Excel
Tara Fry
Huntington,WV
Work Preference
Summary
Two-time Marshall University graduate with 20+ years of experience in science education, adult learning, and digital curriculum leadership. Currently serve as Lead Teacher (school-wide) and Science Department Chair at West Virginia Virtual Academy, where I mentor 40+ teachers, lead professional learning communities, and design digital instructional resources. Experienced in managing teams, developing interactive curriculum, and collaborating cross-functionally to deliver innovative STEM learning experiences.
Overview
14
14
Years of teaching experience
1
1
WV Teaching Certification
1
1
KY Teaching Certification
1
1
Minecraft Certified Teacher
Work History
Science Teacher
West Virginia Virtual Academy
, WV
01.2020 - Current
- Managed and mentored 40+ teachers across multiple departments through PLCs, training sessions, and coaching.
- Lead curriculum design, digital content development, and professional learning initiatives.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including administrators, academic leads, and technical staff to deliver aligned instructional programs.
- Coordinate digital learning experiences using Gizmos, Labster, Nearpod, and Canvas to support interactive, student-centered instruction.
- Design training guides and onboarding resources for new staff to support instructional technology and curriculum consistency.
- Organize schoolwide engagement programs, reaching 400+ students each month with STEM-based challenges and interactive experiences.
- Stride K12
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to enhance student understanding.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Assessed student performance through regular evaluations and feedback.
- Integrated technology into lessons to support diverse learning styles.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay updated on current research findings and best practices in science education.
- Incorporated project-based learning into the curriculum, challenging students to apply scientific principles in real-world situations while developing teamwork skills.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and academic performance; consistently enforced policies while maintaining fairness and respect toward all students.
- Provided constructive feedback on assignments, helping students improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in science.
- Communicated with students and parents regarding academic progress, assignments, and behavior.
- Demonstrated positive and effective classroom management skills.
- Championed a positive classroom culture where questions were encouraged and mistakes viewed as learning opportunities, boosting overall student confidence in their abilities as scientists.
- Encouraged student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and participation in middle and high school national science competitions.
Science Teacher (Biology, Chemistry, Middle School Science)
Cabell & Boyd County Schools
, WV
01.2015 - 01.2022
- Developed and delivered inquiry-based science curriculum aligned to NGSS.
- Integrated simulations and virtual labs into classroom practice using Labster and Gizmos.
- Collaborated with colleagues to refine assessments and instructional practices for diverse learners.
- WV
Adult Education Instructor & Program Lead
Mountwest Community & Technical College
, WV
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Directed daily operations of the adult education center located at Mountwest.
- Led statewide teacher training workshops on instructional strategies, curriculum design, and assessment.
- Expanded program reach through partnerships with workforce agencies, work release programs, and community organizations.
- Guided learners through diploma completion, career readiness, and higher education pathways.
- WV
Microbiologist
King’s Daughters Medical Center
- Conducted diagnostic testing and ensured quality control compliance.
Researcher
Marshall University Forensic Science Center
- Conducted DNA/PCR studies, trained work-study students, and co-authored reports.
Chemistry Technician
Marathon Oil
- Certified gasoline samples for release, ensuring compliance with safety standards.
Quality Control Scientist
Microbiological Consultants
- Performed sterility and environmental testing for industrial and healthcare clients.
Education
M.S. - Biology Education
Western Governors University
01.2014
M.A.T. - Teaching
Marshall University
01.2011
B.S. - Microbiology
Marshall University
01.1999
English Learners Cohort - 18 graduate hours
Marshall University & University of Kansas
01.2018
Skills
- Instructional Design
- Curriculum Development
- Team Leadership
- Coaching
- Mentorship
- Agile Project Team Collaboration
- STEM Curriculum
- NGSS Integration
- Digital Learning Tools
- LMS Platforms
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Project Management
- Vendor Coordination
- Innovation in Virtual Learning
- Innovation in Remote Learning
Certification
- West Virginia Professional Teaching License – Biology, Business Education, Elementary, and Middle School
- Kentucky Professional Teaching License- Biology
- Google Certified Educator, Level 1
- Modern Classroom Certified – 2025
- Aspiring Leadership Graduate – 2024
- Minecraft Certified Teacher
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 40 staff members.
- Used Microsoft Excel to develop inventory tracking spreadsheets.
- Interactive Learning - Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
- Curriculum Design - Designed, developed and implemented daily lessons for > 400 students.
- Student Progress Conferences - Conducted conferences with parents, administrators, testing specialists and social workers to discuss educational plans designed to promote students' educational/social development.
- Dynamic Teaching Techniques - Instructed students in academic subjects using variety of techniques such as phonetics, multisensory learning and repetition to reinforce learning.
- Curriculum Development - Tailored educational curriculum to students with range of learning styles, disabilities, strengths and weaknesses. Developed innovative semester lesson plans and practical application exercises for classroom.
- Technology Integration - Participated in technology training courses and trained colleagues in new technology concepts and practices applicable for the classroom.
- Targeted Development - Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
Do not go where the path may lead, go where there is no path and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Software
Word
PowerPoint
Adobe Creative
Canvas
Blackboard
Schoology
Google Classroom
D2L
Minecraft Certified
Canva