Laura Darden
Summary
Talented Team Leader experienced and dedicated to enhancing employee satisfaction and business success. Diplomatic and friendly with proven commitment to employee training. Hardworking team player bringing necessary experience and knowledge to tackle any operational demand.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Team Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
South Kilbourne, Richland One School District
08.2023 - Current
- Design play-based, themed lessons and deliver high-energy instruction for all pre-K subjects (math, science, language arts, social studies) to classrooms of up to 20 children in an inclusive, heterogeneous setting
- Plan and implement curriculum and skill-building activities, incorporating the latest research in emotional cognitive social early learning (ECSEL) and laying the foundation for kindergarten readiness while tending to children's daily needs, personal hygiene, and care routines
- Modify instruction for diverse learners that includes students with special needs (e.g., autism spectrum, ADHD) and general-population students
- Foster a warm, nurturing, and fun atmosphere conducive to learning while developing strong relationships with parents / guardians and students
- Recognized for teaching excellence and instructional best practices on annual reviews
- Regarded as a leader among teacher peers in the development of creative lessons and exciting indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Sojourner Truth Academy
08.2021 - 05.2023
- Positive Behavior Interventions Team Member
- Lead team meetings that focused on student achievement and engagement
- Created lesson plans designed to engage all learners
- Mentored fellow first year PreK.
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Paul L Dunbar Learning Center, Dallas Independent School District
01.2015 - 05.2021
- Design play-based, themed lessons and deliver high-energy instruction for all pre-K subjects (math, science, language arts, social studies) to classrooms of up to 20 children in an inclusive, heterogeneous setting
- Plan and implement curriculum and skill-building activities, incorporating the latest research in emotional cognitive social early learning (ECSEL) and laying the foundation for kindergarten readiness while tending to children's daily needs, personal hygiene, and care routines
- Modify instruction for diverse learners that includes students with special needs (e.g., autism spectrum, ADHD) and general-population students
- Foster a warm, nurturing, and fun atmosphere conducive to learning while developing strong relationships with parents / guardians and students
- Recognized for teaching excellence and instructional best practices on annual reviews
- Regarded as a leader among teacher peers in the development of creative lessons and exciting indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
Third-Grade Teacher
Charles Rice Learning Center, Dallas Independent School District
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Created lesson plans aligned with state and district standards, driving instruction through formative assessment and differentiation while demonstrating mastery of related subject matter, instructional skills, and resources
- Educated students in math and reading using data-driven instructional practices
- Utilized assessment results for planning and instruction; provided consistent, immediate feedback to students and asked analytical questions to elicit student responses that incorporated prior knowledge, life experience, and interests directly related to the content
- Employed technology / instructional media, Google Classroom, Seesaw, All In Learning, Boom Cards, Jam Board, Bitmoji classroom, to enhance students' learning experiences
- Maintained a positive classroom environment focused on student engagement and mutual respect.
First-Grade Teacher
Charles Rice Learning Center, Dallas Independent School District
01.2015 - 08.2016
- Developed and implemented lesson plans and instructional ideas according to curriculum and school standards
- Adjusted instructional methods to accommodate different learning styles, including English language learners and special education students
- Collaborated with other first grade teachers to maintain consistency in curriculum, as well as to evaluate and enhance curricular programs
- Motivated students to participate in educational activities by producing creative learning opportunities for educational, social, and behavioral growth
- Created a positive, safe, and structured learning environment for students while adhering to behavioral and discipline policies
- Monitored student activities on school premises to ensure safety
- Used various assessment methods to evaluate student progress as well as academic strengths and weaknesses
- Maintained updated attendance and grade records for each student
- Built relationships with parents / caregivers by providing regular academic progress updates and being available to answer questions or handle concerns
- Attended regular educational trainings and workshops for professional development.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education -
Stephen F. Austin University
Nacogdoches, TXSouth Carolina Department of Education
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Texas Education Agency
Skills
- Trend Tracking
- Performance Monitoring
- Production Monitoring
- Regulatory Compliance
- Schedule Management
- Performance Improvement
- Strategic planning
Timeline
Team Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
South Kilbourne, Richland One School District
08.2023 - Current
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Sojourner Truth Academy
08.2021 - 05.2023
Third-Grade Teacher
Charles Rice Learning Center, Dallas Independent School District
08.2016 - 05.2018
Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Paul L Dunbar Learning Center, Dallas Independent School District
01.2015 - 05.2021
First-Grade Teacher
Charles Rice Learning Center, Dallas Independent School District
01.2015 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education -
Stephen F. Austin University
South Carolina Department of Education
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Texas Education Agency
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