Phoenix Sunshine
Rock Hill,SC
Summary
Strategic educator with expertise in developing engaging curricula and delivering impactful presentations for diverse audiences. Demonstrates high productivity through efficient planning and execution, consistently meeting deadlines. Leverages empathetic listening and clear communication to foster inclusive learning environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Art & Marketing Teacher
Lancaster County School District
Lancaster , SC
08.2025 - Current
- Instructed students on effective use of Adobe Creative Suite to create compelling marketing visuals, improving their design skills.
- Integrated interactive tools like games and quizzes into lessons, enhancing student engagement and participation.
- Facilitated leadership development and artistic expression in FBLA and NAHS, fostering student creativity and confidence.
Owner & Founder
Estrella Creates, LLC
Goodyear, AZ
10.2016 - Current
- Established partnerships with vendors to enhance service offerings for clients.
- Collaborated with clients to understand their vision and needs effectively.
- Implemented feedback systems to improve client satisfaction and service quality.
- Oversaw budgeting processes to optimize resource allocation for projects.
- Conducted market research to identify trends and inform strategic decisions.
- Facilitated drawing, art, and writing classes for diverse groups to enhance creative skills.
- Vendor - Maricopa County & Pima County, offering art-based STEM workshops at the various 27 Pima County Public Libraries
- Learning kits for Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston, SC and other museums, schools & learning organizations
- Participated in The Creative Exchange, dedicating 2 hours to promote kindness, community, and creativity.
Program Graduate & Goodyear HUUB Member
ASU Startup School & Innovation HUB
Goodyear, AZ
09.2016 - Current
- Re-designed and re-launched business to improve market presence and engagement.
- Participated in Goodyear Entrepreneur HUUB events to collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs and share insights.
- Attended workshops to enhance entrepreneurial skills and network with peers.
- Grant recipient
Substitute Teacher
Kelly Educational Services
Camden, South Carolina
10.2024 - 06.2025
- Delivered K-12 instruction in English, art, and business/marketing/technology/computing across multiple districts through ESI, ESS, and Kelly Services.
- Delivered engaging lessons to diverse groups of students.
- Managed classroom behavior and maintained a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with teachers to implement lesson plans effectively.
Teacher
Charleston County School District
Charleston, SC
08.2019 - 06.2022
- High School Art Teacher, Middle School Art Teacher, High School English Teacher, Read 180 Teacher, Facilitated NJAHS meetings to inspire student participation in art activities.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student groups.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum and teaching methods.
Teacher
Berkeley County School District
Moncks Corner, SC
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Middle School Art Teacher
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards, fostering student creativity and critical thinking.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to cultivate a positive learning environment, enhancing student participation.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance instructional practices and share resources, improving overall teaching effectiveness.
Teacher
Dysart Unified School District
Surprise, AZ
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Designed and delivered engaging art lessons for K-8 students, fostering creativity and artistic expression
- Developed lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to enhance student engagement.
- Assessed student performance and provided constructive feedback.
Owner & Founder
Abstractions, LLC
06.1993 - 06.2016
- Owned and operated frame shop, focusing on quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction, 1993 - 2005
- Led creative consultancy at Center of Creative Expression, providing workshops and professional development to empower educators and artists in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, 2000 - 2007
- Conducted cultural sensitivity training workshops for corporate clients to enhance workplace inclusivity.
- Linked knowledge, experience, and creativity to develop unique solutions for organizations facing challenges
Assistant Professor
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI
08.2000 - 06.2005
- Assistant Professor in the School of Education
- Delivered courses in qualitative research, pedagogical methods and curriculum design, equipping students with essential skills for effective teaching.
- Guided doctoral students in research and academic progress, fostering their professional development and scholarly contributions.
- Developed a methods course entitled Integrating Art Throughout the Curriculum to improve instructional strategies.
- Served on Technology, Museum Education, Service Learning & Teacher Education Re-Design Committees to enhance program development and curriculum integration.
Assistant Professor
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
08.1998 - 06.1999
- Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction
- Developed engaging course materials for undergraduate and graduate students.
- Instructed students across multiple subjects, managing a full load of courses as an adjunct instructor to enhance student learning and engagement.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to encourage critical thinking and student participation.
- Advised students on academic pathways and career opportunities in their fields.
Research Fellow & Adjunct Instructor
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY
08.1991 - 05.1998
- Designed and conducted experiments to explore innovative research topics.
