Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Leadership Roles and Campus Initiatives
Timeline
Generic

Laura Johnston

Kilgore

Summary

Passionate 8th-grade ELA teacher at Longview ISD, skilled in curriculum development, classroom management, and leadership. Successfully fostered student engagement through differentiated instruction and innovative lesson planning. Collaborated with colleagues to enhance educational practices, leading to improved student outcomes and a vibrant learning environment. Enthusiastic about nurturing academic and emotional growth in all learners.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

8th Grade ELA Teacher

Longview ISD/Judson STEAM Academy
Longview
08.2020 - Current
  • Facilitated small group instruction within the regular education setting.
  • Promoted safe and clean classroom environment conducive to individualized and small group needs.
  • Held parent and teacher conferences to discuss student progress or behavioral issues.
  • Developed and implemented engaging, differentiated lesson plans to meet the needs of all learners.
  • Assisted students with building long-term skills such for academic, social, and emotional development.
  • Educated students on spelling, grammar and language rules through developmentally appropriate curriculum.
  • Encouraged critical thinking skills through open-ended questions during lessons.
  • Employed assessment tools and strategies to improve instruction methods.
  • Conducted individualized instruction for struggling readers and writers.
  • Established clear expectations for behavior in the classroom.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop curricula that aligns with district standards.
  • Participated in school committees or other initiatives related to curriculum development or implementation.

5th Grade ELA/SS Teacher

Kilgore ISD/Kilgore Intermediate School
Kilgore
08.2016 - 05.2020
  • Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
  • Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies among students.
  • Supervised after school activities such as clubs or sports teams.
  • Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
  • Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
  • Utilized technology-based learning tools to enhance classroom instruction.
  • Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.

Education

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership

University of Texas At Tyler
Tyler, TX
08-2023

Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies

Stephen F. Austin State University
Nacogdoches, TX
05-2016

Skills

  • Curriculum development
  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom management
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Assessment strategies
  • Student engagement
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Leading Professional Development
  • Leading Professional Learning Communities
  • School discipline management

Accomplishments

  • 2021 Longview ISD Foundation Lamplighter Award Recipient
  • 2024-2025 Campus Teacher of the Year
  • Five-time Longview ISD Foundation Grant Recipient
  • 8th Grade ELA Lead Teacher
  • TIA Master Teacher
  • Four-time Longview ISD LIFT Recipient

Certification

  • Core Subjects with STR (EC-6)
  • English Language Arts and Reading with STR (4-8)
  • English as Second Language Supplemental (EC-8)

Leadership Roles and Campus Initiatives

  • 8th Grade RLA Lead Teacher
    -    Lead Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) for 8th grade RLA teachers.
    -Collaborate in the development of district assessments.
    -Provide frontloading sessions for RLA teachers across the district to support instructional planning.
    -Enforce department expectations to ensure consistency in teaching standards.
  • Campus RTI Coordinator (2022-2024)
    -    Designed and implemented an RTI framework for the campus, supporting the identification and intervention for struggling students.
    -Monitored teacher implementation of RTI strategies to ensure fidelity and effectiveness.
  • 8th Grade DAP Teacher (Discipline Administrative Panel)
    -    Make disciplinary decisions and manage low-level discipline cases for all 8th grade students.
    -Ensure fair and consistent handling of student behavior.
  • Campus Chromebook "Wrangler"
    -    Collaborate closely with the campus technology department to ensure the seamless operation of Chromebooks and other technology on campus.
    -Provide troubleshooting support and assist with tech-related issues to maintain a smooth learning environment.
  • Filling in for Assistant Principal
    -    Stepped in to handle both low-level and high-level discipline for half of the day during Mr. Stanley’s transition to Principal.
  • Professional Development Leader
    -    Led numerous professional development initiatives on campus, focusing on continuous growth and instructional improvement for faculty.
  • District-Wide Professional Development Leader
    -    Led district-wide professional development sessions for RLA teachers, focusing on the planning and structure of Extended Constructed Responses (ECRs)
  • Campus Committee Member and Leader
    -    The Amazing Shake Committee: Helped organize and manage events that develop students’ leadership and soft skills.
    -Reveur for a Cure Committee: Played a key role in planning and fundraising for a campus-wide cancer awareness event.
    -Campus Improvement Plan Committee: Contributed to the development and implementation of the school’s strategic goals and improvement plans.
    -RTI Committee: Collaborated with faculty to support the effective implementation of RTI strategies for student success.

Timeline

8th Grade ELA Teacher

Longview ISD/Judson STEAM Academy
08.2020 - Current

5th Grade ELA/SS Teacher

Kilgore ISD/Kilgore Intermediate School
08.2016 - 05.2020

Master of Arts - Educational Leadership

University of Texas At Tyler

Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies

Stephen F. Austin State University

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