Mitzi Kellum Faust
Elberton,GA
Summary
Creative and effective classroom teacher possessing valuable experience in classroom administration, professional level content expertise and capable of short and long term lesson and project planning. Equipped with an extensive background in diverse educational environments. Student-centered instructor, academic facilitator and motivator in educational settings. Competent at performing independently or as a member of collaborative teams. Specialized training and coursework as well as certification in Gifted Education and ESOL. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies. Experienced in learner needs assessment and data analysis. Skilled in Microsoft and Google applications as well as i-Ready and IXL.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
ELA and Social Studies Teacher-Guidance Counselor
Elbert County Middle School
1108 Athens Tech. Rd Elberton, GA 30635
08.2000 - 05.2024
- Created and led interesting and diverse lessons and group activities to engage students in ELA and Social Studies course material.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading and writing practice.
- Worked with administrators on learner behavioral issues to support needs of students.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth in both content areas.
- Utilized Instructional Conversations educational training to enhance student-centered focus in learning to reach all students regardless of language, learning abilities, or other educational barriers.
- Authored tests and quizzes to evaluate student learning and comprehension.
- Effectively planned collaboratively with other content teachers and served as Department Chair for Social Studies for several years.
- Monitored comprehension of material among students and created re-teaching strategies to cover gaps in learning indicated by test scores and quizzes. Both formative and summative assessments created and administered to assess both student learning and teacher effectiveness.
- Developed teaching materials to supplement standard curriculum, enhancing learning concepts and promoting student engagement.
- Conducted regular parent-teacher conferences to keep parents informed of student progress.
- Established and supported positive educational environment for student learning.
- Devised lesson plans reflecting student educational, cultural and language diversity.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Promoted cultural awareness within school community by organizing events like multicultural "Culture Fairs" , celebrating diversity among students and staff members alike.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in ELA and Social Studies education and incorporating new strategies into lessons.
- Served as Guidance counselor at Elbert County Comprehensive High School for 2005-2006 school year. Facilitated both school counseling duties as well as mental health counseling needs as necessary.
Mental Health Counselor SSPI
Hart County Mental Health Center
Hartwell, GA
09.1997 - 07.2000
- Implemented and developed counseling programs to meet consumer needs and goals.
- Established safe environment for clients to openly discuss their thoughts, feelings, experiences, and concerns without fear of judgment.
- Built rapport with diverse client populations, utilizing empathetic listening skills and appropriate therapeutic practices.
Customer Representative-Sales and Production
Georgia Memorials, Inc.
Elberton, GA
01.1991 - 01.1997
- Responded to customer calls and faxes to answer questions about products and services.
- Maintained and managed customer files and databases for large granite manufacturing facility.
- Helped large volume of customers every day with positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.
- Resolved concerns with products or services to help with retention and drive sales.
- Managed difficult customer interactions calmly and effectively, reducing escalation levels and maintaining company reputation.
- Cultivated lasting relationships with clients by providing personalized solutions to their needs and concerns.
Social Studies Teacher
Richard B. Russell Middle School
Winder, GA
01.1989 - 06.1989
- Developed instructional aids for classroom use and encouraged student participation.
- Educated students regarding Social Studies concepts and disciplines.
- Established and supported positive educational environment for student learning.
- Completed documentation of attendance, grades, and other required details. Gave assignments, graded work and regularly discussed performance with students.
- Created lesson plans and made adjustments based on overall class performance throughout year.
Education
Education Specialist (Ed.S) - Curriculum And Instruction
Piedmont College
Demorest, GA12.2006
M.Ed - Counseling And Guidance Services (Mental Health )
Clemson University
Clemson, SC12.1997
BS Ed. - Middle School Education ELA And Social Studies
University of Georgia
Athens, GA12.1988
Skills
- Inclusive, compassionate teaching philosophy and teaching experience
- Experience with co-teaching models, and special education IEP planning and support
- Gifted Endorsement and ESOL Certification
- Group and individual teaching , including targeted intensive work with students with specific needs, 504 plans, ESOL planning and other required interventions
- Effective verbal and written communication with all stakeholders in educational environments
- Literacy focus in ELA and Social Studies
- Organization and Time management skill sets
- Supervision of approximately 100 students each year
- Hosted 20 student practicum and student teaching experiences for Emmanuel University and local high school Teacher Cadets
- MS Office and Google Suite proficient
- Good listening skills and effective troubleshooting skills for behavior interventions
- Well versed in data collection and analysis used for targeted instruction, remediation, and enrichment as needed
- Life-long learner with interest in new, emerging technologies such as AI to incorporate/embed into planning for effective learning
Accomplishments
- State of Georgia Level 6 Educator for academic years 2006-2024.
- Trauma-Informed Educator
- Committee member for Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) team at Elbert County Middle School from 2016-2022.
- Integral member of School Improvement Leadership Team for four terms.
- Elbert County Middle School Geography Bee Coordinator for 10 years.
- School Council Member for three years.
- Received proficient ratings on TKES evaluation system
Affiliations
- Georgia Association of Educators
- Palmetto State Teacher Association
- Instructional Conversations Institute Alumnus UGA
Timeline
ELA and Social Studies Teacher-Guidance Counselor
Elbert County Middle School
08.2000 - 05.2024
Mental Health Counselor SSPI
Hart County Mental Health Center
09.1997 - 07.2000
Customer Representative-Sales and Production
Georgia Memorials, Inc.
01.1991 - 01.1997
Social Studies Teacher
Richard B. Russell Middle School
01.1989 - 06.1989
Education Specialist (Ed.S) - Curriculum And Instruction
Piedmont College
M.Ed - Counseling And Guidance Services (Mental Health )
Clemson University
BS Ed. - Middle School Education ELA And Social Studies
University of Georgia