VERNESHA THOMAS
Northridge
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience in the Los Angeles Unified School District, proficient in utilizing Google Applications to enhance educational experiences. Notable achievements include innovative lesson planning that significantly improved student literacy and fostered social-emotional growth. Expertise in creating engaging and inclusive classroom environments, promoting strong parent-student communication. Committed to advancing pedagogical practices and further enriching student learning outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles
03.2014 - Current
- Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and objectives as indicated in the lesson plans for the lessons, units, or projects assigned
- Create a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students
- Promote student learning in the absence of the regular classroom teacher
- Maintain classroom control and discipline
- Provide daily report or evaluation to communicate any pertinent information resulting from the day
Elementary/Middle School Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District, LAUSD
Los Angeles
08.2018 - 11.2024
- Adhered to district standards for reporting on academic progress, student attendance and assessment data.
- Established a safe environment conducive to learning for all students.
- Assessed student classroom performance to report on progress.
- Encouraged students to be understanding with others.
- Graded tests and papers and uploaded grading information to district system.
- Maintained a safe classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Provided individualized support for special education students who required extra assistance.
- Managed student records including attendance, grades, and test scores.
- Presented subject matter to students in easy-to-understand terms to maximize learning opportunities.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices in teaching methodology.
- Monitored student progress by assessing performance through tests and quizzes.
- Observed fellow teaching professionals, gathering valuable techniques to use in classroom.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Collaborated with other teachers and staff members on interdisciplinary projects and initiatives.
- Motivated students with positive reinforcement techniques to encourage engagement in the classroom.
- Promoted safe and clean classroom environment conducive to individualized and small group needs.
- Created innovative ways of engaging students in the subject matter.
- Organized field trips to enhance classroom instruction.
- Incorporated technology into daily lessons when appropriate.
- Presented educational material in an interesting manner that kept students engaged.
- Used positive reinforcement method to redirect poor behavior.
- Cultivated relationships with parents to ensure their understanding of student progress and behavior.
Special Education Teacher (Grade 5/6)
Los Angele Unified School District
Los Angeles
08.2016 - 06.2018
- Guide the learning process toward the achievement of curriculum goals and objectives, as indicated in the lesson plans for the lessons, units, or projects assigned..
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Adapted curriculum materials as needed to meet individualized student needs.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress towards IEP goals.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Incorporated interactive visual aids into student lesson plans to support learning objectives.
- Identified learning needs of students with disabilities and implemented appropriate interventions.
- Utilized technology resources such as online programs and assistive devices.
- Create Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
- Collaborated closely with related services providers such as speech therapists.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Collaborated with other educational personnel to provide inclusive activities or programs for children with disabilities.
- Conducted assessments of student performance and provided feedback to parents.
- Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
- Collaborated with outside agencies providing services for students and families to deliver cohesive support.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding their child's progress.
- Enhanced students' sensory- and perceptual-motor skills through hands-on activities.
- Enhanced students' physical, behavioral and social skills through class activities.
