Tonya J. Cutten
New Market
Summary
Dedicated educator and coordinator with a proven track record in developing and implementing impactful educational programs while effectively managing teams. Expertise in classroom management, behavioral therapy, and crisis intervention, complemented by a strong ability to employ creative strategies tailored to meet the diverse needs of children and families. Proficient in administrative functions, public relations, budgeting, and public speaking, fostering collaborative environments that enhance team performance and student success. Committed to creating inclusive learning experiences that empower all students to thrive academically and socially.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Education Director
O2B Kids
Madison, AL
07.2022 - 11.2025
- Led a team of educators in the design and delivery of engaging and effective learning programs for students
- Developed and implemented curriculum standards to ensure compliance with educational regulations and best practices
- Analyzed student performance data to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted intervention strategies
- Implemented technology integration initiatives to enhance classroom instruction and improve student engagement
- Facilitated professional development and training for educators on instructional best practices, assessment techniques, and classroom management strategies
- Collaborated with other managers in executing a safe learning environment for children ages infants-school age.
- Led professional development workshops for educators to improve teaching strategies and classroom management
- Implemented assessment tools to evaluate student progress and inform instructional methods
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align educational programs with community needs and standards
- Managed budget allocations for educational resources, ensuring optimal use of funding for program enhancement
- Championed diversity initiatives within the institution, ensuring an inclusive learning environment for all students
- Established clear performance expectations for staff members regarding their roles as educators and contributors to overall school goals
- Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and center officials
- Implemented on going training and supervision to insure Alabama Day Care Regulations & Standards were met at all times
- Participated in O2B Director Training Program to prepare for future placement as Director in Alabama site
- Met individually with parents and staff to develop and monitor plans for students who had special needs
- Assisted with the recruitment, interview process, hiring, training and evaluation of staff to insure a quality early childhood program
- Participated in promoting and recruitment of center enrollment activities including public relation events and tours
Director
Promise Preparatory Early Childhood Center
Huntsville, AL
02.2021 - 07.2022
- Developed and implemented curriculum standards to enhance early childhood education quality
- Led staff training sessions to improve teaching methodologies and classroom management skills
- Collaborated with parents and community partners to foster supportive learning environments
- Monitored program compliance with state regulations and accreditation requirements
- Established strategic partnerships with local organizations to expand program resources and opportunities
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements
- Boosted client satisfaction rates through exceptional relationship management and prompt resolution of issues.
- Secured key partnerships that contributed to the company''s overall growth strategy and market reach
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills
- Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement
- Improved staffing during busy periods by creating employee schedules and monitoring call-outs
- Collaborated with state officials to secure funding and implement effective practices in Alabama's first Pre-K classrooms.
- Partnered with Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education to secure non-profit grants for program enhancement.
- Streamlined and monitored quality programs to alleviate overdue compliance activities
- Streamlined recruitment and interview procedures, facilitating the hiring and training of child care staff crucial for program functionality.
Lead Preschool Teacher
Head Start
Huntsville, AL
11.2019 - 02.2021
- Community Area Partnership Agency/ UAH Head Start program
- Early Childhood Teacher of a 3-5 year old Head Start classroom. Planned and implanted an educational environment while meeting the appropriate early childhood standards nationally and for the state of Alabama. Activities were planned and executed in the areas of Social-Emotional, Cognitive, Physical (fine and gross), and Literacy-Language. Resources utilized included the Creative Curriculum, Teaching Strategies, Conscious Discipline, NAEYC Developmentally Appropriate Practice, Alabama Developmental Standards for Preschool, and Alabama Child Care Standards. Provided opportunities for families to be involved with improving their skills while supporting their child. Due to COVID, provided a split educational program through a regular school-based classroom and a remote classroom on a daily schedule.
