Brenda Whitworth
Ecru
Summary
Experienced with creating and implementing effective lesson plans that enhance reading and writing skills. Utilizes differentiated instruction to meet diverse needs of students. Strong understanding of classroom management and fostering positive learning atmosphere.
Dedicated Teacher offering 25 years of experience in education. Resourceful and passionate educator with adaptable and approachable style. Expertise includes test preparation and ongoing evaluations. Committed to creating comfortable learning environments for students.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
4th Grade ELA Teacher
Pontotoc City Schools
D.T. Cox Elementary Pontotoc, MS 38863
07.2008 - 07.2019
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations, routines, and procedures for behavior management.
- Monitored individual student progress through frequent assessments and data analysis, adjusting instruction accordingly for optimal learning outcomes.
- Implemented research-based teaching practices to effectively address the unique challenges associated with teaching 4th Grade ELA.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development and assessment policies, contributing valuable insights from a 4th Grade ELA perspective.
- Secured grant funding for classroom resources such as books, technology tools, and supplemental materials to enhance students'' learning experiences.
- Integrated creative arts activities into lessons, fostering critical thinking skills and reinforcing comprehension of complex texts.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians to support students'' academic progress and personal growth.
- Mentored new teachers in effective instructional strategies for 4th-grade learners, promoting professional development and collaboration.
- Supported diverse learners by differentiating instruction to meet individual needs and accommodate various learning styles.
- Improved student literacy skills by incorporating engaging, age-appropriate literature into lessons.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units that connected ELA content with other subject areas.
- Planned experiential field trips related to ELA curriculum, deepening students'' understanding of literary concepts in real-world settings.
- Enhanced student writing skills through structured workshops focused on revision and peer editing processes.
- Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments, and standardized tests.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Encouraged independent thought, good judgment, and expression of original ideas.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Tupelo Public School District
Lawhon Elementary School Tupelo, MS 38801
07.1996 - 07.2008
- Developed positive relationships with parents, communicating regularly about student progress and classroom happenings.
- Provided individualized support for struggling learners, fostering a growth mindset and boosting confidence in their abilities.
- Enhanced students'' mathematical abilities through hands-on activities and real-world examples.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational best practices and improve teaching effectiveness.
- Improved reading comprehension skills by implementing guided reading groups and literature circles.
- Organized engaging field trips that reinforced curriculum concepts and broadened student perspectives on various topics.
- Implemented classroom management strategies that maintained a structured yet nurturing environment conducive to learning.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance on effective lesson planning, assessment strategies, and classroom management techniques.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions aimed at reinforcing academic concepts and helping students achieve their full potential.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, enriching the overall learning experience for students.
- Promoted social-emotional learning by incorporating character education lessons into daily routines and discussions.
- Incorporated project-based learning methods, enhancing critical thinking skills and promoting collaboration among classmates.
- Designed differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and ensure all students were engaged.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
- Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
Reading Assistant
Pontotoc County Schools
North Pontotoc Attendance Center Ecru, MS 38841
08.1993 - 07.1996
- Enhanced students'' reading skills by utilizing engaging and interactive teaching methods.
- Facilitated small group instruction for targeted skill development, improving overall classroom performance in reading.
- Supported school-wide events promoting literacy, such as book fairs or family reading nights, fostering enthusiasm among students and families alike.
- Fostered a positive learning environment that encouraged students to develop a love for reading and lifelong learning habits.
- Monitored student progress with regular assessments, identifying areas for improvement and adjusting instruction accordingly.
- Provided targeted support during standardized testing periods, helping students apply their reading skills effectively within a high-stakes environment.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons based on individual student needs, resulting in greater academic achievement.
- Implemented research-based instructional strategies to effectively teach diverse groups of learners, including English Language Learners and students with special needs.
- Provided one-on-one support for struggling readers, implementing targeted interventions to address specific challenges.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Collaborated with instructors to develop engaging lesson plans.
- Assisted with school field trips and special events by collecting permission slips and payments.
- Monitored students in computer lab to enforce proper use of resources.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Management
The University of Mississippi
Oxford, MS05-2014
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Blue Mountain University
Blue Mountain, MS05-1996
Associate of Arts - Business
East Mississippi Community College
Scooba, MS05-1978
High School Diploma -
West Kemper High School
DeKalb, MS01-1976
Skills
- Parent-teacher communication
- Grammar teaching
- Oral communication
- Teaching strategies
- Reading comprehension
- Writing instruction
- Vocabulary development
- Team collaboration
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Lesson plan implementation
- Recordkeeping skills
Teacher of Distinction 2006
This award is special because I was nominated by my peers. While teaching in the Tupelo Public School District I was Lead Teacher and at this time received this honor.
Timeline
4th Grade ELA Teacher
Pontotoc City Schools
07.2008 - 07.2019
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Tupelo Public School District
07.1996 - 07.2008
Reading Assistant
Pontotoc County Schools
08.1993 - 07.1996
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Management
The University of Mississippi
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Blue Mountain University
Associate of Arts - Business
East Mississippi Community College
High School Diploma -
West Kemper High School