Paraprofessional
92nd Street Elementary School
Los Angeles
12.2012 - 03.2014
- Review/Reinforce what the teacher has already taught in the following areas:
- Sound Spelling Cards – Practice with students
- Alphabets – Flash cards, worksheets, puzzles
- High Frequency Words – Flash cards, one on one
- Fluency, Handwriting, Blending, Literacy
- Playground and cafeteria supervision
- Assist teachers and staff with any additional activities as needed
Project Engineer
SGI Construction
Pasadena
03.2007 - 08.2010
- Manage and ensure budget, finance and schedule compliance within each project
- Managed construction of a Concession Stand and Ticket Booths from 10% construction to 90% of completion at various school sites
- Regularly accommodated the client in any necessary needs/requests concerning any projects, including but not limited to coordinating and notifying of all construction activities and possible issues
- Record detailed notes during weekly job meeting to generate meeting minutes
- Coordinated with the Architects, Project Inspectors and primary contractors to gain beneficial occupancy on a limited timeline
- Responsible for recovering $250,000 of unaccounted funds for projects at 3 different schools
- Responsible for the Division of the State Architect (DSA) Closeout and Certification of all projects (50+) Measure G and E, for Eastside Union High School District
- Create, and maintain submittal logs, RFI logs, PCO logs, IB logs, and close out logs
- Aid and participate in final financial/PCO negotiations with contractor to prepare the final change order for board approval
- Attend weekly site visits and take photos of construction progress
- Sign and verify T & M work completed by the contractor
- Generate project scopes and create front-ends before the beginning construction of a project
- Communicate with contractor and inspector on possible upcoming issues relating to a project
- Worked with the Associate Bond Program Manager on the Emergency Repair Program (ERP) applications to request grants and reimbursements totaling $100,000,000+ for various low funded schools within ESUHSD
Project Coordinator II
Pacifica Services, Inc
Pasadena
10.2004 - 03.2007
- Assist Regional Project Management Director
- Data Entry
- Maintain school projects between district
- Head of document control
- Assist OAR(s)/Construction Managers in submittal process, technical support, job start meetings, progress meetings, distribution and maintenance of record drawings
- Log Request for Clarification documents into Expedition
- Input documents into Expedition
- Collect, write and develop presentation materials for presentation
- Provide Clerical Support
- Coordinating with technical staff and field issues
- Archive closeout and record documents
Office Assistant I
Dugan & Associates
North Hollywood
02.2004 - 10.2004
- Assist Office Manager with clerical duties
- Data Entry
- Code construction Manager’s documents
- Input documents into Expedition
- File documents
- Sort all incoming mail
Education
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential - Teaching
Los Angeles Unified School District (ICAAP)
Los Angeles, CA05-2021
Master of Business Administration -
University of Phoenix
12.2012
Bachelors of Arts Degree -
California State University Northridge
07.2005
Associates of Arts Degree -
Pierce College
Woodland Hills, CA12.2003
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School -
05.1999
Skills
- Microsoft Office Applications
- Google Applications
- Zoom meeting interactions (parent conferences, professional development, and synchronous learning for students during COVID)
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Analyze and problem solving
- Multi-tasking
- Classroom technology
- Elementary education
- Fundraising
- Parent and student communication
- Team building
- Literacy development
- Curriculum development
- SMART board aptitude
- Student-centered learning
- Excellent classroom management
- Clear public speaking skills
- Critical thinking
- Social-emotional learning training
- Student needs assessment
- Motivating students
- Visual aids utilization
- Formative assessments and Standard-based grading
- Special education
- Innovative lesson planning
- Alternative dispute resolution training
- Kinesthetic learning
- Parent-teacher communication
- Cultural sensitivity (BSAP)
- Social-emotional learning
- Small group instruction
- Child Abuse Awareness Certification (CAAT)
- Safety Awareness Training
- CPR
Professional Development
- OAR Certification Training
- PRBL Training
- Nims Universal Approach to System Analyst and Design
- AMA Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service
- AMA Managing Knock Your Socks Off Service
- The Conference on Leadership Development & Teambuilding
- Business Writing & Grammar Skills Made Easy and Fun
- The Conference on Customer Service
- Time Management and Organizational skills Training
- Contractor’s Bidding Process (Staying in the budget) Training
- OSHA
- Closeout Certification
Timeline
Elementary/Middle School Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District, LAUSD
08.2018 - 11.2024
Special Education Teacher (Grade 5/6)
Los Angele Unified School District
08.2016 - 06.2018
Substitute Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
03.2014 - Current
Paraprofessional
92nd Street Elementary School
12.2012 - 03.2014
Project Engineer
SGI Construction
03.2007 - 08.2010
Project Coordinator II
Pacifica Services, Inc
10.2004 - 03.2007
Office Assistant I
Dugan & Associates
02.2004 - 10.2004
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential - Teaching
Los Angeles Unified School District (ICAAP)
Master of Business Administration -
University of Phoenix
Bachelors of Arts Degree -
California State University Northridge
Associates of Arts Degree -
Pierce College
Shawnee Mission Northwest High School -
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