Head Start Educator
Home Based Early Head-Start
Smithland, KY
01.2017 - 12.2019
- Served as a child-parent educator and family advocate. The role integrated Educational, Health, Social Services and Parent Involvement. Provided developmentally appropriate experiences in both center and home based. Supported parents' role as the first and life-long educators of their children. Executed preparations for appropriate educational experiences as well as necessary adaptations for children with special needs. Assisted with transitioning students successfully into next needed services. Acquired community resources to help child/family thrive and grow.
Early Childhood Consultant & Trainer
Contracted
Kentucky
06.1992 - 2019
- Provide training & consulting services as requested. Subjects I have provided professional development on are Appropriate Developmental Practices; Signs and Resources for Special Needs; Working with Children who have special needs/behavioral issues; Lesson Planning; Learning Through Play/Hands-on experiences; Using recycled materials in your classroom; Gardening in a classroom; Outdoor Experiences That Contribute to Learning; Classroom Pet Management to Encourage Learning; Dealing with Grief in Children; Supporting the Emotional Development of Children; Yoga/Stress Relief for Students; Encouraging Learning Experiences in Homes
Co Manger of Family Farm
Johnson Family Farm
Grand Rivers, KY
01.2009 - 12.2018
- Provided correspondence, record keeping, contracts, payroll, budgeting, advertisement and employee support for late husbands' farm operation
Developmental Interventionist
State of Kentucky
KY
01.2004 - 12.2012
- KY First Steps (Statewide Early Intervention Services Program)
- Cabinet for Health and Family Services
- Provided Developmental Intervention in 17 KY counties in both home and school/early childhood centers.
- Provided screenings, evaluations and ongoing educational assessments for at-risk or children with disabilities. Served as part of the IFSP/IEP team in developing and/or providing needed services for students referred or identified. Coordinated services with other Intervention Team members (PT, OT, SLP, Mental Health) to meet the needs of the child and their family.
Coordinator for Disabilities and Mental Health
Paducah Public Schools KERA Preschool and Head Start
Paducah, KY
01.1994 - 12.2004
- Served as Coordinator for Special Services under the direction of the Head Start Director and School System Director of Special Education for a 400+ enrollment preschool program.
- Functioned as a School Based Admissions Release Chairperson;
- Coordinated community resources (Mental Health, Speech, Developmental Intervention, Physical and Occupational Therapy) to provide needed services for students with disabilities; Assisted with obtaining appropriate medical services as needed; Conducted trainings, special assistance and consultations to staff and parents to promote wellness, prevention, and inclusion of special needs;
- Conducted observations, screenings, and evaluations in classrooms to identify and support needs of students; Collaborated with staff and community resources to provide the best benefit to the child and their families; Participated in National, State and Region advocacy groups; Assisted with conducting Child Find to identify possible special needs within school system served; Co-Chairman/Exit Counselor/Screener for school system annual Preschool and Kindergarten Registration/Educational Screening Event; Transition Team member for students with disabilities from Early Childhood programs and to Kindergarten; Monitored the implementation of IEP's and assisted parents with their rights and ways to advocate for their child.
