Natasha Clifton
LaVergne, TN
Summary
Relationship-driven Dean of Students focused on maximizing student learning by developing positive student culture and structured, supportive environments. Excellent disciplinarian with compassionate, analytical approach to addressing and solving behavior issues. Initiates creative collaborative ideas to problem solve and enhance learning outcomes. Committed to creating an inclusive educational environment where all students can excel academically and socially.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Dean of Students
Cane Ridge High School
07.2022 - Current
- Lead student attendance and discipline initiatives, driving behavioral improvements and fostering engagement.
- Utilize data-driven approaches to identify areas for improvement in attendance and disciplinary practices.
- Guide teachers in creating positive learning environments for students while promoting personal growth, both academically and socially.
Mathematics Instructor
Cane Ridge High School
08.2008 - 07.2022
- Develop and implement diverse teaching strategies for 280 students across six classes, enhancing comprehension and academic performance in mathematics.
- Foster positive relationships with students, parents, and staff while serving as Math department chair and National Honor Society sponsor.
- Prepare students for state-wide standardized tests through targeted coaching and a comprehensive review of test materials.
- Championed multifaceted leadership roles, including volleyball coach, Pep Club sponsor, Academy of Law and Freshman Academy Team leader, while fostering holistic student development.
Mathematics Instructor
Antioch Freshman Academy
08.2006 - 05.2008
- Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
- Participated in ongoing staff training sessions.
- Observed and assessed student performance and kept thorough records of progress.
- Established positive relationship with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators.
- Coached students and reviewed test material in preparation for Gateway state-wide standardized test.
- AVID site team mathematics instructor.
Mathematics Instructor
Crane Technical Preparatory High School
09.1998 - 06.2006
- Instructed through lectures, discussions and demonstrations in Algebra 1, Geometry, and Trigonometry.
- Served on various committees and projects including leadership team, graduation and prom coordinator, volleyball coach, and academic pep rally coordinator.
- Trained and participated in Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) coordinator role and mathematics strategies.
International Banking Accountant
Continental Bank
08.1992 - 04.1997
Education
Master of Arts - Education
St. Xavier University
Chicago, IL, USABachelor of Science - Accounting
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, FL, USAEd. S. - Higher Education in Administration & Supervision
Middle Tennessee State University
Murfreesboro, TN, USAEd. S. - Educational Leadership
Lipscomb University
Nashville, TN, USASkills
- Mathematics
- Leadership
- Communication
- Coaching
- Adaptability
- Problem Solving
- Conflict Resolution
- Data Analysis
- Organizational Skills
- Student engagement
- Multi-tiered support systems
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Student development
Accomplishments
- Designed and launched the We C You 2-flag mentoring campaign for 33 students, coordinating 21 teacher mentors and tracking weekly attendance and course averages in Excel. 2nd quarter outcomes included 39.4% of students improving attendance, 27.3% improving grades.
- Created schoolwide visual systems that clarified expectations for students and staff, reducing confusion and increasing consistency across classrooms and transition times.
- Designed and facilitated an academy-wide professional learning retreat that increased collaboration through goal setting, structured team-building, digital team calendaring, student incentive coordination, and identified commitments and supports.
Timeline
Dean of Students
Cane Ridge High School
07.2022 - Current
Mathematics Instructor
Cane Ridge High School
08.2008 - 07.2022
Mathematics Instructor
Antioch Freshman Academy
08.2006 - 05.2008
Mathematics Instructor
Crane Technical Preparatory High School
09.1998 - 06.2006
International Banking Accountant
Continental Bank
08.1992 - 04.1997
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Florida A&M University
Master of Arts - Education
St. Xavier University
Ed. S. - Higher Education in Administration & Supervision
Middle Tennessee State University
Ed. S. - Educational Leadership
Lipscomb University
Accomplishments
- Certified in Administration and Supervision and Mathematics
- Named "Teacher of the Year" in 2015
- Serves as Team Leader for the Academy of Law and Freshman Team since 2010
- Conceptualized and implemented school-wide Pi-Day celebrations, Freshman Academy Town Halls, Academy Attendance Golden ticket incentives
- Conducted a professional development workshop in "Creating Successful Academies" for the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) in October, 2015
- Served on Metro Nashville Public School's District Math Content Council 2016-17