Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Dr. Vodra E. Smith-Shaw

Professional Educator

Summary

Professional educator with a proven track record at Charleston County School District for over 20 plus years, excelling in curriculum implementation and fostering active student participation. Adept at utilizing data-driven instruction to enhance student achievement, while building strong relationships with colleagues and parents. Committed to creating inclusive learning environments that promote collaboration and growth.



Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

Educator (Retired)

Charleston County School District
07.1997 - 07.2025
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
  • Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
  • Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
  • Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
  • Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
  • Increased parental involvement in students' education by organizing regular communication and events.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
  • Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
  • Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
  • Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
  • Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.

Teacher Mentor

AC Corcoran Elementary
09.2024 - 05.2025

Mentored Novice/beginning teachers.

Support teachers in developing of daily unit lesson plans

Assist teachers with integrating literacy practices Observe teachers and provide immediate feedback Systematically visited classrooms to collect informal data

Used classroom data to increase teachers' instructional knowledge and skill

Lead regularly scheduled grade-level TCT/PLC team planning sessions.

Created MAP Data Wall

Administer and analyze Read to Succeed (R2S) Testing Engage in reflective dialogue with teachers before and after informal classroom visit

Maintain a relationship of trust with teachers

Summer School Coordinator

Charleston Progressive Academy
06.2022 - 07.2022
  • Managed budgets and resources, ensuring the optimal use of funds for various summer school initiatives.
  • Monitored student progress, providing timely feedback to facilitate continuous improvement in academic performance.
  • Collaborated with teachers and staff to ensure the successful execution of summer school programs.
  • Liaised with community partners to secure resources and support for various aspects of the summer school program.
  • Optimized scheduling logistics to minimize conflicts between classes or extracurricular activities during the summertime.
  • Ensured compliance with local education regulations while maintaining high standards within the curriculum.
  • Enhanced student learning experiences by developing and implementing engaging summer school curriculums.
  • Maintained a safe and nurturing environment for students attending summer school programming.
  • Addressed behavioral issues promptly, implementing appropriate disciplinary measures as needed.
  • Evaluated program effectiveness through regular assessments, refining approaches as necessary to optimize results.
  • Encouraged a positive atmosphere among students, staff, and parents by emphasizing the benefits of summer learning opportunities.
  • Developed positive relationships with parents, fostering open communication about student progress and program details.
  • Provided ongoing guidance to students struggling academically or socially throughout their time at summer school.
  • Coordinated special events and activities that enriched the overall summer school experience for both students and faculty members.
  • Facilitated professional development opportunities for staff members, fostering growth in teaching techniques and subject matter expertise.
  • Served as liaison between parents and students.
  • Handled disciplinary referrals with calm, logical approach to student behavior.
  • Supervised, assessed and mentored teachers and paraprofessionals.
  • Recruited and hired amazing teachers to support students from all District 20 schools in the downtown city area.
  • Proposed and executed budget of $10,00.00 to either contract an enrichment teacher or to use to contract a service to be used as enrichment.
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
  • Monitored student progress and implemented intervention strategies to support student success.
  • Managed budgets and resources for educational programs.
  • Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.
  • Developed and coordinated after-school programs and activities.
  • Prepared school budget and submitted to school board with recommendations for hiring.

Lead Teacher

James Santee Elementary
06.2021 - 07.2021
  • Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
  • Used data-driven decision-making processes to analyze student performance trends and adjust instructional practices accordingly, leading to improved outcomes.
  • Facilitated peer-to-peer learning opportunities within the classroom environment increasing collaboration among students and deepening understanding of material.
  • Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
  • Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
  • Worked one-on-one with students and student teachers to increase overall classroom success.
  • Guided student teachers and teaching aides in classroom management, leading by example and thoroughly answering questions.
  • Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.

