Phyllis E. Foster

I began working as a SPED Teacher at Beach High School one month before the March 2020 Covid-19 lockdown. While working virtually, I received extensive training by my department head. Once we returned back to the school building, I co-taught very small classes due to few students returning to in-person school. In the summer of 2020, I transferred to Johnson High School where I had taught for 4 years before getting transferred to Beach due to a decrease in student population at Johnson. At Johnson, I continued doing SPED until I retired June 2022. Below are listed some of my duties:

• Collaborated with other teachers and support staff to provide a comprehensive educational experience for all students.
• Fostered an inclusive classroom environment where all students felt valued and respected regardless of their abilities or differences.
• Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
• Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
• Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
• Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.

When I began at Beach H.S., they were in their 3rd year of the state's "Turn Around" situation. Much training had occurred in the 2 years prior to my arrival and I had much to learn. Fortunately, the Science Department was a great department and they worked patiently with me to catch me up on so many new aspects of all things involved with teaching.

During my 9 years at Beach I taught many science subjects which included Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Biology, Physical Science, Honors Physical Science, Forensic Science, Environmental Science, Earth Science, and AP Chemistry. Several of these classes were successfully co-taught with SPED teachers. I continued collaboration that begin at Johnson H.S. with Marine Science graduate students from Savannah State University who were able to intern within the classroom. Below are listed some of my duties:

• Participated in professional development workshops to stay updated on current research findings and best practices in science education.
• Provided constructive feedback on assignments, helping students improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in science.
• Led after-school tutoring sessions for struggling learners; provided personalized support that contributed to marked improvements in overall understanding of course material.
• Communicated with students and parents regarding academic progress, assignments, and behavior.
• Utilized diverse instructional approaches to accommodate different learning styles.
• Championed a positive classroom culture where questions were encouraged and mistakes viewed as learning opportunities, boosting overall student confidence in their abilities as scientists.
• Developed and executed detailed lesson plans, aligning with state curriculum standards and learning objectives.
• Coordinated with school administration to maintain laboratory safety standards, ensuring secure environment for experiments.
• Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.

I was hired at Johnson H.S. after moving back to Savannah. I'd live in the Atlanta area several years and taught high school science there for 9 years. At Johnson, I taught Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, IB Chemistry, Physical Science, Honors Physical Science and Oceanography. Some of these classes were successfully taught with SPED co-teachers. I was involved in establishing the first PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program. I began collaboration with Marine Science graduate students from Savannah State University who were able to intern within the classroom. The IB Chemistry class had opportunities to do labs in the Chemistry Department at SSU, as well. Some of my duties are listed above in the Beach H.S. description.