Knowles Lisa
Cortez
Summary
Accomplished educator with a proven track record at Pearl Public School District, adept in adaptive teaching and student motivation. Enhanced literacy through innovative lesson planning and technology integration. Collaborated effectively with colleagues, fostering a supportive learning environment. Achieved a 20% increase in student engagement through differentiated instruction and interdisciplinary projects.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
5th Grade ELA Teacher 2011-2018
Pearl Public School District
08.2011 - 05.2018
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to enhance student comprehension and critical thinking skills.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects promoting literacy across subjects.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations, adjusting instruction accordingly.
- Integrated technology tools to enhance learning experiences and foster student engagement.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, and staff to support a collaborative learning environment.
- Mentored new teachers in effective classroom management techniques and instructional practices.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to foster a supportive learning environment.
- Designed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards, resulting in increased student interest and participation.
- Incorporated differentiated instruction techniques into daily lessons to address the needs of all learners in a diverse classroom setting.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives such as curriculum development committees, professional learning communities, and extracurricular activities.
- Implemented data-driven strategies for assessing student progress and adjusting instruction accordingly.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education and improve instructional skills.
- Collaborated with grade-level team members to create interdisciplinary lessons that reinforced key concepts across subjects.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods and adapting to individual learning styles.
- Led parent-teacher conferences focused on identifying areas of growth and developing action plans for continued success at home and in the classroom.
- Managed classroom effectively by establishing clear expectations and consequences, leading to a positive learning atmosphere.
- Mentored struggling students through targeted interventions and one-on-one support, improving overall class performance.
- Utilized various formative assessment tools for evaluating student progress and providing constructive feedback on their work.
- 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.
- Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading, and writing practice.
- Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
- Kept classroom organized, clean and safe for students and visitors.
- Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
- Taught age-appropriate spelling techniques, grammar rules, and language skills.
- Encouraged independent thought, good judgment, and expression of original ideas.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student 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.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
Private Piano Teacher- 1997-2007
Self Employed & Crossgates School of Fine Arts
06.1997 - 08.2007
- Developed personalized lesson plans to accommodate diverse student learning styles.
- Implemented engaging teaching methods to enhance student interest and participation.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments and feedback sessions.
- Fostered a supportive learning environment that encouraged creativity and self-expression.
- Organized recitals and performance opportunities to showcase student achievements.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss student development and address concerns effectively.
- Mentored aspiring music teachers, sharing best practices and teaching strategies for success.
- Consistently received positive feedback from both students and their families on teaching effectiveness and rapport-building skills.
- Addressed individual learning challenges through differentiated instruction techniques that catered to each student''s unique strengths and weaknesses.
- Utilized various teaching aids such as videos, recordings, sheet music annotations, metronomes, apps to enhance the overall pedagogical approach.
- Enhanced student performance by implementing personalized lesson plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
- Expanded students'' musical knowledge by integrating theory, ear training, sight-reading, and composition exercises into regular practice sessions.
- Developed strong rapport with students, fostering a positive learning environment conducive to growth and development.
Barber/Hairstylist- 1989-2006
Owner- Hair Connection & Reservoir Style Center
05.1989 - 08.2006
- Provided high-quality haircuts and grooming services to diverse clientele.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of workstations and tools.
- Assisted in managing appointment schedules for efficient client flow.
- Developed strong customer relationships through attentive service and consultation.
- Stayed updated on industry trends and new techniques for continuous improvement.
- Educated clients on hair care products and maintenance routines tailored to needs.
- Collaborated with team members to enhance overall salon performance and atmosphere.
- Implemented effective inventory management practices for supplies and products used daily.
- Maintained a clean and hygienic work environment by regularly sanitizing tools, equipment, and workstations.
- Developed long-lasting relationships with clients, resulting in a high rate of customer retention and loyalty.
- Answered incoming telephone calls and scheduled appointments for clients.
- Built strong and lasting rapport with clients through consistent delivery of requested services and exceptional results.
- Continually honed personal barbering techniques to deliver consistent quality across all services provided to clients.
- Enhanced client satisfaction by providing personalized haircuts and grooming services based on individual preferences.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Jackson State University
Jackson, MS12.2011
Associate of Arts - Music Education
Holmes Community College
Goodman, MS05.1983
Skills
- Student motivation
- Cultural sensitivity
- Adaptive teaching
- Writing instruction
- Reading comprehension
- Problem-solving skills
- Team collaboration
- Classroom management
- Verbal and written communication
- Group leadership
- Lesson planning
- Lesson plan implementation
- Grading proficiency
- Teaching strategies
- Smartboard operation
- Curriculum implementation
- Student evaluations
- Field trips
- Teamwork
- Teamwork and collaboration
Timeline
5th Grade ELA Teacher 2011-2018
Pearl Public School District
08.2011 - 05.2018
Private Piano Teacher- 1997-2007
Self Employed & Crossgates School of Fine Arts
06.1997 - 08.2007
Barber/Hairstylist- 1989-2006
Owner- Hair Connection & Reservoir Style Center
05.1989 - 08.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Jackson State University
Associate of Arts - Music Education
Holmes Community College