Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Pamela Lawson

TIA Designated Exemplary Teacher
Arlington,TX

Summary

Educational professional with proven track record in delivering high-quality English Language Arts and Reading instruction. Adept at creating interactive and challenging curriculum to enhance student learning. Recognized for collaboration and reliability, with talent for adapting to changing educational needs. Proficient in lesson planning, classroom management, and student engagement.

Overview

37
37
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications

Work History

English I & College Prep English Teacher

Newman International Academy
08.2021 - Current
  • Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving literacy rates by participating in professional development opportunities related to best practices in ELAR instruction.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • English I: Q1 = Study of short stories and narrative writing
  • English I: Q2 = Study of dramatic literature including Romeo and Juliet and argumentative writing
  • English I: Q3 = Novel study of To Kill a Mockingbird and research paper
  • English I: Q4 = Novel study of To Kill a Mockingbird and personal correspondence
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies that catered to students' varying abilities, ensuring each learner's success.
  • Increased student engagement and participation through the implementation of interactive group projects and activities.
  • Annually trained as a Texas College Bridge teacher to assist seniors in preparing for college.
  • College Prep English: Managed students' progress in Texas College Bridge, senior international paper, and senior international power point presentation.

Academic Dean and Teacher

Cornerstone Christian Academy
08.2019 - 07.2021
    • Streamlined administrative processes by developing efficient systems for scheduling and maintaining grades using Skyward.
    • Executed audit system for graduation requirements for students.
    • Partnered with ACT and SAT to provide testing on-campus.
    • Coordinated and supervised academic advising activities including dual credit courses through Weatherford College and Dallas Baptist University.
    • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings including SMU Meadows Art Museum - Spanish art for Spanish classes; Spanish Club Coat Drive for local charity; Senior Sunrise and Senior Retreat to Fredericksburg, TX; Volunteer experience for students at Mission Granbury; and College visit to Howard Payne University.
    • Guided students through college application process, increasing number of students accepted into their first-choice institutions.
    • Supervised students through scholarship application process.

Academic Guidance Counselor

St. Paul's Preparatory Academy
08.2015 - 06.2019
  • Coordinated extracurricular activities as Student Council Sponsor that fostered a sense of community and belonging among students, promoting a positive school culture such as Homecoming activities and Prom.
  • Chaperoned senior trips to Washington, D.C.
  • Organized and chaperoned students on college trips such as College of the Ozarks and Evangel University in Missouri, UTA, Hardin Simmons, University of Mary Hardin Baylor, Baylor, and Dallas Baptist University.
  • Provided support to families by connecting them with relevant resources and guiding them through the college application process.
  • Conducted presentations at parent meetings, providing information on available resources and strategies for supporting student success.
  • Assisted students in setting realistic goals, creating action plans, and tracking their achievements.

Teacher

St. Paul's Preparatory Academy
08.1999 - 05.2015
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Organized and chaperoned class trips such as 9th grade trip to Houston and 10th grade trip to San Antonio.
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings such as the Dallas Holocaust Museum, SMU Meadows Art Museum, school performances at Bass Hall in Fort Worth and Texas Hall in Arlington.

1st Grade: Reading Recovery Teacher

Fort Worth ISD
08.1994 - 07.1998
  • Evaluated student progress regularly, adjusting instructional techniques to maximize learning outcomes.
  • Increased student literacy by implementing Reading Recovery strategies and individualized instruction plans.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on the latest research-based teaching methods in the field of literacy education.
  • Enhanced students' writing skills by providing explicit instruction and constructive feedback on their written work.
  • Reduced the achievement gap for struggling readers by providing intensive one-on-one support and targeted interventions.

2nd Grade Teacher: Self-contained Classroom

Ft Worth ISD
01.1993 - 03.1994
  • Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students.
  • Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
  • Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
  • Incorporated hands-on activities and interactive games into lessons, stimulating student interest and engagement in course materials including student performance of music and drama for Martin Luther King Remembrance.
  • Taught core subjects of reading, math, science, and social studies as well as P.E., music, and art.
  • Maintained student writing portfolios to monitor learning progress.

6th Grade Teacher: Self-contained Classroom

Everman ISD
11.1987 - 06.1989
  • Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into lesson plans such as researching, organizing, and conducting a health fair as well as studying, rehearsing, creating costumes and backdrops for drama performance at PTA meeting,
  • Utilized various assessment methods to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly throughout the school year.
  • Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.

Education

Ed. D. - Educational Leadership

Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, TX
09.2012 - 12.2016

M. Ed. - Reading/ESL

Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, TX
06.2011 - 08.2012

Bachelor of Arts - Education

Texas Wesleyan University
Fort Worth, TX
08.1984 - 12.1987

Skills

Writing instruction including narrative writing, argumentative writing, research writing, and personal correspondence

Project-based learning to develop reading comprehension, writing fluency, team building, and creativity

Researched based instructional strategies

Team collaboration regarding instructional strategies to increase student learning and student engagement

Adaptability and flexibility in teaching and using new technology such as Membean, IXL, and Texas College Bridge

Team collaboration regarding instructional strategies to increase student learning and student engagement

Certification

Texas Teacher Certificate

Timeline

English I & College Prep English Teacher

Newman International Academy
08.2021 - Current

Academic Dean and Teacher

Cornerstone Christian Academy
08.2019 - 07.2021

Academic Guidance Counselor

St. Paul's Preparatory Academy
08.2015 - 06.2019

Ed. D. - Educational Leadership

Dallas Baptist University
09.2012 - 12.2016

M. Ed. - Reading/ESL

Dallas Baptist University
06.2011 - 08.2012

Teacher

St. Paul's Preparatory Academy
08.1999 - 05.2015

1st Grade: Reading Recovery Teacher

Fort Worth ISD
08.1994 - 07.1998

2nd Grade Teacher: Self-contained Classroom

Ft Worth ISD
01.1993 - 03.1994

6th Grade Teacher: Self-contained Classroom

Everman ISD
11.1987 - 06.1989

Bachelor of Arts - Education

Texas Wesleyan University
08.1984 - 12.1987
Pamela LawsonTIA Designated Exemplary Teacher