MaKenzee Gossett
Chattanooga
Summary
Educator and emerging school leader with experience in department leadership, peer mentorship across grade levels, after-school program coordination, and restorative discipline practices. Strong background in culturally responsive instruction, literacy development, and supporting diverse learners, including English Language Learners and Deaf/Hard of Hearing students. Proven ability to support teacher growth, improve student engagement, and contribute to schoolwide systems through leadership team participation.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
English Language Arts Teacher & English Department Chair
Orchard Knob Middle School | Hamilton County Schools
07.2025 - Current
- Serving as English Department Chair, supporting curriculum alignment, instructional coherence, and collaborative planning across grade levels
- Providing peer mentorship to English teachers across grade levels, supporting instructional strategies, classroom management, and culturally responsive practices
- Serving on the school leadership team, contributing to academic planning, and schoolwide decision-making
- Leading and coordinating an after-school tutoring program, including student placement, scheduling, and instructional support.
English Language Arts Teacher (Grades 6 & 7)
Tyner Middle Academy | Hamilton County Schools
07.2022 - 05.2025
- Lead and coordinated an after-school tutoring program, including student placement, scheduling, and instructional support.
Education
Masters of Science – Education - Deaf Ed and English Ed
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TNBachelor of Arts - English Literature: focus in TESOL, Deaf Studies, and Linguistics
Lee University
Cleveland, TNPh.D. - Social Emotional Learning
National University
San Diego, CA12-2026
Skills
- COMP training participant
- Aspiring Teacher Leader program
Timeline
English Language Arts Teacher & English Department Chair
Orchard Knob Middle School | Hamilton County Schools
07.2025 - Current
English Language Arts Teacher (Grades 6 & 7)
Tyner Middle Academy | Hamilton County Schools
07.2022 - 05.2025
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature: focus in TESOL, Deaf Studies, and Linguistics
Lee University
Masters of Science – Education - Deaf Ed and English Ed
University of Tennessee
Ph.D. - Social Emotional Learning
National University
Credentials
Active Endorsements: English 6-12, Special Education Hearing PreK-12
Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) Score: Advanced
- (https://www.rit.edu/ntid/sites/rit.edu.ntid/files/slpi/FAQSLPIScale.pdf)
TESOL Certificate
Philosophy of Education
I believe students learn best in environments where they feel safe, respected, and valued. A strong sense of belonging is essential to meaningful learning, and classrooms should honor students’ identities, experiences, and voices while holding them to high academic expectations.
Learning should involve productive struggle, reflection, and collaboration. When students are supported through challenges and encouraged to engage deeply with content, they develop both academic understanding and essential social-emotional skills.
Ultimately, classrooms should function as communities, where dialogue, accountability, and relationship-building prepare students to become thoughtful, responsible members of their schools and the world.