RENATA L. JAMES
Dover,DE
Summary
Innovative and strategic leader with 21 years of experience in education, leadership, organizational transformation, and advocacy. Proven record of maximizing the effectiveness of educational programs through well-researched best practices and skillful development. Accomplished in driving key initiatives and promoting success by fostering an equitable, well-balanced, and supportive learning atmosphere. Demonstrated commitment and leadership ability to advance diversity, inclusion, and achievement. Will bring effective evaluation, problem-solving, relationship building skills, and collaboration to deliver high-performance and a culture of excellence.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Dept. of Servs. for Children, Youth and Families
Wilmington, DE
08.2023 - Current
- Assisted in the development of IEP goals based on data analysis.
- Implemented behavior management systems that promote positive behaviors.
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.
- Solved student behavioral issues according to building expectations and codes of conduct.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Monitored the educational progress of each student according to established timelines.
Adjunct Professor
Delaware State University
08.2021 - Current
- Prepare and deliver relevant curriculum to students using a variety of teaching methods to include, but not limited to, lecture, class discussion, simulations and projects.
Instructional Coach and English Teacher
Capital School District
Dover, DE
08.2019 - 08.2023
- Plan and provide training and professional learning to support teachers on lesson planning, content development, instructional delivery, and performance assessment
- Mentored new or struggling teachers by offering constructive advice about pedagogical approaches.
- Provided guidance on how best practices can be applied within diverse cultural contexts.
- Provided professional development to teachers and administrators on instructional strategies, best practices, and implementation of curriculum.
- Served as a resource person for faculty members seeking information about curriculum development processes.
- Observed classrooms to provide feedback to teachers regarding their teaching methods and classroom management techniques.
- Organized extra-curricular activities, such as poetry writing competitions and debates related to the study of English literature.
- Created and used rubrics to assess student learning.
- Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
- Integrated media content in class to improve listening skill, speaking skill and vocabulary.
- Advised students to read topics or materials reflecting personal interests to encourage regular reading.
- Guided students to write for varied purposes and audiences to develop writing skills.
- Integrated technology into classroom settings to engage students and diversify instruction.
Middle School English Teacher
Campus Community Charter School
Dover, DE
08.2013 - 08.2019
- Designed and implemented curriculum and assessments that aligned with educational best practices, Common Core Standards and the school's instructional guidelines
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Encouraged student critical thinking and discussion using variety of teaching techniques.
- Engaged in collaborative planning sessions with colleagues in order to design effective curricula for various grade levels.
- Engaged students and boosted understanding of material using focused instructional strategies and hands-on activities.
- Assisted in developing evaluation tools such as rubrics or checklists for assessing student work.
Mediation/Diversion Supervisor
Kent County Family Court
Dover, DE
10.2011 - 08.2013
- Supervised court mediators and assigned cases to maintain efficiency
- Maintained operating schedules to provide effective coverage for key areas and achieve objectives.
- Utilized document management system to organize company files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
Program Director
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dover
Dover, DE
04.2006 - 01.2012
- Developed and implemented guidelines and policies
- Managed budgeting processes, including creating forecasts and tracking expenses.
- Facilitated staff meetings and educational work sessions to strengthen staff competencies.
- Administered budgets and monitored expenditures to keep program operations aligned with budget targets.
- Created and implemented new programming ideas to keep the club growing.
- Hired and developed staff members to collaboratively achieve program goals.
Education
M.Ed. - Education Studies
Wilmington University
01.2017
B.A. - Humanities
New York University
01.2000
Skills
- Curriculum Development
- Policy Development & Compliance
- Instructional Strategies
- Inclusive Education
- Professional Development & Coaching
- Program Assessment & Evaluation
- Database Management
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports
- Strategic Planning and Goal Setting
- Technology Integration
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Interpersonal Communication
- Language & Literacy
- Classroom Management
- Multidisciplinary Collaboration
- Differentiated Instruction
- Group and Individual Instruction
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Dept. of Servs. for Children, Youth and Families
08.2023 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Delaware State University
08.2021 - Current
Instructional Coach and English Teacher
Capital School District
08.2019 - 08.2023
Middle School English Teacher
Campus Community Charter School
08.2013 - 08.2019
Mediation/Diversion Supervisor
Kent County Family Court
10.2011 - 08.2013
Program Director
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dover
04.2006 - 01.2012
M.Ed. - Education Studies
Wilmington University
B.A. - Humanities
New York University
Certifications Trainings
- Valid and current teaching license and certification (Delaware)
- Delaware Department of Education Secondary ELA Acceleration Program (2022)
- Delaware Writing Project (2019-2020)
- Lucy Calkins Reading & Writing Project at the Teachers College/Columbia University (2018)
- Responsive Classroom (2016, 2018)
Professional Highlights
- Instrumental in analyzing and evaluating assessment data to identify needs, develop action plans, and implement curriculum tailored to individual learners.
- Known as an advocate for diverse student populations, driving attainment of educational goals through understanding and commitment to academic mission and learner success.
- Advocated with the school district to implement House Bill 198 to implement a curriculum on African American history for students in grades K through 12.
- Facilitated collaborative initiatives and form partnerships with academic and support units to advance teaching pedagogy.
- Partnered with faculty and academic leadership team to design, develop, and implement professional programming, establishing, and promoting a professional environment and culture with focus on ensuring educational equity.
References
References available upon request.
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