Jeannie Young
Peyton
Summary
I am an award-winning journalist and retired teacher interested in integrating these two strong skill sets to write and develop intervention curriculum workshops and train teachers on how to use Read 180.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Reading Interventionist
Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy
Colorado Springs, CO
10.2022 - 05.2025
- Implemented targeted reading interventions using Read 180 to enhance student literacy skills. Taught both Levels B and C to middle- and high-school students using three rotations of 25 minutes each during a 90-minute block with built-in brain breaks.
- Collaborated with school staff to identify at-risk students using STAR testing, Colorado Measures of Academic Success scores, ELA grades, and teacher input. Students attended Read 180 classes 2 to 3 times a week for 90-minute blocks.
- Utilized data-driven assessments through Read 180 and STAR to monitor student progress and adjust strategies accordingly. Scores improved significantly across the board each year particularly amongst English Language Learners. One ELL student was recognized as a national Read 180 Award winner.
- Wrote leveled passages for students to use during quarterly finals based on the Workshop theme currently in use.
Third Grade Teacher
Banning Lewis Ranch Academy
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2017 - 05.2020
- Collaborated with teacher teammates to develop engaging lesson plans in a variety of subjects to enhance student understanding, retention, and meeting state learning standards. Was responsible for creating lesson plans and slide decks for all writing lessons. Wrote a variety of leveled reading passages to use during writing lessons.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities through small group interventions during WIN (What I Need) time daily. Groupings were established across the grade level based on student data within all reading areas. Provided intervention for students on Read Plans who performed one to two years behind grade level.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment using Capturing Kid's Hearts that promoted respect, collaboration, and active participation.
- Utilized assessment tools such as DIBELS, STAR, and Colorado Measures of Academic Success to track student progress and inform instructional adjustments as needed.
First Grade Teacher
Douglass Valley Elementary
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2014 - 05.2016
- Collaborated with first-grade teaching teammates to develop engaging lesson plans based on Colorado State Education Standards across the curriculum. Focused primarily on developing basic reading and math skills.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies through small group and centers that were individualized for specific learning competencies and deficits.
- Wrote passages for students to use with writing instruction lessons.
- Monitored student progress through curriculum assessments and DIBELS.
- Utilized various educational technologies to enhance classroom instruction and student participation.
Teacher
Natividad Elementary School
Salinas, CA
08.2006 - 05.2014
- Taught first, third, and fourth grade during 8-year tenure at this Title 1 school in a very low socio-economic neighborhood made up primarily of English Language Learners.
- Collaborated with teaching teams to develop lesson plans that focused heavily on English Language Learning strategies and vocabulary development.
- Provided intervention services for students based on STAR scores, grades, ELL levels, and teacher input across the grade level.
- Served on the Professional Learning Community committee and received training through Learning Tree. Provided training and guidance for the staff in developing well-functioning PLCs across the grade levels and how to create common assessments.
- Evaluated student progress through assessments tied to the curriculum, DIBELS, annual California state testing, and STAR testing.
Newspapers in Education Manager
Monterey County Herald
Monterey, CA
04.2000 - 06.2002
- Purchased or wrote curriculum packages to be used with the daily newspapers to increase student awareness of current events and provide engaging activities to meet the California State Education Standards.
- Collaborated with local teachers to determine classroom and curriculum needed as it applied to their subject matter.
- Provided training sessions for teachers to help them align state standards to the curriculum packages provided.
- Wrote grants to fund the program each school year. Managed the budget, the distribution of newspapers to schools, and corporate donor relations.
Education Reporter
Albuquerque Journal
Santa Fe, NM
09.1996 - 12.1999
- Researched and reported on state and local education policies impacting local schools and communities. Covered all educational hearings at the state capitol during legislative sessions and school board meetings for school districts in Northern New Mexico.
- Interviewed a wide range of people for well-balanced news stories including governors; state senators and representatives; district superintendents and staff; principals; teachers; and students.
- Researched and reported on a wide array of topics including funding; school accountability and student success; outstanding programs and students; school violence; and more.
Reporter
Daily News-Sun
Sun City, AZ
10.1994 - 09.1996
- Covered a number of beats including fire, healthcare, Luke Air Force Base, veteran issues, local governmental agencies, and general senior issues.
- Collaborated with editors, photographers, and page designers to create written stories and visual content for the newspaper.
- Won a number of awards including best news story from the Arizona Newspaper Association, best deadline reporting from the Arizona Associated Press, and second runner up for Community Journalist of the Year by the Arizona Press Club.
Features and Entertainment Editor
Federal Way News
Federal Way, WA
09.1992 - 02.1994
- Brain stormed story ideas, assigned stories to reporters; coordinated photography and art elements for a three-times a week section; interviewed subjects; wrote stories; created layouts for the section; and oversaw production of the sections.
- Covered a wide variety of topics including the local symphony; the Seattle Opera and local singers; local theater; local artists; festivals; and more. Also wrote reviews on a variety of entertainment events. Covered family issues, health, local personalities, and more.
- Edited and proofread articles submitted by other reporters and correspondents checking for accuracy, clarity, and grammatical errors.
- Won a number of awards including two from the Washington Newspaper Association for two investigative series on child sexual abuse and drunken driving.
Education
No Degree - Two-year Teacher Preparation Program
CalState Teach
Monterey, CA07-2006
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA05-1988
Skills
- Classroom Teaching
- Teacher Training and Mentorship
- Reading Intervention
- Curriculum Writing and Development
- Award-Winning Journalist
- Educational Article Writing
- Children's Book Writing
Timeline
Reading Interventionist
Banning Lewis Preparatory Academy
10.2022 - 05.2025
Third Grade Teacher
Banning Lewis Ranch Academy
08.2017 - 05.2020
First Grade Teacher
Douglass Valley Elementary
08.2014 - 05.2016
Teacher
Natividad Elementary School
08.2006 - 05.2014
Newspapers in Education Manager
Monterey County Herald
04.2000 - 06.2002
Education Reporter
Albuquerque Journal
09.1996 - 12.1999
Reporter
Daily News-Sun
10.1994 - 09.1996
Features and Entertainment Editor
Federal Way News
09.1992 - 02.1994
No Degree - Two-year Teacher Preparation Program
CalState Teach
Bachelor of Arts - Journalism And Mass Communication
Pacific Lutheran University