Profile
Conscientious teacher leader with a strong commitment to a holistic approach in meeting the needs of individual learners and supporting staff members. Dynamic collaborator with intense pride in offering differentiation to meet the needs of all students, specializing in the socio-emotional needs of the gifted learner, students from under represented populations in advanced academic programming and children with exceptional family backgrounds. Professional educator dedicated to promoting positive interactions among teachers, administrators, families, and the community. Exemplary mentor leading teams in developing student-centered classroom management, assessment, and innovative technology infused learning environments. Education activist, with current local, state, and national level professional organizational affiliations.
Experience
Gifted Specialist, Vestavia Hills Elementary East, Vestavia Hills, Al
2013-present
Gifted specialist facilitating and implementing pull out programming for gifted students as well as school wide enrichment opportunities in K-3 school. Leads teachers to differentiate instruction for above grade level learners and meet affective needs of gifted children. Integrates technology in daily instruction and models digital citizenship and STEM innovation for students, teachers, and staff. Serves on school and district level committees, driving research based changes in gifted education policies and procedures both at school and district-wide. Designs and implements professional development for teachers ensuring high achieving and gifted students achieve academic growth via above grade level purposeful RTI. Manages annual $6,000 budget purchasing materials and instructional planning for identified gifted learners, as well as overseeing school wide events to extend learning targets for over 700 students. Coordinates parent groups to offer innovative school events. Coaches incoming gifted specialists in the district ensuring consistent quality programming for identified gifted students across the school system. Collaborates with district curriculum specialist, special education director, and assistant superintendent to manage and maintain quality gifted programming in school district.
Elementary Teacher, Vestavia Hills Elementary Liberty Park, Vestavia Hills, AL
2006-2013
Classroom teacher of 5th, 2nd and 1st grades with inclusion of learning disabled, English language learners, otherwise health impaired, and gifted individuals. Implemented curriculum overreaching local and state standards and aided in effectuating programming to meet the needs of individual students, based on pre-assessment and researched based learning opportunities. Coached colleagues in technology integration using Promethean interactive board and accompanying software, online learning management systems, and student driven learning via BYOD program. Mentored pre-service teacher interns in collaboration with The University of Alabama at Birmingham and Auburn University. Demonstrated leadership among grade level, school wide and district wide improvement efforts.
Community Educator/Facilitator, Alabama Public Television, Birmingham, AL
Summers 2006–2008
Facilitator of outreach programs for at-risk youth in the areas of preschool literacy and girls in science education. Administered curriculum and orchestrated learning for large groups at day and residential camps. Maximized modest budget to provide optimal learning experiences building academic background knowledge and bridging school-home-community relationships. Trained staff and teachers to deliver engaging curriculum while attending to the affective needs of gifted students being raised in poverty and very young children achieving below expectation in school.
Gifted Specialist, Clay Elementary, Clay, Al
2005-2006
Resource teacher serving gifted students in grades 3-5 in pull out classes. Cooperating teacher for twice exceptional students (gifted/autistic, gifted/learning disabled, gifted/ADHD). Collaborated with district supervisor to implement the Alabama State Department 2nd Grade Gifted Child Find process. Spearheaded changes in pull out gifted services to include family involvement and technology integration. Initiated school wide teacher professional development to foster understanding of the nature and needs of gifted learners.
Prior Experience
Classroom and Resource Teacher in grades K-5, Orange County Public Schools, Orlando, Fl
1997-2005