Samiyyah Blanford
Upper Marlboro,MD
Summary
A highly effective 20 years of experience as an educator with exceptional ability to establish cooperative, professional relationships with all stakeholders. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Possesses strong communication skills to cultivate an upbeat, team-oriented culture.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Field Representative
Washington Teachers' Union
07.2024 - Current
- Maintain and submit orderly and timely files and records of all activities and duties.
- Coordinate issue and candidate political action campaigns including grass roots organizing and coalition building.
- Help to design and implement all aspects of community and public outreach community collaboration activities and coalition building.
- Create and conduct training sessions and workshops for members, officers, stewards, and others under the direction of the President.
- Advocate for, advising, and representing the WTU members in all aspects of enforcement of the collective bargaining agreement between the WTU and DCPS, from informal pre-grievance efforts to all steps of the grievance procedure to the conclusion of the arbitration process.
- Assist and manage collective bargaining campaigns.
- Work to keep members informed of the WTU's professional development opportunities and working to encourage members to participate in them.
Elementary STEM Teacher
District Of Columbia Public Schools
08.2014 - 06.2024
- Selected to attend the "2023 Walt Disney 100th Anniversary Teacher Celebration” Disney Imagination Campus – 100 Inspiring Teachers Only recipient from the District of Columbia selected.
- Enrolled in a Special Education Professional Development to belong to the SEERI Spring 2023Cohort
- Served on school committee for STEM curriculum development.
- Planned, prepared, and taught lesson plans, giving students individual support.
- Demonstrated positive and effective classroom management skills.
- Encouraged student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and participation in elementary national science competitions.
- Provided meaningful math instruction to improve math skills of children.
- Diversified teaching techniques and learning tools help students with differing ability levels and varied learning modalities.
- Managed over twenty colleagues on the logistics of STEM Fair.
- Provided additional support for students with special needs and learning disabilities.
- Mentored students on individual basis to help develop math skills.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving to help students develop mathematical reasoning.
- Implemented peer tutoring system to enhance comprehensive understanding of math techniques and increase student test scores.
- Mentored students as the liaison for Howard University
- Tutored 19 students per week in private sessions using detailed lesson plans.
- Developed and implemented creative activities to engage students and enhance comprehension and focus.
- Encouraged students to explore new study and calculation methods to promote accountability and accommodation of individual needs.
Middle School Science Teacher
Friendship Public Charter Schools, District Of Columbia
08.2008 - 06.2014
- Improved behavioral issues by devising and implementing an ongoing reward system.
- Provide a stimulating learning environment in which students can develop to their full potential.
- Employ a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and maximize individual learning within a group environment.
- Utilize computer resources, including educational software and the Internet, to promote interactive learning.
- Provide hands-on experience such as laboratory activities and discovery activities to engage the students.
- Provide field experience opportunities for the students to engage the students in laboratory experiences outside of the classroom.
- Collaborate with team teachers to incorporate ELA and Math standards in my lesson plans.
- Participated and established to help enhance teacher confidence and classroom excellence in science, engineering and technology, while increasing teacher understanding about the skills needed for a scientifically literate workforce.
- by engaging teachers in real-world engineering and technology, increasing their awareness of STEM career opportunities, and providing teachers aligned blended professional learning experiences focused on effective practices they can implement in their classrooms.
- Participated with a Northrup Grumman engineer to observe and experience critical workforce skills
- Engage throughout the year-long program in online professional learning via a comprehensive NSTA membership package which will include a variety of web-based professional learning activities, including a specially designated online learning community
- Facilitated a professional development on “Building a Rapport with Students” for the community wide best practice hour.
- Awarded “Teacher of the Month” for October.
- Create a “Math is Going Green” program for the students to work on math drills to improve DC CAS scores.
- Nominee Finalist for the Friendship Public Charter School Teacher of the Year Award.
- Teacher of the Year for Chamberlain School.
Modern Dance Instructor
Georgetown University
06.2007 - 07.2010
- Planned, prepared, and delivered lesson plans introducing students to dance techniques and positions.
- Utilized different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all capabilities.
- Assessed student progress regularly to identify students needing individualized help, provide feedback and select suitable material for dancers.
- Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves.
- Adhered to studio guidelines and legal requirements.
- Instructed dance/aerobics classes for international students. Fitness classes incorporated instruction in jazz, modern, African, and hip hop dance styles into enjoyable, high- energy, full- body workouts aimed at toning and weight loss.
- Designed and implemented dance curriculum for international students.
- Choreographed dance routines for the final performance finale.
Education
Master of Education - Educational Technology
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, MD05.2020
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Trinity University
Washington, District Of Columbia12.2013
Bachelor of Science - Labor Relations
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ06.2002
Skills
- Technology Integration
- Relationship Building and Networking
- Team Collaboration
- Positive Role Model and Mentor
- Student and Parent Relations
- Multitasking Strength
- technically knowledgeable with Office 365, and SharePoint
Accomplishments
Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching Finalist 2024
Disney Imagination Campus – 100 Inspiring Teachers- Anaheim, CA 2023
Northrop Grumman Foundation Teacher Fellow-Washington, DC 2020
Affiliations
- American Business Women Association- Education Chair
- National Society of Black Engineers
- National Science Teacher Association
- Northrup Grumman Teacher Fellow
- Delta Kappa Gamma- International Society for Key Women Educators, Vice President of the District of Columbia State Organization Delta Chapter
Timeline
Field Representative
Washington Teachers' Union
07.2024 - Current
Elementary STEM Teacher
District Of Columbia Public Schools
08.2014 - 06.2024
Middle School Science Teacher
Friendship Public Charter Schools, District Of Columbia
08.2008 - 06.2014
Modern Dance Instructor
Georgetown University
06.2007 - 07.2010
Master of Education - Educational Technology
Loyola University Maryland
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Trinity University
Bachelor of Science - Labor Relations
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
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