Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Timeline
Generic
Taffiney Simmons

Taffiney Simmons

Mansfield,Texas

Summary

Passionate and charismatic educator with a strong desire to help students recognize the connection between learning and experience. Strong communicator who can clearly and confidently lecture students in a classroom or auditorium setting. Outgoing, energetic, and motivating personality to encourage students to participate in in-class discussions and to help them learn the value of group work. Team player who is committed to contributing to departmental objectives to create an optimal experience for both students and faculty.



Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

Long-Term Substitute Math Teacher

Mansfield ISD
10.2023 - Current
  • Taught Algebra I & Algebra II to high school students.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Boosted student confidence in mathematics by providing personalized tutoring and support outside of regular class hours.
  • Established a positive classroom environment that fostered respect, inclusivity, and open communication among students.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress reports for timely distribution to parents or guardians.
  • Collaborated with fellow teachers to share best practices, resources, and strategies for effective math education.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction techniques based on individual student strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles.
  • Promoted critical thinking skills through rigorous problem-solving activities and real-world application examples.
  • Monitored student performance and provided feedback to inform instruction.

ACE Tutor

Mansfield ISD
09.2023 - Current
  • Tutor students in math and reading in a classroom setting, providing individual, small group, and one-on-one instruction.
  • Developed and implemented lesson plans to meet the needs of students with a diverse range of learning styles.
  • Assisted students in developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills using real-world applications.
  • Leads students in a fun, positive, and outgoing environment while maintaining effective classroom management.
  • Recognizes and respects the uniqueness and potential of all students, their families, and their cultures.
  • Interact with students while modeling respect.
  • Demonstrates self-control and good judgment.
  • Created social-emotional learning lessons to help students better comprehend their emotions, feel those emotions fully, and demonstrate empathy for others.

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

OakCliff Bible Fellowship
04.2022 - 12.2023
  • Provided therapy to clients, including safety and risk assessments.
  • Maintained progress notes to ensure proper documentation of session content and interventions including treatment planning.
  • Conducted intake assessments for clients.
  • Provided individual and couple therapy to clients with issues related to trauma, PTSD, addictions, infidelity, mental illness, disabilities, marriage, parenting, various disorders, relationships, intergenerational cycles, and more.
  • Presented case history material to review and discuss with cohorts and supervisor.
  • Provided treatment utilizing various theories like Bowen, EFT, Structural, Strategic, Gottman, Narrative, and Solution-Focused.
  • Abided by the AAMFT Code of Ethics

Math Teacher

Red Oak ISD
08.2019 - 06.2021
  • Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs to ensure all students are learning at their full potential
  • Organized parent-teacher conferences to maximize student learning opportunities and develop forward-thinking plans to correct ongoing issues or struggles
  • Employed assessment tools and proactive strategies to improve instructional methods
  • Spearheaded after-school math tutoring initiatives to improve student grades
  • Worked with the administrative leaders and peer teachers to create behavior intervention plans
  • Effectively maintained interest and provided an interactive atmosphere, enabling students to significantly hone in on their learning skills
  • Instituted positive classroom and virtual management strategies and disciplinary programs that effectively handle challenging behaviors
  • Developed and implemented lesson plans that fulfilled the requirements of the district's curriculum program and showed written evidence of preparation as required
  • Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process
  • Utilize a systems approach to continuous improvement
  • Provide engaging instruction to students in a virtual classroom setting
  • Participated in and led Google platform training in ongoing staff training sessions
  • Improved math test scores for 100% of my students
  • Implemented an effective communication system with teachers, administrators, parents, and other support staff by maintaining the necessary records/charting in accordance with the identified behavior plan.
  • Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.

Teacher - 5th Grade

HEB ISD
08.2018 - 06.2019
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into the classroom.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
  • Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet Texas TEKS.
  • Conducted evaluations to measure performance and progress of students, providing guidance for areas requiring improvement.
  • Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.

Teacher - 4th Grade

Oceanside Unified School District
08.2015 - 06.2018
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
  • Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
  • Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
  • Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
  • Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
  • Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
  • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
  • Increased student literacy rates by implementing targeted reading strategies in individualized instruction plans.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students'' learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.

Classroom Aide

Oceanside Unified School District
08.2012 - 06.2013
  • Worked as a 1:1 Instructional Aide in a self-contained classroom
  • Promoted a positive classroom environment by fostering strong relationships with students and addressing behavioral issues promptly.
  • Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Enhanced students'' learning experiences by providing individualized support and assistance during class activities.
  • Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
  • Provided essential support for special education students, enabling them to participate fully in mainstream classrooms.
  • Increased student comprehension by simplifying complex concepts through visual aids and real-life examples.
  • Maintained inclusive learning environment to enable students to gain maximum benefit from lessons.
  • Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
  • Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
  • Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
  • Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.

Education

Master of Science - Marriage And Family Therapy

CAPELLA UNIVERSITY
Minneapolis
06.2023

Master of Arts - Education

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
Phoenix, AZ
12.2015

Bachelor of Arts - Human Development

University of California - San Diego
La Jolla, CA
06.1998

Skills

    Classroom Management-Expert

    Teaching Experience-Expert

    Flexibility-Expert

    Communication Skills-Expert

    Patience-Expert

    Organization-Expert

    Student Engagement-Expert

    Lesson planning-Expert

    Discussion facilitation-Expert

    MS Office and MS Teams-Expert

    Attention to detail-Expert

    Collaboration-Expert

    Teamwork-Expert

    Creative Thinking-Expert

    Problem-solving skills-Expert

    Patience and Empathy-Expert

Additional Information

References available upon request

Timeline

Long-Term Substitute Math Teacher

Mansfield ISD
10.2023 - Current

ACE Tutor

Mansfield ISD
09.2023 - Current

Marriage and Family Therapy Intern

OakCliff Bible Fellowship
04.2022 - 12.2023

Math Teacher

Red Oak ISD
08.2019 - 06.2021

Teacher - 5th Grade

HEB ISD
08.2018 - 06.2019

Teacher - 4th Grade

Oceanside Unified School District
08.2015 - 06.2018

Classroom Aide

Oceanside Unified School District
08.2012 - 06.2013

Master of Science - Marriage And Family Therapy

CAPELLA UNIVERSITY

Master of Arts - Education

UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

Bachelor of Arts - Human Development

University of California - San Diego
Taffiney Simmons