Leigha R. Walton-Bayne
6208 Castleton Drive, Olive Branch,MS
Summary
Accomplished educator with extensive experience in English and Language Arts instruction across middle and high school levels, including AP and IG programs, at Memphis Shelby County Schools District. Expert in leveraging critical reading and tailored instructional methods to enhance student learning. Proven track record in fostering collaborative learning environments and integrating technology effectively.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School Language Arts Educator
Memphis Shelby County Schools
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Facilitated language arts instruction for grade seven for a second-semester vacancy and then returned for the 2024 semester before retiring.
High School English Teacher
Green Dot: TN Commission Charter School
08.2022 - 09.2023
- Provided classroom instruction for both sophomore and junior students in American literature
- Prepared students to become both critical readers and thinkers, there is an ongoing emphasis on addressing how the literature has been impacted by historical and social implications within a traditional classroom setting
High School English Teacher
Shelby County Schools
07.2020 - 05.2022
- Senior English Teacher from August 2020 to May 2022.
- Virtual School Year, High School English Teacher (July 2021 - April 2022)
- Educators were required to be very flexible and adept at multi-tasking, problem-solving, and technical integration.
High School English Teacher
Shelby County Schools
08.2015 - 05.2019
- Provided classroom instruction for senior students in British literature with an ongoing emphasis in addressing how the literature is impacted by historical and social implications (also a classroom facilitator to an online Dual Enrollment English class that is provided by Bethel University)
- Immersed in critical reading, SAT and ACT preparatory skills for verbal reasoning/vocabulary development, technologically based instruction, and cooperative grouping
- Taught American literature to junior students as well as instructed varied grade levels in a semester-based mythology (elective) course
CLUE English Educator
Shelby County Schools
08.2014 - 06.2015
- Provided daily CLUE services to Intellectually Gifted (IG) middle school students at Lowrance School as well as freshman students at Southwind High School
- Classroom curriculum was driven by the facilitation of challenging academic content that was designed to meet the needs of advanced learners in such areas as critical reading, problem solving, critical thinking, and oral communication
- Paperwork and applicable meetings were completed and conducted to ensure that all students received the specified services per their individual IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) per the IDEA ACT
- All instruction was also regularly supplemented with such instructional content as analogies, textual analysis, independent novel studies, essay development and research, and ongoing oral presentations
Virtual Summer School Instructor
Shelby County Schools
06.2014 - 07.2014
- Facilitated online instruction and applicable troubleshooting in the areas of journalism and creative writing for summer school students within a virtual environment
High School English Teacher
Shelby County Schools
08.2008 - 06.2014
- Provided classroom instruction for four years to senior students in British Literature with two years being spent teaching AP English Literature and Composition
- Two years of previous instruction was provided to ninth grade honors students in both English grammar and literature
- During my two years of instructing freshman, semester-based classes previously consisted of teaching Creative Writing and African American Literature, respectively
Language Arts Educator
Shelby County Schools
08.1998 - 05.2008
- Instructed both standard and advanced English as well as one discipline of advanced reading for grade eight; one year was spent teaching the same disciplines in grade six
Education
Master of Science Degree - Education
Walden University
Baltimore, MD12.2008
Gifted /APEX Certification Training -
Lambuth University
Jackson, TN06.2008
Teacher Education Certification Program - English/Language Arts
LeMoyne-Owen College
Memphis, TN05.1998
B.A. - Communications
Memphis State University
Memphis, TN12.1993
Skills
- Tailored Instructional Methods
- Critical Reading Skills
- Collaborative learning
- Classroom management
- Knowledgeable about Google Suite, Office365, Canvas, and Blackboard; Online teaching
- Licensed in TN; Highly Qualified
Affiliations
- National Education Association (NEA), Retired Member
- Tennessee Education Association (TEA), Retired Member
- Shelby County Education Association (SCEA), Retired Member
Leadership Responsibilities
- ACT ELA/ Reading Specialist, Ridgeway High School, 08/01/19 - 05/01/21
- TN Teacher Appreciation Month Honoree, Southwind High School, 04/01/14
- ACT Test Proctor, Southwind High School, 2014 - 2020
- Teacher of the Year, Southwind High School, 04/01/13
- National Honor Society Sponsor, Southwind High School, 11/01/08 - 05/01/13
- School Improvement Plan (SIP) Leadership Team: Beliefs, Mission, and Vision Committee Chair, Shelby County Schools, Woodstock Middle School, 08/01/05 - 03/01/08
- Language Arts Department Chairperson, Eighth Grade Teacher, Woodstock Middle School, 08/01/06 - 05/01/07
- Grade Level Chairperson, Eighth Grade Teacher, Woodstock Middle School, 08/01/07 - Present
- School Improvement Plan (SIP) Leadership Team: Beliefs, Mission, and Vision Committee Chair, Shelby County Schools, Shadowlawn Middle School, 08/01/03 - 06/01/04
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Middle School Language Arts Educator
Memphis Shelby County Schools
01.2024 - 01.2025
High School English Teacher
Green Dot: TN Commission Charter School
08.2022 - 09.2023
High School English Teacher
Shelby County Schools
07.2020 - 05.2022
High School English Teacher
Shelby County Schools
08.2015 - 05.2019
CLUE English Educator
Shelby County Schools
08.2014 - 06.2015
Virtual Summer School Instructor
Shelby County Schools
06.2014 - 07.2014
High School English Teacher
Shelby County Schools
08.2008 - 06.2014
Language Arts Educator
Shelby County Schools
08.1998 - 05.2008
Master of Science Degree - Education
Walden University
Gifted /APEX Certification Training -
Lambuth University
Teacher Education Certification Program - English/Language Arts
LeMoyne-Owen College
B.A. - Communications
Memphis State University
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