Barbara O'Rourke

• Followed classroom plans and upheld schoolwide and classroom routines and policies to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
• Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
• Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
• Partnered with English Language Arts teachers to support students with Individual Educational Plans

• Facilitated continuous improvement efforts by leading professional development workshops for educators at all levels of experience.
• Led and oversaw the district wide adoption and implementation of the AVID program for student achievement
• Researched, compiled and taught best practices for distance and hybrid learning during COVID 19
• Cultivated strong partnerships between administration and faculty to align goals, expectations, and action plans.
• Enhanced teacher effectiveness by providing tailored instructional coaching and feedback.
• Promoted a culture of collaboration by facilitating professional learning communities among teachers.
• Sharpened educator skills with frequent observation-feedback cycles that focused on specific areas for growth.
• Contributed to a positive school climate by participating in various committees, events, and initiatives outside of direct coaching responsibilities.
• Boosted student engagement with the integration of technology in lesson planning and delivery.
• Advanced equitable teaching practices throughout the district via targeted workshops addressing cultural responsiveness, differentiation strategies, and inclusive classroom environments.
• Strengthened instructional practices through modeling, co-teaching, and observing classroom instruction.
• Built and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.

• Used storytelling, compassion and humor to establish a positive, safe and inclusive classroom environment
• Cultivated culture of respect and empathy among students, thereby creating a positive and supportive classroom environment while maintaining learning goals and effectively managing student behaviors
• Provided guidance and mentoring to students regarding academic, social and emotional issues.
• Served as a class advisor fostering connection between classmates as well as between myself and my students
• Created and implemented engaging lessons which allowed students choice and freedom of expression
• Instructed and assessed students using a variety of modalities, allowing them to learn and demonstrate their learning in ways that were most meaningful to them while continuing to maintain high academic standards
• Used technology to increase student engagement and critical thinking skills
• Evaluated students' academic growth, kept appropriate records, and prepared progress reports to gauge performance and keep students and families informed
• Offered supplemental and individualized instruction for at-risk and struggling students
• Supported diverse learners with individualized instruction and accommodations tailored to their unique needs
• Provided reinforcement for English language learners to enable them to reach their linguistic expressive and comprehension goals
• Collaborated with other academic professionals to develop individualized education and 504 plans for students with special needs
• Sought out opportunities for interdisciplinary alignment in lesson development; connecting subjects for a more cohesive learning experience
• Initiated and supported programs to encourage students in the development of skills and strategies for becoming independent and successful learners and increasing their college and career readiness
• Organized and facilitated campus wide after school tutoring sessions
• Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching abilities further.
• Established and maintained quilty professional relationships with students, coworkers, parents and community members.
• Prepared an extensive self-study report as both a leader and a team member in multiple accreditation cycles

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