.
- Trained faculty in instructional technology, increasing the use of interactive teaching strategies and student engagement by 20% of the staff.
Science Teacher (Grades 6–8)
Beryl Wisdom Adventist School
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Taught students Health Science and General Science through inquiry-based strategies, fostering critical thinking and scientific literacy.
- Planned and coordinated major school events, including 8th grade graduation and outdoor education experiences earning positive attendee feedback and doubling overall event satisfaction.
- Maintained accurate student grading data, supporting academic reporting and informed instructional decisions.
7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher
Memorial Middle School
08.2019 - 05.2022
- Instructed Grade 7 students in Comprehensive Science and 8th grade honor students in Physical Science, employing diverse teaching strategies advancing mastery of scientific concepts and improve academic performance.
- Used student data to design targeted interventions, driving a 20% increase in student engagement.
Science Department Lead / Biology Teacher (Grades 9-11)
Porus High School
09.2012 - 07.2019
- Managed a department of 13 educators, promoting instructional excellence and enforcing compliance with curriculum requirements and laboratory safety standards.
- Implemented targeted exam-preparation strategies, achieving 100% pass rate on the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Science exam.
- Instructed and supervised students in completing SBAs (lab experiments) for the CXC (Caribbean Examinations Council) exam and evaluated their lab reports ensuring mastery of scientific procedures, achieving 100% proficiency.
- Led the organization of science competitions and managed award distribution, fostering student participation, recognition, and academic success.
Zoology Laboratory Instructor
Northern Caribbean University
05.2011 - 06.2011
- Facilitated Zoology lab instruction, teaching specimen handling, dissection skills, and biological observation techniques, with 100% of students successfully completing and passing lab assessments.
- Evaluated student lab reports and submitted scores to the course professor, ensuring accurate assessment and mastery of scientific procedures.
Education
Master of Public Health (MPH) - General Public Health
Florida International University
Miami, FL08.2025
Post Graduate Diploma - Education and Training
Vocational Training Development Institute
Mandeville, Jamaica01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Northern Caribbean University
Mandeville, Jamaica12.2012
Skills
- Biological Sciences Instruction
- Public Health & Environmental Health Education
- Inquiry-Based & Differentiated Teaching
- Curriculum & Program Development
- Student Assessment & Data-Driven Instruction
- Classroom Management & Engagement Strategies
- Faculty Leadership & Collaboration
- Technical Skills: Microsoft Office Suite, Learning Platforms: Canvas
- Documentation
- Team development
- Verbal and written communication
- Data collection techniques
Accomplishments
Teacher of the year 2024-2025 horizon academy
Certification
Certified in Public Health (CPH), NBPHE - July 2025.
AWARDS/HONORS
Teacher of the Year (2024–2025), Horizon Academy
Timeline
Mph Intern (Curriculum & Instruction Focus)
Public Health 4 Kidz
01.2025 - 05.2025
Science Department Lead / 7th Grade Science Teacher
Horizon Academy / Marion County Public Schools
08.2024 - Current
4th Grade Teacher
Marion Oaks Elementary
08.2023 - 05.2024
Science Teacher (Grades 6–8)
Beryl Wisdom Adventist School
07.2022 - 06.2023
7th & 8th Grade Science Teacher
Memorial Middle School
08.2019 - 05.2022
Science Department Lead / Biology Teacher (Grades 9-11)
Porus High School
09.2012 - 07.2019
Zoology Laboratory Instructor
Northern Caribbean University
05.2011 - 06.2011
Master of Public Health (MPH) - General Public Health
Florida International University
Post Graduate Diploma - Education and Training
Vocational Training Development Institute
Bachelor of Science - Biology
Northern Caribbean University