Samantha Wheeler
Zuni
Summary
Dynamic educator with 15 years of a proven track record at Broward County Public Schools, excelling in technology integration and project-based learning. Recognized for fostering student engagement and motivation, while implementing structured curricula that enhance critical thinking. Adept at mentoring peers and creating impactful instructional materials, driving academic success and enriching student experiences. Strong organizational skills allow for effective management of multiple grade levels and curriculums simultaneously.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher (Journalism 2/Yearbook)
Broward County Public Schools, Indian Ridge Middle
08.2017 - Current
- Developed and implemented a Journalism 2 (Yearbook) program in alignment with feeder high school, including writing of midterm and final exam.
- Instituted journalistic ethics and curriculum at a middle school classroom level for the creation of a 248 page annual publication.
- Facilitated group membership in the Florida Scholastic Press Association, allowing professional development opportunities for students at state and district conventions, resulting in several awards over multiple years.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Organized and led educational field trips that complemented classroom learning, broadening students' real-world understanding, including industry workshops and Disney's Imagination Campus.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
Instructor
Balfour Yearbooks
06.2024 - Current
- Mentored new teachers, sharing valuable insights and strategies for classroom success.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching effectiveness.
- Led professional development sessions for faculty, introducing innovative teaching tools and methodologies.
Teacher (Creative Arts)
Broward County Public Schools, Indian Ridge Middle
08.2019 - Current
- Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive learning technologies into lesson plans.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- 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.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
Teacher (Journalism 1)
Broward County Public Schools, Indian Ridge MIddle
08.2018 - Current
- Developed and implemented a Journalism 1 program from the ground up, including textbook adoption, online program development, and group membership in the Florida Scholastic Press Association.
- Instituted journalistic ethics and curriculum at a middle school classroom level for the creation of a monthly publication
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Facilitated the collaboration with feeder high school to initiate high school credit option, including writing of midterm and final exam.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Organized and led educational field trips that complemented classroom learning, broadening students' real-world understanding.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
Teacher (Language Arts)
Broward County Public Schools, Indian Ridge Middle
01.2017 - 06.2022
- 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.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Evaluated students' understanding of course material through examinations and in-depth essay writing.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
- Enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning.
Assistant Supervisor (Summer Camp)
City of Sunrise Leisure Services
06.2016 - 08.2017
- Managed daily tasks, delegating responsibilities effectively to optimize team resources.
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain a positive work environment.
- Organized and submitted materials for field trips, food services, and in house demonstrations.
- Addressed employee concerns promptly and professionally, maintaining high levels of job satisfaction among team members.
- Worked closely with other supervisors to create a cohesive, high-performing team that consistently met student needs.
- Facilitated positive relationships with parents and students
Teacher (Language Arts/Reading/Social Studies)
Broward County Public Schools, Sunrise Middle
08.2011 - 06.2017
- Implemented philosophies of Montessori classroom including teacher as a facilitator, project based learning, and classroom community roles.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
- Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading programs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii12-2009
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ12-2004
Skills
- Effective verbal communication
- Confident speaking abilities
- Engaging presentation style
- Instructional materials creation
- Online teaching experience
- Technology integration
- Project-based learning implementation
- Student data organization
- Structured curriculum presentation
- Team collaboration
- Creative instruction style
- Student motivation and engagement
Accomplishments
- Received commendation from the State of Florida as a highly effective teacher for
Certification
- Certified K-6 Elementary Education, 5-9 Social Studies, 6-12 Language Arts, Gifted Endorsed
Timeline
Instructor
Balfour Yearbooks
06.2024 - Current
Teacher (Creative Arts)
Broward County Public Schools, Indian Ridge Middle
08.2019 - Current
Teacher (Journalism 1)
Broward County Public Schools, Indian Ridge MIddle
08.2018 - Current
Teacher (Journalism 2/Yearbook)
Broward County Public Schools, Indian Ridge Middle
08.2017 - Current
Teacher (Language Arts)
Broward County Public Schools, Indian Ridge Middle
01.2017 - 06.2022
Assistant Supervisor (Summer Camp)
City of Sunrise Leisure Services
06.2016 - 08.2017
Teacher (Language Arts/Reading/Social Studies)
Broward County Public Schools, Sunrise Middle
08.2011 - 06.2017
Master of Arts - Education
Chaminade University of Honolulu
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Rowan University
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