Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Languages
Certification
Generic

Sandra Ayivor

Morgantown,WV

Summary

Experienced academic professional with strong background in teaching, research, curriculum development, and mentoring. Known for fostering collaboration and achieving measurable results through innovative instructional strategies and effective communication. Skilled in engaging students, developing comprehensive lesson plans, and adapting to evolving educational needs. Dependable and resourceful, with focus on enhancing learning outcomes and contributing to academic community.


Overview

14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Graduate Research Assistant

West Virginia University
08.2023 - Current
  • Provide support for student success through mentorship to first and second-year fellows of a $5.2m grant-funded program (Mountaineer School-based Mental Health Fellows program), ensuring a 100% graduation rate of fellows in 2024.
  • Facilitate information sessions that led to 50% more recruitment of new Fellows in Fall 2024.
  • Coordinate monthly professional development sessions for 12 Grant Fellows and all stakeholders.
  • Support the Grant Fellows program through research activities.
  • Participate in regular meetings with project supervisors, providing progress updates and discussing potential challenges or areas for improvement.

Research Assistant

West Virginia University
06.2023 - 06.2024
  • Streamlined Botvin LifeSkills Training data entry processes for six selected West Virginia counties to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
  • Designed and developed a comprehensive codebook to organize and standardize dataset variables.
  • Customized research instruments to capture nuanced data better, enriching the depth of research analysis.
  • Translated research findings into actionable recommendations, influencing policy and practice.
  • Conducted in-depth data analysis and generated insights using SPSS, enhancing decision-making processes.

Special Assistant to the Vice President

West Virginia University
06.2022 - 06.2023
  • Assisted in developing organizational policies and procedures by researching and analyzing best practices.
  • Contributed to a positive office environment by maintaining professionalism, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills, and fostering collaboration among team members.
  • Managed approximately 35 incoming calls per day from clients
  • Evaluated the DDEI webpage for relevance
  • Researched, reviewed, and updated student handbook

Instructor

West Virginia University
09.2021 - 05.2023
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques for 35 students in each class.
  • Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
  • Designed and developed course materials, syllabi, lesson plans, and assessments.
  • Delivered in-person and online lectures, presentations, and demonstrations for pre-service teachers and graduate students.
  • Facilitated class discussions and activities.
  • Maintained a conducive and inclusive learning environment.
  • Applied various teaching methods to accommodate students' learning styles.
  • Administered assessments, graded assignments, and provided constructive feedback.
  • Offered academic support and guidance to students.
  • Held regular office hours for one-on-one consultation.
  • Attended conferences with a couple of students for professional development.

Graduate Assistant

West Virginia University
08.2020 - 05.2022
  • Assisted supervisor with research on sexism in higher education by gathering primary and secondary sources, conducting research by surveying 25 students, and writing literature reviews.
  • Managed administrative tasks such as grading, scheduling, and record-keeping to ensure smooth operations within academic departments.
  • Served as a liaison between faculty members and students for addressing concerns or issues related to coursework or academic policies.
  • Assisted the department with research on White privilege and college students.
  • Served as a member of the APLU project at the initiating stages.
  • Supported the department with administrative and other miscellaneous duties.

Summer Conference Assistant

West Virginia University
06.2021 - 08.2021
  • Coordinated the registration procedures that ensured each guest received keys to the room, filed all safety forms, and handed out itineraries for 80-100 guests per week.
  • Ensured adherence to safety protocols during conferences by conducting regular checks on emergency exits and equipment functionality.
  • Coordinated catering services for various events, ensuring timely delivery and excellent quality of refreshments.
  • Attended to residents' needs for their duration of stay.
  • Assisted in the inspection of residence halls to note needed repairs and report concerns appropriately.
  • Maintained building security at all times and reported any violations to the Conference Service Program Manager or Project Coordinator.

Graduate Assistant

University of West Florida
01.2020 - 08.2020
    • Assisted with facilitating a master's course (i.e., The Principalship).
    • Prepared field binders for 40 students in the Principalship course for the practicum.
    • Assisted with preparing five manuscripts for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.
    • Conducted research-related activities such as literature review and annotated bibliography geared towards research publications.

