Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Debbie Smith

Lafayette

Summary

Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Ossun Elementary, adept at differentiating instruction to meet diverse learning needs. Skilled in curriculum planning and fostering a positive classroom environment, I promote student engagement through hands-on activities. My patience and empathy enhance parent-teacher communication, ensuring a supportive educational experience for all students.

Early childhood education professional with strong foundation in child development, classroom management, and creative curriculum implementation. Proven ability to foster collaborative and nurturing environment, adapting to diverse student needs and objectives. Known for reliability, effective communication, and results-driven approach to teaching. Skilled in developing engaging lesson plans, promoting social skills, and ensuring safe, inclusive learning space.

Overview

41
41
years of professional experience

Work History

PreK Teacher

SPES
01.1996 - 05.2022
  • Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Promoted social-emotional development with interactive lessons on empathy, conflict resolution, and self-regulation techniques.
  • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
  • Boosted student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into lesson plans.
  • Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.

1st Grade Teacher

Ossun Elementary
08.1983 - 05.1988
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
  • Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
  • Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.

3rd Grade Teacher

Ossun Elementary
08.1982 - 05.1983
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness.
  • Assessed student understanding regularly using various formative assessment techniques, adjusting instruction accordingly for optimal results.
  • Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by implementing effective classroom management strategies and maintaining consistent expectations.

2nd Grade Teacher

Acadia Parish School Board- Martin Petitjean
08.1981 - 07.1982
  • Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning.
  • Differentiated instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each student, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum successfully.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Education- Elementary

U L At Lafayette
Lafayette, LA
08-1981

Bachelor of Arts - Education- Kindergarten

U L Lafayette
Lafayette, LA
02-2001

Bachelor of Arts - Education (PK-3)

Ul Lafayette
Lafayette, LA
07-2010

Skills

  • Early childhood education
  • Patience and empathy
  • Music and movement
  • Curriculum planning
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Progress reporting
  • Group and individual instruction

Timeline

PreK Teacher

SPES
01.1996 - 05.2022

1st Grade Teacher

Ossun Elementary
08.1983 - 05.1988

3rd Grade Teacher

Ossun Elementary
08.1982 - 05.1983

2nd Grade Teacher

Acadia Parish School Board- Martin Petitjean
08.1981 - 07.1982

Bachelor of Arts - Education- Elementary

U L At Lafayette

Bachelor of Arts - Education- Kindergarten

U L Lafayette

Bachelor of Arts - Education (PK-3)

Ul Lafayette
Debbie Smith