Ricki Whidden
Sarasota
Summary
Focused professional passionate about promoting inclusion, critical thinking skills and student development. Skillful in managing classroom environments and student behavior with positive and proactive strategies. Excellent communication, relationship-building and problem-solving abilities.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification
Work History
Classroom Teacher
Imagine Schools
Parrish
01.2026 - Current
- Developed lesson plans aligned with state standards for diverse student needs.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to foster a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance interdisciplinary teaching strategies and curriculum design.
- Utilized educational technology to engage students and support learning objectives.
- Assessed student performance regularly to tailor instruction and provide feedback.
- Organized and facilitated parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and concerns.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and resources for effective teaching.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay updated on educational trends.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress and behavior.
- Managed classroom behavior by developing positive relationships with students while enforcing rules fairly and consistently.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators.
- Worked with parents, administrators, and counselors to develop improvement plans for struggling students.
- Engaged in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices.
- Facilitated small group instruction to accommodate individual learning styles.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and modify instruction accordingly.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and areas for improvement.
- Implemented strategies for differentiating instruction based on student abilities.
- Integrated 21st century skills into daily curriculum to promote creativity.
- Provided guidance for students with special needs, including those with IEPs.
Classroom Teacher
Imagine Schools
Bradenton
10.2024 - 12.2025
VPK Teacher
Capokids
Bradenton
02.2024 - 10.2024
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles and developmental stages.
- Implemented age-appropriate activities to foster social and emotional growth.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's educational and developmental needs.
Classroom Teacher
Manatee County School District
Bradenton
12.2000 - 10.2022
- Developed lesson plans aligning with state standards and student needs.
- Implemented engaging instructional strategies to enhance student learning experiences.
- Facilitated classroom management promoting a positive and respectful environment.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress and classroom activities.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects and assessments.
- Provided individualized support to students with varying academic abilities and needs.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress and behavior.
- Managed classroom behavior by developing positive relationships with students while enforcing rules fairly and consistently.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators.
- Engaged in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices.
- Facilitated small group instruction to accommodate individual learning styles.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and modify instruction accordingly.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Assisted in the organization of school events such as assemblies or school plays.
- Created a safe environment that fostered collaboration among students.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and areas for improvement.
- Integrated 21st century skills into daily curriculum to promote creativity.
- Administered and graded class tests to evaluate student progress and comprehension.
- Developed lessons, activities and materials to cover required course material.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
University of South Florida
Tampa, FL 05.2007 - 12.2010
Master of Science -
National Louis University
Chicago, IL 05.2010 - 12.2010
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
Certification
- ESOL Certified
- Working towards ESE Certification
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Classroom Teacher
Imagine Schools
01.2026 - Current
Classroom Teacher
Imagine Schools
10.2024 - 12.2025
VPK Teacher
Capokids
02.2024 - 10.2024
Master of Science -
National Louis University
05.2010 - 12.2010
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
University of South Florida
05.2007 - 12.2010
Classroom Teacher
Manatee County School District
12.2000 - 10.2022