Towana Colvin
Detroit,MI
Summary
Elementary educator combining extensive classroom experience with data-informed instruction to raise third-grade math proficiency by 70%. Designs differentiated, technology-enhanced lessons using i-Ready and Zearn to support diverse learners and build math confidence. Aims to expand instructional leadership and improve grade-level outcomes schoolwide.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary School Teacher – Third Grade Mathematics
Detroit Public Schools Community District
01.2012 - 01.2026
- Delivered standards-aligned third-grade mathematics instruction to support student achievement and mastery of essential skills for a diverse classroom of 35 students.
- Developed engaging lessons with differentiated strategies to address diverse learning needs, resulting in 70% improvement in student proficiency.
- Utilized i-Ready, Zearn, assessments, and instructional data to monitor progress, guiding targeted instruction for student achievement.
- Implemented effective classroom management practices to maintain a positive, structured learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues and school leadership to enhance instructional practices, contributing to overall student success.
- Promoted critical thinking, problem-solving, and student confidence in mathematics.
Elementary School Teacher – Third Grade Self-Contained
Detroit Public Schools Community District
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Delivered comprehensive instruction across core subject areas, fostering student understanding and engagement.
- Developed engaging lessons aligned with curriculum standards, enhancing student achievement and motivation.
- Implemented individualized instructional strategies to support academic, social, and emotional development of students.
Elementary School Teacher – Third Grade Self-Contained
Detroit Public Schools
09.2010 - 06.2011
- Delivered instruction in core academic subjects, tailored to support diverse student learning needs and enhance overall understanding.
- Cultivated positive classroom culture that prioritized academic growth, fostered responsibility, and promoted high levels of student engagement.
- Planned standards-aligned lessons to support literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies instruction.
- Managed classroom routines to maintain a safe, orderly learning environment and maximize instructional time.
- Assessed student progress using formative data to adjust instruction and address learning gaps.
Elementary School Teacher – Third and Fourth Grade Self-Contained
Detroit Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2010
- Planned and implemented engaging instruction across multiple grade levels, enhancing student understanding in core subject areas.
- Adapted instructional approaches to effectively support diverse academic abilities and learning styles, fostering inclusive classroom participation.
- Maintained an organized and supportive classroom environment, promoting collaboration and encouraging student achievement.
Elementary School Teacher – Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grades; Social Studies
Detroit Public Schools
09.1998 - 06.2006
- Instructed self-contained classrooms for grades three through five, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Delivered engaging social studies lessons to enhance students' critical thinking and understanding of civic and historical concepts.
- Established strong relationships with families and colleagues to support student learning.
- Cultivated strong relationships with families and colleagues to enhance student learning support.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
Marygrove College
Detroit, MI12-2002
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI12-1997
Skills
- Elementary Mathematics Instruction
- Curriculum Development
- Differentiated Instruction
- Lesson Planning
- Student Assessment
- Data Analysis
- I-Ready
- Zearn
- Classroom Management
- Student Engagement
- Literacy Instruction
- Inclusive Learning Environments
- Collaboration
- Community Engagement
- Critical Thinking
- Problem Solving
- Relationship Building
- Communication
Accomplishments
- Excellence Award for I Ready Test Scores | 2025–2026
- Teacher of the Month | 2026
- Exemption: Teacher Effective 2026
- Exemplary Employee Attendance 2022
- Highly Effective Evaluation Exemption 2022
- Certificate of Achievement – Highly Effective Educator, Three Years | 2019
- Service-Learning Showcase, Second Place – Good Behavior Campaign | 2012
- NAACP/Coca-Cola Essay Contest, Third Place | 2008
- Honorable Mention – MEAP Reading Test Scores | 2008
- NAACP/Coca-Cola Art Contest, Honorable Mention | 2003
- Leadership & Community Involvement
- School Improvement Leadership Team | 2024–2026
- Parent and City Year Liaison | 2023–2025
- Third-Grade Mathematics Leadership | Durfee Elementary, 2023
- Third-Grade Math Bee Final | 2023
- Durfee Dance Team | 2017
- Director of Professional Development | 2006–2007
- Social Studies Presenter | 2000
- Lady Bee Club | 2004–2005
Personal Information
Title: Elementary Educator
Timeline
Elementary School Teacher – Third Grade Mathematics
Detroit Public Schools Community District
01.2012 - 01.2026
Elementary School Teacher – Third Grade Self-Contained
Detroit Public Schools Community District
01.2011 - 01.2012
Elementary School Teacher – Third Grade Self-Contained
Detroit Public Schools
09.2010 - 06.2011
Elementary School Teacher – Third and Fourth Grade Self-Contained
Detroit Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2010
Elementary School Teacher – Third, Fourth, and Fifth Grades; Social Studies
Detroit Public Schools
09.1998 - 06.2006
Master of Arts - Teaching
Marygrove College
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Eastern Michigan University