- Collaborated with faculty on interdisciplinary research projects and initiatives.
- Analyzed data using statistical software to support research findings.
- Delivered courses in curriculum and instruction, introduction to business, grant writing, and business plans, fostering student engagement and knowledge acquisition
Assistant Principal Intern
Oceanside Middle School
Oceanside, NY
08.1996 - 06.1997
- Implemented communication strategies among administrators, parents, teachers, and students to strengthen relationships and support student success.
- Managed daily school operations and logistical needs, ensuring smooth functioning of the school environment.
- Administered buses, dismissal, and school operations in the absence of the principal.
- Assisted with the coordination of professional development sessions for staff members.
- Supervised Fine Arts & CTE Department, facilitating department meetings and conducting teacher observations to enhance instructional quality.
- Organized schedules for 10 security aides to ensure adequate coverage
Teacher
NYC Schools
New York, NY
12.1987 - 06.1993
- Taught 5th Grade, JHS Writing, Science, Math, Creative Writing, Social Studies and 9th Grade English
- Assistant Principal Intern responsible for Chapter 1 Compliance, Testing Coordinator, administrator for the master schedule and 7th Grade Assistant Dean of Students.
- Contributed to School Improvement Committee to enhance educational strategies and student outcomes
- Acted as liaison for School/Community Relations to strengthen partnerships and communication
- Program Coordinator for Spelling Bee and Oratorical Programs
- Coordinated and managed volunteers for school events to foster community engagement and support to serve as a board member
- Spearheaded the creation of several community gardens from fund raising, obtaining permits for land use and planting the gardens
ESL Instructor
Queensborough Community College
Queens, NY
09.1986 - 12.1987
- Delivered basic English, GED, and ESL instruction to adult learners, fostering language acquisition and academic development.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student backgrounds.
- Facilitated conversation practice sessions to improve language fluency.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback.
ESL Instructor
Consortium for Worker Education
New York, NY
09.1985 - 12.1987
- Conducted ESL classes for adults from diverse backgrounds in various settings, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Designed interactive lesson plans tailored to the needs of diverse English language learners, promoting effective language acquisition.
- Facilitated interactive classroom activities that encouraged participation and collaboration among learners, enhancing language skills.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback sessions.
Education
MBA - Entrepreneurship
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI01-2005
EdD - Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NY01-1998
MS - Adult Education
Fordham University
New York, NY01-1988
Skills
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Marketing strategy
- Curriculum development
- Lesson planning
- Project management
- Partnership development
- Data analysis
Certification
Secondary Teacher - English, art, business/technology/marketing/computing, Teacher - K-8 Teacher, Middle Level ELA, K-8 Principal, Superintendent, Certified Professional Trainer - National Academy of Sports Medicine, Group Fitness Instructor - Athletics and Fitness Association of America
Volunteer
- National Writing Project, The Citadel, Summer 2022 - Graduate English courses for the facilitation of summer writing camp for K-5 students
- Future Business Leader of America Chapter Advisor
- National Art Honor Society Chapter Advisor
- Voter Member for Home Owners Association, 2016 - 2026
Timeline
Art & Marketing Teacher
Lancaster County School District
08.2025 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Kelly Educational Services
10.2024 - 06.2025
Teacher
Charleston County School District
08.2019 - 06.2022
Teacher
Berkeley County School District
08.2017 - 06.2018
Teacher
Dysart Unified School District
08.2017 - 06.2018
Owner & Founder
Estrella Creates, LLC
10.2016 - Current
Program Graduate & Goodyear HUUB Member
ASU Startup School & Innovation HUB
09.2016 - Current
Assistant Professor
Marquette University
08.2000 - 06.2005
Assistant Professor
Hofstra University
08.1998 - 06.1999
Assistant Principal Intern
Oceanside Middle School
08.1996 - 06.1997
Owner & Founder
Abstractions, LLC
06.1993 - 06.2016
Research Fellow & Adjunct Instructor
Hofstra University
08.1991 - 05.1998
Teacher
NYC Schools
12.1987 - 06.1993
ESL Instructor
Queensborough Community College
09.1986 - 12.1987
ESL Instructor
Consortium for Worker Education
09.1985 - 12.1987
MBA - Entrepreneurship
Marquette University
EdD - Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Hofstra University
MS - Adult Education
Fordham University