Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Tara Kelly

Jacksonville,FL

Summary

Dynamic educator with a strong background in early childhood education at Duval County Public School District. Proven expertise in curriculum planning and differentiated instruction, fostering creativity and collaboration among students. Committed to enhancing learning outcomes through innovative strategies and effective communication with parents and colleagues. Passionate about nurturing child development and academic success.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Pre-K Teacher

Duval County Public School District
03.2021 - Current
  • Developed engaging lesson plans fostering creativity and learning in Pre-K students.
  • Implemented daily classroom routines promoting structure and discipline among children.
  • Facilitated interactive activities enhancing social skills and teamwork among peers.
  • Assessed student progress through observation, adapting strategies to meet diverse needs.
  • Collaborated with parents to encourage support and reinforce learning at home.
  • Maintained a safe, clean, and organized classroom environment for optimal learning experiences.
  • Participated in ongoing professional learning opportunities to remain current on best practices in early childhood education.

Teacher of Organization

READ USA
08.2024 - 05.2025
  • Assisted in classroom management to create a positive learning environment for diverse learners.
  • Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching skills and methodologies.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with all stakeholders.
  • Mentored student tutors, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.

Library Media Specialist

Duval County Public School District
08.2020 - 03.2021
  • Developed and implemented innovative library programs to enhance student engagement and literacy skills.
  • Collaborated with educators to integrate technology into curriculum, improving research capabilities for students.
  • Motivated students to use instructional technology to promote achievement of learning objectives.
  • Updated students on use of Internet as reference tool to access latest information and differentiate between relevant and irrelevant sites and material.
  • Coordinated school-wide participation in statewide reading challenges, celebrating student success and promoting a love for reading.
  • Launched a school-wide e-book program to expand access to literature while reducing physical storage needs in the library space.
  • Collaborated with teachers and school administrators to develop library resources for students.

Instructional Coach

Duval County Public School District
08.2014 - 06.2020
  • Developed and implemented instructional strategies to enhance teacher effectiveness and student learning outcomes.
  • Facilitated professional development workshops focused on best practices in pedagogy and curriculum design.
  • Collaborated with educators to analyze student performance data and identify areas for improvement.
  • Led initiatives to align curriculum with state standards, ensuring compliance and quality education delivery.
  • Provided coaching support during classroom observations, offering constructive feedback for instructional improvement.
  • Fostered a culture of continuous learning among staff through regular check-ins and collaborative planning sessions.
  • Helped build a culture of high expectations by setting clear goals for teacher performance improvements based on data analysis findings.
  • Collaborated with administrators on the creation of teacher evaluation processes that aligned with best practices in educator growth and development.
  • Assisted in the development of school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall academic performance and reducing achievement gaps.
  • Served as a mentor to new teachers, offering guidance on lesson planning, assessment design, and classroom organization.
  • Supported curriculum development efforts, aligning instructional materials with state standards and district goals.
  • Built and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
  • Maintained confidentiality while recording and keeping detailed track of student performances.

New Teacher Cadre

Duval County Public School District
08.2012 - 07.2014
  • Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects that integrated multiple subject areas.
  • Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • 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.
  • Led professional development workshops for peers on effective classroom management techniques.
  • Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.

Education

Master of Arts - Education

The University of West Florida
Pensacola Beach, FL
12.2009

Skills

  • Certified in early childhood education
  • Child development expertise
  • Classroom organization
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Curriculum planning
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Progress reporting
  • Documentation and reporting

Timeline

Teacher of Organization

READ USA
08.2024 - 05.2025

Pre-K Teacher

Duval County Public School District
03.2021 - Current

Library Media Specialist

Duval County Public School District
08.2020 - 03.2021

Instructional Coach

Duval County Public School District
08.2014 - 06.2020

New Teacher Cadre

Duval County Public School District
08.2012 - 07.2014

Master of Arts - Education

The University of West Florida