Valarie Swain
Nashville,GA
Summary
Focused and dedicated primary school educator with 20 years of experience. Passionate about educating early childhood children using various activities and organizational tools. Developing lesson plans, creating custom class materials assigning classwork and grading tests. Diplomatic communicator when addressing parents and children about disciplinary actions. Dedicated to being a school leader that exemplifies professionalism and encourages those new to teaching, as well as veteran teachers.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
First Grade Teacher
Berrien Primary School
Nashville, GA
07.2012 - Current
- Taught virtually for extended periods using Google Classroom while maintaining the structure and expectations of a face-to-face classroom.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs and ensure all students made progress toward academic goals.
- Regularly assessed student growth using formative and summative assessments and adjusted instruction to support optimal achievement.
- Created a positive classroom environment through activities that promoted social skills, collaboration, and teamwork.
- Built strong relationships with families through consistent communication about students’ academic progress and social-emotional development.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary lessons integrating math, science, and social studies.
- Served as a mentor to future educators, providing guidance in lesson planning, instructional strategies, and classroom management.
- Supported students beyond the classroom by attending extracurricular events such as concerts, sporting events, and performances.
Kindergarten Teacher
Berrien Primary School
Nashville, GA
07.2007 - 07.2012
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards
- Established clear expectations, rules, and routines to enhance effective classroom management
- Fostered a nurturing classroom environment that supported students’ social and emotional growth
- Built positive relationships with students and families to create a safe, supportive, and trusting learning environment
- Used formative assessments to monitor student learning and provide differentiated instruction
- Administered the Georgia Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (GKIDS) to document and track student progress
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, generate ideas, and problem-solve classroom challenges
- Planned for and supported classroom paraprofessionals to ensure effective instructional support
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Kids Korner
Nashville, GA
07.2006 - 06.2007
- Developed engaging lesson plans to foster creativity and support cognitive growth in young learners
- Organized activities that taught foundational skills such as letters, numbers, and early concepts
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to create a positive and structured learning environment
- Maintained an organized, fun, and interactive classroom where children felt safe and supported
- Established positive relationships with students and families to build trust and connection
- Communicated consistently with parents through daily conversations and formal conferences
- Planned and organized educational field trips to provide meaningful, real-world learning experiences
Education
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Tifton, GAEducation Specialist - Education
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN02-2026
Master of Science - Education
Walden University
Minneapolis, MNBachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Valdosta State University
Valdosta, GASkills
- Classroom & Behavioral Management
- Phonics Instruction
- Organizational Skills
- Team & Teacher Collaboration
- Relationship Building
- Conflict Resolution
- Adaptability & Flexibility
- Google Classroom Integration
Certification
- Georgia Teaching License - 2006
- Google Certification - 2018
Leadership Experience
- Mentor Teacher - Valdosta State University - 2009
- Mentor Teacher - Valdosta State University - 2016
- Mentor Teacher - Berrien High School - 2022
Timeline
First Grade Teacher
Berrien Primary School
07.2012 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
Berrien Primary School
07.2007 - 07.2012
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Kids Korner
07.2006 - 06.2007
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
Education Specialist - Education
Walden University
Master of Science - Education
Walden University
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Valdosta State University