Spreadsheets
Lawanda Ports-Hughes
Newark,NJ
Summary
Self-motivated, strategic partner with proven leadership ability and excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated experience in communicating and interacting with employees at various levels, including but not limited to coaching, counseling, consulting and relationship management.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Specialist
NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION
Newark, NJ
12.2018 - Current
- Performs more complex and sensitive administrative and professional work to promote planning, operation, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation of various programs and services administered by Assistant Superintendent
- Collects and disseminates information regarding assigned program(s)
- Handles sensitive and complex program issues and acts as subject matter expert
- Monitors expenditure of budgeted funds
- Develops and monitors program evaluation strategies
- Conducts onsite evaluations or audits to ensure compliance with regulations and/or contract terms; prepares related reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations
- Supervises preparation of, and/or prepares informational materials such as manuals, guides and handbooks
- Plans and conducts program outreach and promotional activities
- Serves as program liaison to variety of parties
- Plan, prepare and participate Lead Community interviews for Assistant Superintendent
- Prepares charts, tables and other graphic representations needed for planning, operation and implementation of professional development
- Reviews, analyzes and prepares written materials such as letters, reports, correspondence and other documents related to program functions
- Maintains essential records, reports and files
- Utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems
- Oversaw appointment scheduling, payroll and financial reimbursement of expenditures
- Planned and executed meetings to connect organizational representatives, community members and clients
- Received incoming phone calls and contact form submissions and provided timely responses to inquiries
- Applied market research to design up-to-date programs
- Spearheaded implementation of program rules, frameworks and toolkits to facilitate smooth change management process
- Developed and deepened productive community relationships to assist with defining requirements, executing plans and strengthening leadership
- Monitored employee work and developed improvement plans
- Coordinated communication among associations, allies, stakeholders and members to foster sales and connections between departments
- Determined customer needs and developed program initiatives according to preferences
- Established goals and created action plans to achieve goals
- Interviewed and recommended team members for hire
- Maintained regular communication between departments via email and phone calls to coordinate program logistics
- Reduced costs and improved operational performance without sacrificing quality by developing and implementing diverse approaches
- Managed newsletter distribution for programs to increase student engagement
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations
- Scheduled and supervised staff meetings to discuss new ideas and update participants on program details and milestones
- Organized and managed program development from conception through successful execution
- Tracked and reported expenses accurately to manage program budgets
- Kept program-related data accurate, up-to-date and easily accessible for accessibility
- Analyzed program data by tracking and reporting program outcomes to identify areas of improvement
- Created and delivered program training and education to keep participants knowledgeable about program and provide necessary skills to participate productively
- Collaborated with other program coordinators to achieve consistency in program objectives and services
- Coordinated program logistics to keep all relevant materials and equipment available and in good condition
- Assisted with grant writing and fundraising efforts to secure funding and sustain program long-term
Teacher's Assistant
Newark Board Of Education
Newark, NJ
09.2014 - 12.2018
- Assisted small student groups in various grade level classifications
- Created learning centers for students
- Implement lesson plans and district programs
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency
- Handed out classroom materials, like pencils, paper, and crayons
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher
- Attended training classes, parent conferences and faculty meetings to stay up-to-date on student progress
- Organized and led practice, research and lab assignments
- Helped teachers recognize learning issues evidenced in one-to-one support instruction
- Supervised residential and day treatment children during class and on field trips
- Assisted lead teachers with lesson plan creation and materials development
- Graded assignments and reported individual progress to teacher
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts
- Documented student progress and communicated with parents to keep informed
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work
- Supported planning and preparation for culturally-diverse class sessions
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation
- Presented wide range of information to students using hands-on instructional techniques for effective comprehension
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books and materials
- Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance
- Studied and implemented latest information on specific subjects and learning strategies
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results
- Worked with teacher to optimize learning plans based on student test grades and evaluations
Parent Liaison
Newark Board of Education
Newark, NJ
09.2007 - 06.2014
- Assisted in bridging communications between school administrators and parents
- Facilitated purchases on behalf of school with vendors
- Coordinated and implemented workshops
- Encouraged parents to participate in group discussions and activities
- Interpreted and explained educational programs to parents and community members
- Conducted home visits of school age children and provide critical information
- Assisted parents/legal guardians in registering students
- Identified students and families in need of supportive and/or special services
Counselor/Intern
NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY
Jersey City, NJ
01.2009 - 08.2009
- Performed one-on-one counseling for children with behavioral problems
- Implemented interventions related to developing social skills and anger management techniques
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels
- Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement
- Conducted evaluations to help patients develop measurable treatment goals
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions
Receptionist
City Of Newark
Newark, NJ
02.1998 - 01.2000
- Filed various documents and typed memos
- Routed telephone calls and scheduled appointments
- Faxed documents
- Managed multiple tasks and met time-sensitive deadlines
- Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information
- Collected and distributed messages to team members and managers to support open communication and high customer service
- Organized, maintained and updated information in computer databases
- Helped office staff prepare reports and presentations for internal or client-related use
Checker/Marker
ARMARK DISTRIBUTION CENTER
Newark, NJ
11.1988 - 01.1997
- Supervised four employees
- Conducted performance appraisal
- Communicated with buyers and vendors
- Received and processed orders for variety of goods or services
- Reviewed invoices and orders for completeness and accuracy
- Performed daily cycle counts and physical inventory
- Entered data for quantities issued and transferred between locations, inventory and cycle count adjustments into computer database
- Corrected quantity discrepancies found in receiving, shipping and order fulfillment
- Prepared periodic reports for cycle counts
- Prepared and participated in physical inventory
Education
MBA -
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ 09.2023 - 05.2020
BA - Psychology
NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY
Jersey City, NJ 09.2006 - 05.2010
Skills
AssessmentsTeamwork: Interpersonal skills — ProficientOctober 2020Responding to challenging team situations at workFull results: ProficientIndeed Assessments provides skills tests that are not indicative of a license or certification, or continuedDevelopment in any professional field
Performance assessments
Group and individual instruction
Skill Development
Generating schedules
Hiring and recruitment knowledge
Interpersonal Communication
Attention to Detail
Planning and Coordination
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of [Number] staff members.
- Collaborated with team of [Number] in the development of [Project name].
- Achieved [Result] through effectively helping with [Task].
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
Software
Social Media
Office suites
Operating systems
Timeline
MBA -
Grand Canyon University
09.2023 - 05.2020
Program Specialist
NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION
12.2018 - Current
Teacher's Assistant
Newark Board Of Education
09.2014 - 12.2018
Counselor/Intern
NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY
01.2009 - 08.2009
Parent Liaison
Newark Board of Education
09.2007 - 06.2014
BA - Psychology
NEW JERSEY CITY UNIVERSITY
09.2006 - 05.2010
Receptionist
City Of Newark
02.1998 - 01.2000
Checker/Marker
ARMARK DISTRIBUTION CENTER
11.1988 - 01.1997