Shonda Atkinson
Flowery Branch
Summary
Elementary teacher with over 24 years as an educator with up to 25 students per class in grades K-5. Energetic teacher driven to continue to learn and grow professionally. Understands and implements new technologies and teaching strategies. Proven ability to improve student literacy and math levels through innovative activities and lesson plans. Outstanding ability to relate to and teach a culturally diverse student population, while developing individualized plans for students at different learning levels. Recognized as Teacher of the Year 2016-2017 for Gardners Elementary School.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher
Gwinnett County Schools
07.2021 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Increased student literacy rates by implementing targeted reading strategies in individualized instruction plans.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Mentored new teachers, and also hosted student teachers by sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students'' learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.
- Served on school Instructional Leadership teams, County Assessment Team, Reading Vertical Team, County Small Group Initiative, also supported with curriculum development, teacher evaluations, and community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
- Supported and led the grade level by being the grade level chair and also by entering the Coaches Endorsement Program.
Teacher
Parkside Elementary School
07.2019 - 07.2021
- Served as grade level chair over 13 teachers.
- Completed administrative internship.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Instructed up to 25 students individually and in groups on Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies and Writing subjects.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Incorporated technology into lesson planning to create engaging, multi-dimensional lessons.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
Teacher
Wake County Schools Carpenter Elementary
07.2017 - 07.2019
- Works collaboratively with other teachers to review data during PLT's and develop instructional strategies to address student learning objectives.
- Develops and implement differentiated lessons that meets the need of learners.
- Pursues professional development opportunities by attending educational conferences and teacher trainings.
- Teacher leader on Carpenter Elementary School's PTA board.
- Develop and teaches lessons using grade level text, poems, and themes to promote student interest.
- Creates cultural awareness experiences by incorporating children’s literature from cultures around the world.
- Establishes relationships with students and families from different cultures by creating a positive and respectful environment.
Teacher
Wilson County Schools
12.2012 - 07.2017
- Ensured that all students comprehended the curriculum and supported students who required extra guidance resulting in writing, reading, and math comprehension by growing students to be 100% proficient on all tests in all areas 4 years in a row.
- Educated an average of 20 students in grade 1 and received Teacher of the Year in my 3rd year of teaching.
- Served as grade level chair for 3 years.
- Served as Staff development chair and served on school Leadership Team for 2 years.
- Collaborated with staff members in developing school activities and joint lessons that improved staff morale.
- Established open door policy, improving communication and trust with students and parents.
- Provided tutoring support and designed individualized learning plans for Ell students, students with learning disabilities and gifted learners.
- Created and implemented innovative and engaging lesson plans and activities increasing students learning motivation and effectiveness.
Teacher Assistant
Wilson County Schools
12.2000 - 06.2012
- Responsible for supporting the lead teacher in preparing students academically, socially, and psychologically to enhance their personal growth and development.
- Helped teachers with record keeping, such as tracking attendance and calculating grades.
- Helped teachers prepare for lessons by getting materials ready or setting up technology.
- Helped supervise students in class, between classes, during lunch and recess and on field trips.
Education
EdS - Curriculum And Instruction
Piedmont University
Demorest, GA06.2025
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Gardner Webb University
Charlotte, NC05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC2012
Skills
- Licensed K-12 Reading Specialist
- ELL SIOP trained
- Thinking Maps trained
- Student-centered learning
- Diverse classroom settings
- Expertise in CLT's
- Strong collaborator
- Classroom discipline
- Effective time management
- Varied lesson plans
- Positive learning environment
Certification
- North Carolina Certification in Elementary Education K-6
- K-12 Reading Specialist
- Coaches Endorsement (Expected, May 2025)
Timeline
Teacher
Gwinnett County Schools
07.2021 - Current
Teacher
Parkside Elementary School
07.2019 - 07.2021
Teacher
Wake County Schools Carpenter Elementary
07.2017 - 07.2019
Teacher
Wilson County Schools
12.2012 - 07.2017
Teacher Assistant
Wilson County Schools
12.2000 - 06.2012
EdS - Curriculum And Instruction
Piedmont University
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Gardner Webb University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
East Carolina University
- North Carolina Certification in Elementary Education K-6
- K-12 Reading Specialist
- Coaches Endorsement (Expected, May 2025)
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