2019- 2023 - Kindergarten teacher, Oaklawn STEM Magnet School

After interning at Oaklawn STEM (formally Gardner STEM), I interviewed and was offered a position teaching Kindergarten. My responsibilities as a Kindergarten teacher included:

• Develop and implement STEM-focused lessons.

• Teach foundational literacy, math, science, and social studies concepts.

• Incorporate hands-on, inquiry-based learning activities.

• Utilize technology and STEM resources.

• Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student needs.

• Establish and maintain a structured and positive learning environment.

• Implement behavior management strategies aligned with school policies.

• Foster social-emotional learning and conflict resolution skills.

• Conduct formative and summative assessments to track student progress.

• Use data to guide instructional decisions and interventions.

• Communicate student progress with parents and guardians.

• Participate in faculty meetings, training, and professional learning communities.

• Engage with support staff

2020- 2023 - Active member of Oaklawn Stem’s Guiding Coalition

In 2020, I became a member of Oaklawn STEM’s Guiding Coalition. The school-wide Guiding Coalition is a school leadership team dedicated to driving continuous school improvement through collaboration and data-driven decision making. My responsibilities included:

• Set the vision, mission, collective commitments and goals for the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process within the school

• Analyze student data to inform instructional practices and interventions

• Support teachers in implementing best practices for student achievement

• Foster a culture of collaboration and shared leadership

• Advocate for a culture of continuous improvement and student success

• Ensure alignment between school-wide initiatives and district goals

• Work closely with administration, teachers, and staff to implement school initiatives.

• Build trust and encourage a positive, solution-focused mindset.

• Lead and participate in professional learning communities.

• Provide coaching and mentorship to fellow educators.

• Identify and address barriers to school improvement.

• Develop action plans to support student learning and teacher effectiveness.

• Monitor and adjust strategies based on feedback and results.

• Participate and lead professional development.

• Share research-based strategies and innovative practices.

• Communicate effectively with staff, students families, and community partners.

• Advocate for resources and support needed to implement school initiatives.

• Gather feedback from stakeholders to refine and improve practices.

2021- 2023 - Oaklawn STEM Kindergarten Teacher LEAD

My third year in Kindergarten, I became the Lead Teacher for Kindergarten at Oaklawn STEM. My role was to facilitate weekly collaborations (3 times a week) to provide instructional leadership and support for both teachers and students. Other responsibilities included:

• Mentoring and supporting Kindergarten teachers in curriculum planning and instructional strategies

• Facilitating team meetings to ensure alignment with state standards and school goals

• Collaborate with district professionals and school administration to address student needs and improve learning outcomes

• Assist with development and implementation of school-wide initiatives

• Serve as the liaison between Kindergarten team and school leadership

• Collaborate with other district Kindergarten lead teachers to provide support to students and other kindergarten teachers

• Responsible for creating the Standards-Based Report Card and grading system.

• Plan and execute community-wide and school-wide events to foster collaboration and involvement in the local community and enhance student and parent/family involvement in the school. These events include, but are not limited to, curriculum nights, family nights, Kindergarten Round-Up, Kindergarten graduation, Kindergarten Bootcamp.
  

2023- Present- EAST Facilitator at Hot Springs World Class High School

In July of 2023, I transferred to Hot Springs World Class High School to become their EAST Facilitator. EAST is Education Accelerated by Service and Technology. As the Facilitator, I support students in project-based learning. Students work actively with the local community. Roles include:

• Guide students in project-based learning, encouraging them to develop innovative solutions for community challenges

• Support students in mastering industry standard technologies, such as 3D modeling, video production, coding, and GIS mapping

• Facilitate partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to provide authentic learning experiences

• Mentor students in leadership, teamwork, and professional communication skills

• Manage the EAST program’s growth, resources, and strategic initiatives to align with school and District goals.

• Maintain and manage classroom technology and software.

• Assist students with the planning of EAST Night Out to invite and involve the local community with students and create awareness of projects and skill-based offerings.

• Connect students with real-world projects and mentors

• Stay updated on best practices

• Participate in EAST conference, training sessions, and professional learning communities.

• Encourage students to attend and present at EAST-related events.

• Guide students in project planning, execution, and reflection.

• Demonstrate to students how to document and showcase their skills and work through portfolios, presentations, and exhibitions.

• Promote the EAST program within the school and local community

• Advocate for program funding, resources, and sustainability.

• Collaborate with administrations and other educators

In addition to these roles, we also had many accolades and notable celebrations. These include:

• Winning the Founders Award - the highest honor in EAST, marking the first time any program in our district received this recognition

• Receiving Congressional Recognition for outstanding contributions to community-driven innovation

• Students featured on KARK for our work with Visit Hot Springs in creating an interactive map to highlight the viewing sites for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

• Students and program featured on THV11 for winning the Founders Award

• Engaging students to be showcased multiple times in the Sentinel-Record, furthering cementing our reputation as a leading EAST program in Arkansas.

• Leading students to speak before local representatives and the Board of Directors of EAST Initiative.

2020- 2023- Active member of the personnel policy committee (ppc)

Even as a NOVICE Teacher, I served a 3-year term on the District Personnel Policy Committee (PPC.) As a member of the District PPC, I was able to serve as a representative for educators in our District by advocating for fair policies that are related specific to employment, working conditions and other professional concerns. My primary responsibilities included:

• Reviewing and recommending updates to district personnel policies

• Collaborating with administration to address staff concerns

• Ensuring compliance with state education laws and district regulations

• Communicating policy changes to faculty and staff

• Service as a voice for teachers in decision-making processes.