Tijuana Weatherspoon
Pensacola,FL
Summary
Dedicated and experienced educator with a proven track record of fostering student success in the classroom, now seeking to transition back into a social work role. Proficient in developing comprehensive case files, advocating for children’s needs, and collaborating with therapists and other mental health providers. Passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those in need through a holistic and collaborative approach.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
1st Grade Teacher /Grade-Level Chairman
Escambia County Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
- Enhanced classroom management techniques, resulting in more focused and productive learning environment.
- Improved student reading comprehension scores by 80% by incorporating age-appropriate literature and hands on activities.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, promoting cross-curricular understanding.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing successful teaching strategies and classroom management tips.
- Implemented individualized learning plans for students with unique needs, ensuring their academic progress and success.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Increased parental involvement through regular communication and parent-teacher conferences, strengthening home-school connection.
High Scbool Advisor
Dixon School of Arts & Sciences
07.2021 - 06.2022
- Enhanced student retention by 100% by providing personalized academic guidance and support.
- Boosted graduation rates through proactive advising on course selection and degree requirements.
- Assisted students in overcoming challenges with effective problem-solving strategies, leading to higher levels of achievement.
- Contributed to the growth of the institution''s reputation through exceptional service in guiding students towards their educational objectives.
- Organized workshops for students focusing on essential skills such as time management, study techniques, and financial literacy.
- Oversaw career and job fairs to connect students with area schools and employers.
- Used standardized assessments to evaluate abilities, interests and characteristics of different students.
- Educated students on college admissions process and scholarship requirements.
- Worked with individuals to help understand and overcome personal, social or behavioral problems affecting educational or vocational situations.
- Collaborated with faculty members in the development of curriculum roadmaps that aligned with students'' academic goals and career aspirations.
- Advocated for student needs within administrative processes, ensuring fair treatment and equitable access to resources.
- Built strong relationships with investors, ensuring continued financial support for future expansions.
VOCA Child Advocate Manager
Guardian Ad Litem
12.2020 - 06.2021
- Developed comprehensive case files that documented each child''s history, strengths, challenges, goals, and progress over time.
- Advocated for children''s best interests during court proceedings, ensuring their voices were heard and considered in decision-making processes.
- Kept case files updated, accurate and aligned with requirements.
- Coordinated with social workers, therapists, and medical professionals to address any mental health or physical health concerns affecting a child''s wellbeing.
- Maintained confidentiality while handling sensitive information, upholding ethical standards throughout the decision-making process.
- Enhanced child welfare by conducting thorough assessments of their home environment and identifying areas for improvement.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay informed about current trends and best practices in child advocacy.
- Negotiated effectively on behalf of children during mediation sessions, working towards mutually beneficial resolutions whenever possible.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
- Developed strong rapport with children through consistent communication, active listening, and genuine empathy for their experiences.
- Supported families in crisis by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the community.
- Strengthened relationships with community resources, connecting families to appropriate support services as needed.
1st Grade Teacher
Dixon School of Arts & Sciences
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Incorporated hands-on activities into daily lessons to reinforce learning and engage various learning styles.
- Promoted critical thinking skills through inquiry-based instruction and problem-solving activities.
- Provided constructive feedback on student work, motivating them to improve academically and personally.
- Created a positive classroom culture that valued diversity and inclusion, supporting all learners'' growth.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had equal opportunity for success.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students'' learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.
Teacher Assistant - Behavioral
Lincoln Park Elementary- ICARE Program
08.2017 - 05.2019
- Enhanced student progress by implementing effective behavior intervention plans and strategies.
- Reduced classroom disruptions by proactively addressing behavioral issues and utilizing de-escalation techniques.
- Monitored student progress through ongoing observation, data collection, and analysis of behavioral patterns.
- Supported students'' emotional well-being through compassionate listening, empathy, and encouragement.
- Maintained accurate and confidential records of assigned students.
- Assisted teachers in maintaining a safe and structured classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Conducted functional behavior assessments to identify the root causes of challenging behaviors and inform targeted interventions.
- Promoted self-regulation skills among students through explicit instruction on coping strategies, mindfulness techniques, and stress reduction methods.
- Created visual supports such as schedules, charts, social stories which facilitated understanding of expectations for students with communication challenges.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of West Florida
Pensacola, FL07.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of West Florida
Pensacola Fl05.2017
Associates in Arts -
Ellsworth Community College
Iowa Falls IA05.2015
Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Child Development
- Literacy Development
- Compliance Standards
- Case Management
- Client Advocacy
- Records Management
- Home Visits
Timeline
1st Grade Teacher /Grade-Level Chairman
Escambia County Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
High Scbool Advisor
Dixon School of Arts & Sciences
07.2021 - 06.2022
VOCA Child Advocate Manager
Guardian Ad Litem
12.2020 - 06.2021
1st Grade Teacher
Dixon School of Arts & Sciences
08.2019 - 07.2020
Teacher Assistant - Behavioral
Lincoln Park Elementary- ICARE Program
08.2017 - 05.2019
Master of Arts - Social Work
University of West Florida
Bachelor of Arts - Social Work
University of West Florida
Associates in Arts -
Ellsworth Community College
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