Children & Youth Minister
Hardmoney Southern Missionary Baptist Church
Boaz, KY
01.1990 - 12.1998
Early Interventionist/Classroom Teacher
Paducah Public Schools KERA Preschool and Head Start
Paducah, KY
01.1992 - 12.1994
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate curriculum for preschool children, focusing on social-emotional development, language and literacy skills, math concepts, science exploration, and creative expression
- Collaborated with parents/guardians to support their child's individual needs and provide regular updates on their progress
- Conducted ongoing assessments to track student growth and development, using the data to inform instructional planning
- Implemented effective behavior management strategies to promote positive behavior and create a safe learning environment
- Organized field trips and special events to enhance students' learning experiences outside of the classroom setting
- Collaborated with colleagues on program-wide initiatives such as parent engagement activities
- Developed individualized learning plans for students with special needs, collaborating with specialists as necessary
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and set goals for continued growth
- Utilized technology tools and resources to enhance instruction and engage students in interactive learning experiences
Executive Director
Paducah Day Nursery (A Non-Profit United Way Day Care)
Paducah, KY
01.1990 - 12.1992
- Directed and oversaw all aspects of organizational operations, including strategic planning, budgeting, fundraising, and program development
- Established partnerships with key stakeholders, government agencies, and community organizations to advance the organization's objectives
- Provided leadership in developing long-term goals and objectives for sustainable growth and impact
- Oversaw the creation of marketing materials to promote programs and initiatives to external audiences
- Collaborated with the board of directors to develop governance policies that aligned with best practices for nonprofit organizations
- Implemented performance management systems to evaluate staff productivity and enhance overall organizational efficiency
- Served as the primary spokesperson for the organization at public events, conferences, media interviews, and other engagements
Residence Hall Director/Resident Advisor
Murray State University
Murray, KY
08.1985 - 08.1990
- Provided guidance and support to a diverse community of residents, fostering an inclusive and welcoming living environment
- Enforced university policies and regulations within the residence hall, ensuring a safe and respectful living environment for all residents
- Organized and facilitated educational programs on topics such as mental health awareness, conflict resolution, and cultural diversity
- Served as a resource for residents by addressing concerns, providing information about campus resources, and offering personal advice when needed
- Cultivated positive relationships with residents through regular one-on-one meetings to discuss academic progress, personal goals, and any challenges they may be facing
- Collaborated with fellow resident advisors to plan engaging social events that promoted community building among residents
- Responded promptly to emergencies or crisis situations within the residence hall, following established protocols to ensure the safety of all residents
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Special Education
Murray State University
Murray, KYBachelor of Science - Child Development
Murray State University
Murray, KY08-1990
Skills
- Accreditation/Standard compliance
- Educational leadership
- Education administration
- Staff development
- Teacher training
- Program management
- Special education
- Community outreach
- Strong work ethic
- Team collaboration
- Relationship building
- Public speaking
- Educational research
- Quality assurance
- Student relations
Affiliations
- WEST KY CHILD WATCH ADVOCACY Classroom Presenter for fight against Child Abuse
- WEST KY EARLY CHILDHOOD ASSOCIATION Board member & officer
- Regional Preschool Interagency Planning council member
- Paducah Independent Schools Family Resource Board Member
- Preschool/Kindergarten Screening Team Coordinator/Assessor for Paducah Independent Schools for 10 years
- Ministry Trainer for Graves County (KY) Baptist Association
- Cub/Boy Scout Leader for 9 years
- Girl Scout Leader for 3 years
- Parent Volunteer for 12 years of Livingston Co Schools (KY)
Certification
1997- Obtained Birth-Kindergarten Kentucky Teaching Certification (Received as one of the first 50 in the new state certification program)
Timeline
Education Director
O2B Kids
07.2022 - 11.2025
Director
Promise Preparatory Early Childhood Center
02.2021 - 07.2022
Lead Preschool Teacher
Head Start
11.2019 - 02.2021
Head Start Educator
Home Based Early Head-Start
01.2017 - 12.2019
Co Manger of Family Farm
Johnson Family Farm
01.2009 - 12.2018
Developmental Interventionist
State of Kentucky
01.2004 - 12.2012
Coordinator for Disabilities and Mental Health
Paducah Public Schools KERA Preschool and Head Start
01.1994 - 12.2004
Early Childhood Consultant & Trainer
Contracted
06.1992 - 2019
Early Interventionist/Classroom Teacher
Paducah Public Schools KERA Preschool and Head Start
01.1992 - 12.1994
Children & Youth Minister
Hardmoney Southern Missionary Baptist Church
01.1990 - 12.1998
Executive Director
Paducah Day Nursery (A Non-Profit United Way Day Care)
01.1990 - 12.1992
Residence Hall Director/Resident Advisor
Murray State University
08.1985 - 08.1990
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Special Education
Murray State University
Bachelor of Science - Child Development
Murray State University