Laura Griffin
Augusta,Ga
Summary
Professional educator with strong background in developing and implementing engaging curriculum. Adept at fostering a collaborative and safe learning environment that encourages student growth and achievement. Skilled in building positive teacher-student relationships, lesson planning, and adapting to diverse educational needs. Known for reliability and flexibility, ensuring effective teaching for all students.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Academic Curriculum of Excellence (ACE) Committee
Columbia County School District
Augusta, GA
06.2023 - Current
- Analyzes assessment data to inform instructional changes for ACE Chemistry curriculum.
- Develops curriculum maps, instructional guides and assessment plans for chemistry aligned with the Georgia Standards of Excellence.
- Collaborates with fellow members to achieve consensus on key curriculum decisions, ensuring alignment with CCSD goals.
- Designs and provides feedback on district benchmark assessment for chemistry to ensure alignment with the ACE curriculum.
- Spoke at the Columbia County Board of Education meeting to promote and provide updates on ACE Case for the School Board and Superintendent Dr. Flynt.
AP Chemistry/High School Chemistry Teacher
Columbia County School District (Harlem High School)
Harlem, Ga
07.2019 - Current
- Designs and delivers comprehensive chemistry and AP chemistry curriculum to 140 students across grades 10 to 12.
- Grew the Harlem High School AP Chemistry program from 21 students (2022-2023) to 43 students (2025-2026).
- Develops comprehensive lesson plans focused on student engagement and aligned with both state standards and Columbia County's Academic Curriculum of Excellence (ACE).
- Contributes to a professional learning community by collaborating weekly with chemistry colleagues to foster professional development.
- Executes differentiated instruction strategies including purposeful grouping and scaffolded instruction to address diverse learning needs.
- Facilitates hands-on laboratory experiments to enhance student understanding of chemistry concepts.
- Encourages and supports students in cultivating critical thinking to enhance academic performance.
- Evaluates student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to improve understanding.
- Promotes a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations, setting goals, and providing constructive feedback.
- Assists struggling students during after-school tutoring sessions, resulting in improved grades and increased confidence.
English Teaching Assistant
Fulbright Scholar Program (Colegio Decroly, Madrid, Spain)
Madrid, Spain
09.2018 - 06.2019
- Develop and teach daily lessons to students ages eleven to eighteen
- Develop and implement lessons related to a variety of topics including environmental responsibility, media literacy, human rights and the nature of science
- Share personal experiences and allow opportunities for students to share to promote cultural exchange
- Prepare oral exams and other projects to assess student progress over the school year
- Establish a classroom environment and culture where students felt comfortable to participate
- Act as a cultural ambassador to promote cultural understanding between Spain and the United States
Teacher
21st Century After School Program (Harlem High School, Harlem, Ga)
Harlem, Ga
01.2021
- Provides support to students while they are completing online credit recovery programs
- Maintains a safe, distraction free environment to optimize student success with online course recovery programs
- Assists students in earning credits to get back on track for graduation
Education
Advanced Educational Studies Ed.S. -
Augusta University
Augusta, GA05-2026
Science Education M.Ed. - undefined
University of Georgia
Athens, GA12-2022
Science Education B.S.Ed., Chemistry B.S., Spanish B.A. - undefined
University of Georgia
Athens, GA05-2018
Skills
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Data-informed instruction
- Curriculum development
- Student engagement and motivation
- Growth/mastery mindset
Accomplishments
- Named Top Five Finalist for Teacher of the Year for Columbia County 2022-2023.
- Named Teacher of the Year at Harlem High School for 2021-2022.
- Awarded Fulbright Scholarship 2018-2019.
Certification
- Georgia T-6 Certification Expected May 2026
- AP Certification for Chemistry June 2022
- Georgia T-5 Certification December 2022
- Gifted Certification December 2022
- Georgia T-4 Certification May 2018
- Chemistry GACE: passed professionally
- General Science GACE: passed professionally
Timeline
Academic Curriculum of Excellence (ACE) Committee
Columbia County School District
06.2023 - Current
Teacher
21st Century After School Program (Harlem High School, Harlem, Ga)
01.2021
AP Chemistry/High School Chemistry Teacher
Columbia County School District (Harlem High School)
07.2019 - Current
English Teaching Assistant
Fulbright Scholar Program (Colegio Decroly, Madrid, Spain)
09.2018 - 06.2019
Science Education M.Ed. - undefined
University of Georgia
Science Education B.S.Ed., Chemistry B.S., Spanish B.A. - undefined
University of Georgia
Advanced Educational Studies Ed.S. -
Augusta University