Experience Summary
Newport Elementary, Newport, Kentucky
5th Grade Teacher – Newport Independent School District
2011 – 2012
• Integrated student's earlier knowledge to further improve learning goals by deconstructing standards into child-friendly learning targets.
• Continually assessed children’s learning by using formative and summative assessments
• Taught low MAP Score Classroom and obtained significant MAP Score growth by year-end
• Implemented home visits to increase parental involvement and establish goal setting
• Nurtured children with various social, economic and behavioral issues
• Cultivated meaningful relationships with all students, their parents and staff to generate an attractive and warm environment where all can learn and cooperate
• Incorporated technology into classroom ( smart boards, websites, power points) to enhance learning engagement and expansion of standards and learning targets
One of the best moments as a teacher at Newport Elementary was when I received a phone call from a former student (he and his family moved away) who had major behavior and social concerns. He told me that I was the best teacher he ever had and that he missed me. That phone call reminded me why I do what I do each day.
Borger Elementary School, Borger, Texas
3rd Grade Teacher – Borger Independent School District
2006 – 2011
• Served as the Lead English Language Arts Teacher for 12 third grade classrooms
• Taught an English as a Second Language (ESL Endorsed) classroom
• Acted as a Member of the Textbook Adoption Committee and researched all potential textbooks
• Contributing charter member of the Response to Intervention program
• Served as a Mentor to new Teachers and Alternative Certification Teachers
• Taught summer school to help increase skills of children who failed state assessments
• Taught Tutorial Extended Day for struggling students
• Participated in monthly Parent Involvements Nights
When I began at Boger, the 3rd grade classrooms were not cohesive. One of my greatest achievements teaching at this school was working with the leadership team and the 3rd grade teachers to implement a turn-around school environment. As a result, after three years, the Borger 3rd grade teachers became a professional learning community striving to achieve common goals.
Borger Elementary School, Borger, Texas
Headstart Teacher – Borger Independent School District
2005 – 2006
At this position I learned the importance of the Headstart program and the benefits it provides at-risk children.
Tyrone School, Tyrone, Oklahoma
1st Grade Teacher – Borger Independent School District
2001 – 2005
• Implemented best practices and mentored entry-level teachers
• Played a critical role in obtaining a substantial grant which changed the climate and culture of the school
The state of Oklahoma placed Tyrone School on probation for poor academic success. As a 1st grade teacher at Tyron, I co-wrote the Reading First Grant for the No Child Left Behind program. As a result, Tyron School was awarded an approximately $140,000 grant. The implementation of the grant provided the school with research-based resources, and training to better equip teachers and staff. As a result, Tyron School was removed from academic probation and became a source of pride for the community.
Various Elementary Schools (Tennessee and Oklahoma)
Substitute teacher, Librarian Aide and Para Professional for Special Education
1997 – 2001
Kenyan Christian Industrial Technical Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
Library Director
1994 – 1996
Christian Brother’s College, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
Seventh Grade Afrikaans Language Teacher
1993-1994
Highland Oaks Daycare, Dallas, Texas
Daycare Staff
1988-1991
Saint Dominic’s, Boksburg, Republic of South Africa
First Grade Teacher
1986-1988
Grey College Primary, Bloemfonteion, Republic of South Africa
First Grade Teacher
1985-1986
Bloemfontein Teacher’s College, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
1983 – Diploma in Education
1984 – High Diploma in Education
World Education Services
2001 – Bachelors Degree in Education as U.S. Equivalency
Cumberland University
2012 – Present – Masters Degree Program
Teaching Style
Putting the child's need first.Each child is unique. I believe in empowering the child with a " I can " attitude.