Leslie Coons
Bixby
Summary
Dedicated Reading Specialist with a proven track record of supporting diverse learners through the implementation of the Orton-Gillingham curriculum and data-driven teaching practices. Expertise in assessing reading needs and developing individualized learning plans, while fostering collaboration among teachers, families, and support staff to enhance student achievement and instill a lifelong love of reading. Strong background in phonics, fluency, comprehension, and evidence-based literacy instruction drives a commitment to helping all students thrive academically and personally.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading Specialist
Union Public Schools
06.2020 - Current
- Implemented research-based instructional practices to improve overall reading proficiency among students.
- Enhanced reading comprehension by implementing targeted literacy interventions and strategies.
- Analyzed data trends to identify areas of need and inform instructional decision-making processes related to reading interventions.
- Assessed student progress regularly and modified instruction to enhance learning outcomes.
- Developed individualized learning plans for diverse learners, addressing specific literacy needs and goals.
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure consistent implementation of reading interventions across all subject areas.
- Built positive and productive relationships with teachers to drive improvements to reading programs.
- Served as a resource for educators by providing professional development workshops on best practices in literacy instruction.
- Mentored new teachers in literacy instruction methodologies, sharing expertise and best practices for successful outcomes.
- Contributed to the development of school-wide literacy initiatives aimed at improving achievement for all students.
Third Grade Teacher
Union Public Schools-Ellen Ochoa Elementary
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Prepared and taught lessons in all areas of the curriculum, differentiated lessons and instruction to meet the needs of various learners in the class based on readiness, interest and multiple intelligences, used various assessment techniques to monitor student progress, provided individualized and small groups instruction, promoting a positive, student-centered environment to adapt to the needs of a culturally diverse classroom, collaborated with other staff member to plan and schedule lesson promoting learning and student engagement through PLCs
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness.
- Assessed student understanding regularly using various formative assessment techniques, adjusting instruction accordingly for optimal results.
PK-12th Teacher
Epic Charter Schools
06.2019 - 09.2019
- Work with assigned students to provide instruction in a virtual learning environment, provide learning experiences and teach students in all core subjects and electives, use technology as an everyday tool for teaching, learning and communicating, work to coordinate, schedule, assess and implement appropriate instruction for each student, conducts assessments of student needs, promote parental involvement in the learning process and parental responsibility, develop and follow Individual Learning Plans to assist in developing measurable goals for continuous improvement of assigned students, analyze data to evaluate effectiveness of curriculum and teaching methods
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Sixth Grade Language Arts Teacher
Union 6th and 7th Grade Center
08.2014 - 06.2019
- Collaborated weekly with team and department, contributed to the Child Study Team, developed the quarterly CRT, and supported the specific E.D.
- Students team, taught Balanced Literacy curriculum, mentored a new Language Arts teacher, presented on Student Led Conferences for Professional Development, taught two subjects daily (On-Level Reading/Writing and Advanced Reading/Writing), taught in the after school tutoring program to enhance skills in reading and writing
- Contributed to the committee that organized the first and second summer school in our building, led the 6th grade Student Council, and participated in the Social Committee.
- Increased student engagement by incorporating project-based learning and group activities.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, fostering a well-rounded educational experience.
Education
Master of Science - Reading
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK08-2020
Master of Science - Public Health Education
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK12-2011
Skills
- Small group instruction
- Orton-Gillingham expertise
- Student engagement
- Fluency development
- Individualized support
- Intervention planning
- Progress monitoring
- Dyslexia support
- Multisensory teaching
Leadership Roles
- Title 1 leadership committee
- Building Test Coordinator
- RSA/SRA Coordinator
- Read Across America Committee
- Trauma Training fellowship
- United Way representative
- Safe Schools committee
- Retention committee
- CRT revision team
Certification
- Orton-Gillingham Classroom Educator (OGCE) - Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators.
Accomplishments
- Teacher of the Year 2023-2024
- Supervised team of 5 staff members.
Timeline
Reading Specialist
Union Public Schools
06.2020 - Current
Third Grade Teacher
Union Public Schools-Ellen Ochoa Elementary
09.2019 - 05.2020
PK-12th Teacher
Epic Charter Schools
06.2019 - 09.2019
Sixth Grade Language Arts Teacher
Union 6th and 7th Grade Center
08.2014 - 06.2019
Master of Science - Reading
Northeastern State University
Master of Science - Public Health Education
Oklahoma State University