Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Research
Professional Development
Generic

Whitney Achieng Okumu

Albuquerque,NM

Summary

Professional with over 3 years' experience in instruction and leadership, proven to work well in teams, lead learning projects/teams, and drive team performance while still meeting learning targets. With a professional demeanor, I am well-suited to drive social change and influence.

Offering passion for teaching and commitment to adult and high school education, eager to contribute in dynamic learning environment. I bring foundational knowledge in adult learning principles and instructional strategies, combined with strong organizational and communication skills. Ready to use and develop instructional techniques and educational tools in High school teacher role.

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Instructor

Robert F. Kennedy Charter School
Albuquerque, NM, USA
08.2025 - 05.2026

English Language Arts and Social Studies

  • Classroom tasks: Grading homework and tests, taking attendance, and reviewing and keeping records student records to identify improvement opportunities.
  • Student support: Working with students who need extra help, such as one-on-one tutoring
  • Lesson preparation: Helping create and deliver learning materials
  • Student progress: Monitoring student behavior and progress, and communicating with parents and administrators
  • Course meetings: Attending course meetings and working with other school departments
  • Facilitated collaborative learning environments to enhance student participation and understanding.
  • Assessed student performance through effective evaluation methods and provided constructive feedback.
  • Coordinated extracurricular activities that enriched the educational experience for students.
  • Analyzed educational trends to inform curriculum development and instructional improvements.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
  • Boosted student performance by providing individualized support and targeted feedback.
  • Promoted classroom safety, collaboration, and best practices, fostered positive learning environment by encouraging students to express their ideas and questions freely.
  • Observed and adopted new techniques from skilled instructors and lecturers.
  • Tested students to assess progress and adapted learning plans in alignment with performance.

Adult Literacy Instructor

Southwest Educational Partners for Training (SWEPT)
Albuquerque, NM, USA
08.2024 - Current
  • Teaching Literacy and ESL, supporting IT and GED tutoring
  • Student support: one-on-one tutoring or class support by creating and delivering learning materials, such as assignments, quizzes, and exams
  • Onboard and train students on the use of learner platforms such as GED, Essential Education
  • Attend regular instructor training and professional development events
  • Developed and implemented individualized lesson plans to enhance adult literacy skills.
  • Assessed learners' progress through regular evaluations, adjusting instructional strategies as needed.
  • Utilized educational technology tools to create engaging learning environments for students.
  • Mentored new instructors on best practices in adult education and curriculum development.

Literacy Tutor

New Mexico Public Education Department (2024/25/26)
Albuquerque, NM, USA
06.2024 - 07.2025
  • Lesson Preparation with NMPED-approved curriculum
  • Submitting Lesson milestones
  • Administering tests and submitting performance dibels to NMPED summer literacy department
  • Checking learners' performance progress and communicating ongoing challenges to site coordinator

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM, USA
08.2023 - 05.2025
  • Taught classes of 30-40 students on public speaking and Nonverbal communication
  • Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to support diverse learning styles.
  • As a teacher of record, I graded assignments and provided constructive feedback to students, documented attendance and completed assignments
  • Coordinated supplemental instruction sessions, fostering improved academic performance among participants.
  • Created instructional materials that aligned with course objectives and enhanced student comprehension.
  • Supported departmental initiatives aimed at improving overall educational quality and student success rates.
  • Checked assignments, proctored tests and provided grades according to university standards.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through open communication channels, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and real-world examples into lectures.
  • Provided timely and constructive feedback on assignments, enabling students to refine their work and achieve higher grades.
  • Supported instructors in grading exams and papers, maintaining accurate records of student performance throughout the semester.
  • Mentored students through office hours and one-on-one communication.
  • Collaborated with fellow teaching assistants to provide additional support for struggling students, leading to improved academic outcomes.
  • Managed a classroom of diverse learners, implementing differentiated instruction strategies to meet individual student needs.
  • Assisted in the development of course materials, ensuring content was relevant and engaging for students.
  • Mentored new graduate teaching assistants, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management strategies.
  • Organized review sessions before exams, aiding students in identifying key areas of focus for optimal test preparation.

Education

UNM Alternative Licensure - G-CERT Secondary Teaching 6-12

University of New Mexico
USA
05-2026

Master of Arts - Communication Studies - Major: Health Communication

University of New Mexico
USA
07-2026

Bachelor's Honors - Urban Studies - Major: Sociology

University of Johannesburg
South Africa
12-2021

Bachelor of Tourism Management - Major: Tourism management, Minor: Hotel management

Makerere University
Uganda
01-2014

Skills

  • Public speaking skills
  • Cottage skills training
  • Mobilization
  • Literacy tutoring
  • Project leading and management
  • Health literacy
  • Writing instruction
  • Digital literacy
  • CV and resume writing
  • Civic education

Accomplishments

Professional Development

  • July 2019 -African Leadership Academy (Johannesburg) - Civics Management and Leadership Training
  • August 2017 -University of New Mexico (USA) Mandela Washington Fellowship - Certificate in Business and Entrepreneurship Management

Scholarship Awards

Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship (2021)

International Honors and Awards

  • Mandela Washington Fellowship (US Department of State) – 2017
  • Obama Foundation Leader for Africa - 2019
  • Women4women Awards Uganda - June 2018
  • Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Program - March 2018

Certification

  • Literacy Instructor, NMPED
  • Alternative License, Level One Alternative 6-12 Secondary, 437105
  • Level one License, NC

Timeline

Instructor

Robert F. Kennedy Charter School
08.2025 - 05.2026

Adult Literacy Instructor

Southwest Educational Partners for Training (SWEPT)
08.2024 - Current

Literacy Tutor

New Mexico Public Education Department (2024/25/26)
06.2024 - 07.2025

Graduate Teaching Assistant

University of New Mexico
08.2023 - 05.2025

Bachelor's Honors - Urban Studies - Major: Sociology

University of Johannesburg

Bachelor of Tourism Management - Major: Tourism management, Minor: Hotel management

Makerere University

UNM Alternative Licensure - G-CERT Secondary Teaching 6-12

University of New Mexico

Master of Arts - Communication Studies - Major: Health Communication

University of New Mexico

Research

  • No! You are black. You can't be white! A Critical Discourse Analysis of white performance among African Americans (An American Celebrity edition), Okumu, W ., 2025-02-01, Western States Communication Association convention, Language, Self, and Social Construction, Top Papers in Language, Self, and Social Construction, Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • The Health Technological Crunch: A Subtle Process of Exclusion and Discrimination, Moving Us Farther from Greater Regard, Okumu, W., 2024-11-01, National Communication Association (NCA), Regard for Social Media & Health, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • AI-Generated Opportunities and Challenges: Analyzing Differences between Newspaper Narratives and Public Discourses about Generative AI, Yousuf, M., Velasquez, S., Gray, M., Carberry., Okumu, W ., 2024-08-01, Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), Newspaper and Online Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Professional Development

  • 2019-07-01, Civic Management and Leadership Training, African Leadership Academy, Johannesburg
  • 2017-08-01, Mandela Washington Fellowship, University of New Mexico, USA