Instructional Coach

Charleston County School District
08.2017 - 06.2020
  • Lead regularly scheduled grade-level TCT/PLC team planning sessions
  • Supported data-driven instruction by assisting teachers with analyzing assessment results and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
  • Assisted new teachers acclimate quickly into their roles through comprehensive mentoring programs and ongoing support.
  • Analyzed student data, diagnosed instructional needs, and identified research-based instructional strategies.
  • Facilitated collaborative planning sessions for grade-level teams to establish learning goals and align curriculum across subjects.
  • Established a system for tracking teacher progress toward meeting professional growth goals, promoting accountability and reflection throughout the school year.
  • Coordinated school-wide events including parent-teacher conferences, open houses, literacy nights, enriching community connections.
  • Boosted teacher morale through regular recognition events celebrating success stories from classrooms across the campus.
  • Maintained confidentiality while recording and keeping detailed track of student performances.
  • Implemented research-based instructional strategies to address achievement gaps among various student populations, fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students.
  • Conducted professional learning communities, fostering collaboration and shared learning among teachers.
  • Improved instructional strategies for diverse learners by conducting classroom observations and providing constructive feedback to teachers.
  • Collaborated with faculty to integrate technology into curriculum, fostering more interactive and engaging learning environment.
  • Coordinated with school administration to align instructional coaching with school-wide educational goals, ensuring cohesive approach to teaching and learning.
  • Improved student achievement by developing and implementing comprehensive professional development programs for teachers.
  • Established peer observation and feedback system, encouraging culture of openness and continuous improvement among teaching staff.
  • Promoted use of formative assessments to guide instructional decisions, resulting in more targeted and effective teaching practices.
  • Assessed students through diagnostic tests, in addition to formative and summative data.
  • Supported teachers in creating inclusive classrooms, leading to more positive and equitable learning environment for all students.
  • Implemented data-driven instruction strategies, significantly improving student learning outcomes in targeted areas.
  • Coached teachers to improve practices through professional development and modeling instructional strategies.
  • Built and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
  • Conducted classroom observations to provide feedback, leading to improved teaching practices and student performance.
  • Promoted continuous improvement in teaching practices by leading professional learning communities focused on best practices and research-based strategies.
  • Developed methods to motivate and engage students in learning.
  • Monitored student progress and provided feedback and support.
  • Administered standardized tests to assess student strengths and weaknesses.
  • Monitored and discussed Fastbridge data Reading/Math with teachers.

• SCE&G Homework Center-Supervisor

Goodwin Elementary School
01.2013 - 05.2016
  • Implemented staff development programs to enhance employee skills and knowledge, increasing overall performance.
  • Maintained accurate records on employee hours worked, leave taken, overtime accrued as well as inventory levels.
  • Collaborated with management team to develop long-term goals for the center''s success.
  • Allocated resources strategically to meet deadlines effectively while staying within budget constraints.
  • Assisted in the hiring process by conducting interviews, reviewing resumes, and selecting top candidates for open positions within the center.
  • Implemented quality control measures to ensure the highest level of service for clients.
  • Completed bi-weekly payroll for ten employees.

Elementary Grade-Level Chairperson

Memminger Elementary School
08.2008 - 06.2012
  • Coordinated grade-level events such as field trips, and parent-teacher conferences that enriched the educational experience for students.
  • Established clear expectations for behavior and academic performance, leading to improved student accountability within the classroom setting.
  • Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices for effective instruction and classroom management techniques.
  • Lead regularly scheduled grade-level TCT/PLC team planning sessions
  • Led grade-level team meetings to discuss student progress, share effective teaching practices, and coordinate cross-curricular connections in math education.
  • Collaborate weekly with teachers to create lesson plans, discuss formative and summative assessments.
  • Collaborate with teachers to discuss grade-level data to identify strengths and weakness of students for best practice instructions.
  • Meet weekly with administration team to discuss data, behavior management, and school wide concerns and give weekly updates of grade-level.

Education

Doctor of Education in Leadership - Administration And Leadership Supervision

Charleston Southern University
Charleston, SC
05.2001 -

Master of Education - Educational Leadership And Management

Southern Wesleyan University
907 Wesleyan Dr, Central, SC 29630
05.2001 -

Bachelor of Science - Education

Eastern New Mexico University
Portales, NM
05.2001 -

Skills

Active student participation

Timeline

Teacher Mentor

AC Corcoran Elementary
09.2024 - 05.2025

Summer School Coordinator

Charleston Progressive Academy
06.2022 - 07.2022

Lead Teacher

James Santee Elementary
06.2021 - 07.2021

Instructional Coach

Charleston County School District
08.2017 - 06.2020

• SCE&G Homework Center-Supervisor

Goodwin Elementary School
01.2013 - 05.2016

Elementary Grade-Level Chairperson

Memminger Elementary School
08.2008 - 06.2012

Doctor of Education in Leadership - Administration And Leadership Supervision

Charleston Southern University
05.2001 -

Master of Education - Educational Leadership And Management

Southern Wesleyan University
05.2001 -

Bachelor of Science - Education

Eastern New Mexico University
05.2001 -

Educator (Retired)

Charleston County School District
07.1997 - 07.2025
Dr. Vodra E. Smith-ShawProfessional Educator