Laura Lotito
Huntsville,AL
Summary
Accomplished professional skilled in providing comprehensive counseling services to adults and adolescents. Successful at guiding students through course registration steps, course selection and academic planning. Proven track record of helping individuals develop career plans, identify job opportunities, and build successful career paths. Demonstrated success in developing career assessment tools, career exploration activities, and individualized career plans. Results-oriented instructor dedicated to strengthening student knowledge, skills and judgment using innovative tools and responsive learning strategies. Actively evaluates student engagement and progress to evolve individual learning through the use of data and testing results.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Academic Advisor
CALHOUN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
12.2022 - Current
- Utilized technology tools such as online platforms, (Banner) to facilitate remote advising sessions.
- Served as an advocate for adult learners, assisting them in navigating educational resources and opportunities within the community.
- Determined validity and reliability of data gathering methods.
- Monitored student testing results and academic progress to drive successful academic outcomes.
- Assisted students in exploring and selecting career paths.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance
- Assessed student transcripts and articulated transfer credits into the university system
- Maintained detailed records of student progress using computer databases and software programs
- Interpreted and explained college and university policies and procedures to new and existing students
- Incorporated feedback from various stakeholders into the design of academic advisement initiatives
- Collaborated with faculty, staff, and administrators to create resources for students in need of assistance..
- Scheduled and met with students regularly to advise on graduation requirements and college prerequisites
- Promoted campus resources such as tutoring services or counseling centers to help students overcome barriers to success.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Student Services Department Chairperson
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SCHOOLS
08.2001 - 12.2022
- Managed the implementation of new technologies within the department to enhance instruction delivery methods and testing requirements
- Ensured timely completion of assessment activities as required by accreditation standards
- Cultivate partnerships with vocational training centers and local companies when advocating for student internships placements.
- Leveraged community resources to support student success by connecting participants with relevant services, such as workforce development programs or personal enrichment opportunities.
- Served as Intern Support Supervisor managing university students assigned to school-site through establishing goals, work-assignments, performance evaluations as well as providing mentorship and guidance
- Cultivated relationships with external stakeholders such as alumni, donors and community partners
- Developed and implemented marketing strategies to promote academic programs and attract potential students for award-winning STEM/STEAM program at the secondary-level
- Fostered a culture of open communication between faculty, staff and students through regular meetings and feedback sessions
- Chaired committee meetings, developed agendas and prepared reports summarizing outcomes
- Analyzed student performance data to assess progress towards educational goals
- Tailored instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere conducive to success for all students.
- Created an environment that encourages diversity, equity and inclusion among all constituents
- Oversaw the preparation of course schedules each semester in collaboration with instructors
- Participated in campus-wide committees related to academic affairs or institutional governance
- Mentored faculty members on research initiatives, curriculum design and teaching effectiveness
- Implemented protocols for handling grievances filed by students or faculty members
- Identified opportunities for improvement in existing programs or processes within the department
- Provided leadership in strategic planning, budgeting, resource management and program development.
- Streamlined administrative tasks such as scheduling classes or assigning instructors.
- Strengthened relationships with community partners by organizing events, guest lectures, and collaborative projects.
- Employed variety of assessment tools and strategies to improve instruction methods.
- Created and administered testing calendar.
- Coordinated guest speakers from various industries to provide students with valuable insights into potential career paths and skill requirements.
- Mentored new educators in effective teaching strategies, fostering professional growth within the organization.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Monitored expenditures within the department's operating budget to maintain fiscal responsibility
History Teacher
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SCHOOLS
01.1990 - 08.2001
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that effectively taught students about world history, focusing on the development of civilizations over time
- Mentored new teachers in implementing effective instructional strategies for teaching social studies classes
- Worked closely with special education staff members ensuring that all students have access to appropriate materials related to their coursework
- Fostered an environment of open dialogue among students by providing them with opportunities to share opinions and perspectives on historical events.
- Taught lifelong skills useful in future vocations.
- Updated documentation for school and individual records.
- Prepared students for tests by teaching relevant concepts and enforcing good test-taking skills.
- Assessed work of adult students to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting instructional strategies for optimal learning outcomes.
Education
Guidance and Counseling Certification -
St. Thomas University
Miami, FL01.2000
Master of Science in Social Studies Education -
Nova Southeastern University
Davie, FL01.1995
Bachelor of the Arts in History -
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL01.1990
Skills
- Scholarships and Grants Exploration
- Recruitment Participation
- Academic Majors Mastery
- Strategic Decision-Making
- Educational Problem Identification
- Student Records Maintenance
- Confidential Services
- Course planning and organization
- Workforce Readiness
- Critical Thinking
- Academic Monitoring
- Administrative abilities
- College application assistance
- Student Performance Evaluations
- Academic and Career advising
- Excellent oral and written communication
Certification
Florida Department of Education Certifications:
Guidance and Counseling
Social Sciences
Alabama Department of Education Certification:
Social Sciences
Timeline
Academic Advisor
CALHOUN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
12.2022 - Current
Student Services Department Chairperson
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SCHOOLS
08.2001 - 12.2022
History Teacher
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY SCHOOLS
01.1990 - 08.2001
Guidance and Counseling Certification -
St. Thomas University
Master of Science in Social Studies Education -
Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor of the Arts in History -
Florida Atlantic University