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of West Florida
08.2016 - 12.2019
  • Assisted with face-to-face and synchronous online course facilitation for four courses.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through open communication channels, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
  • Performed shell editing on eLearning and Canvas and coordinated student correspondence for the following courses: Social Justice, Inequalities, and Power: A Global Overview, Qualitative II, Doctoral Seminar I, Theories of Administration and Leadership.
  • Proctored tests, graded assignments, and provided feedback to 25 students according to university standards.
  • Reviewed and modified curricula for the College of Education.

Graduate Assistant

University of West Florida
08.2016 - 12.2019
  • Advanced the quality of dissertations by assessing and providing recommendations to doctorate students.
  • Accelerated the timely graduation of 45 doctoral students within three years.
  • Provided APA writing, formatting, and referencing support to 40 graduate students.
  • Coordinated, assessed, and compiled team reviews of over 100 student manuscripts.
  • Conducted relevant research and gathered valuable resources for faculty members' ongoing projects and publications.

Research Assistant

University of West Florida
08.2017 - 05.2019
  • Conducted field research in six K-12 public schools by collecting and analyzing quantitative data to evaluate the incorporation of STEAM disciplines.
  • Analyzed research data, drafted reports, and responded to ad-hoc queries on the STEAM project.
  • Spearheaded the Observer XT software training for college and graduate students.
  • Promoted the use of quantitative observations for data collection among K-12 students.

International Student Orientation Assistant

University of West Florida
08.2017 - 01.2018
  • Developed problem-solving abilities by promptly addressing complex student issues or concerns while maintaining professionalism.
  • Coordinated and led group campus tours of up to 25 students and parents.
  • Supported new students with enrollment, course selection, and campus resources to ensure a smooth transition into college life.
  • Inspired new international students to remain with the institution.
  • Cultivated a welcoming culture among new students on campus.
  • Served as a touring guide to new students around the UWF campus.

Camp Counselor, Argo Kids Camp

University of West Florida
05.2017 - 08.2017
    • Worked with children of varying age, interest, skill, and developmental levels.
    • Assisted the Camp Director with leading, planning, preparing, and supervising activities.
    • Ensured camper safety by enforcing camp rules, supervising group activities, and responding promptly to incidents or concerns.
    • Executed camp program operations and teaching activities and met the needs and interests of the 15 camp participants.
    • Facilitated smooth program operations that were responsive to participants' needs.
    • Acted as a positive role model, demonstrating strong leadership skills and exemplifying the camp''s core values.

Administrative Manager

The Local Churches in Ghana Office
11.2010 - 07.2016
    • Provided exceptional administrative support for executive-level staff, ensuring that their needs were met promptly and accurately in order to facilitate smooth daily operations.
    • Facilitated quarterly business meetings of the organization across West Africa and directed the activities of a diverse team of 19 employees in the local organization.
    • Delivered economically efficient conferences and training sessions for participants from West Africa, Europe, and North America.
    • Revamped the organization's manuscript publication department (i.e., Ministry of Life Publishers).
    • Pioneered the organization's music production department, leading to two album productions in 2013 and 2015.

Education

Ph.D. - Higher Education

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
05-2025

Master of Arts - Education (Secondary Social Studies Certification)

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
05-2025

Graduate Certificate - Women And Gender Studies

West Virginia University
Morgantown, WV
05-2025

Doctor of Education - C & I: Administration And Leadership Studies

The University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL
08-2020

Master of Arts - International Studies

Ohio University
Athens, OH
03-2009

Bachelor of Arts - History And Study of Religions

University of Ghana
Legon, Accra
03-2003

Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Academic writing and presentation
  • Course and curriculum development
  • Peer reviews
  • Self-directed and motivated
  • Research and analysis
  • Mentoring
  • Teaching strategies
  • Diversity awareness
  • Pedagogical skills
  • Course planning

Affiliations

  • National Council for the Social Studies
  • American Educational Research Association (AERA)
  • American Association of University Women
  • Mid-western Educational Research Association (MWERA)
  • Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Elementary

Certification

Women and Gender Studies Graduate Certificate

Secondary Social Studies Teaching Certificate

Sandra Ayivor