Western Governors University

Professional Development Specialist and Curriculum Designer

Dallas, Texas, United States

Serve as lead consultant and curriculum designer for WordTechs Educational Services, a consulting firm that assists universities across the state with building deficit academic skills, particularly for minority students, training future teachers on best practices, research-based instruction, student-centered teaching and learning, brain-based teaching practices for long-term encoding/connections/memory, preparing future teachers and principals to pass state boards -- the TExES and Praxis exam

WordTechs Educational Services

Curriculum Designer and Educational Consultant

- Design, facilitate, deliver and monitor training for increased teacher skills in writing rigorous learning objectives; engaging all learners in standards-based learning activities; delivering purposeful, aligned instruction; and assessing learning through quality demonstrations of learning- Lead training on use of appropriate technology tools for instruction, assessment, and blended learning experiences- Assist fine arts coordinators with implementing training for student performance and criterion-based assessments- Provide coaching for fine arts teachers across all grade levels and disciplines- Research and provide recommendations for outside consultants and trainers, learning tools, and technology- Assist with development of rigorous curriculum and assessments- Provide training, mentoring, and support on how to serve special-needs populations

Dallas ISD

Professional Development Specialist

Presenter and professional development leader Specialized in art education and standards for Texas

Center for Educational Development in Fine Arts

Cadre Member

Teach coursework on best teaching practices and preparation for state board exams for teacher candidates, both undergrad and post-bacc.

Paul Quinn College

Professor, College of Education

Author of educational books and technical manuals related to teacher professional developmentProvide seminars and workshops for professional development of current and pre-service educatorsProvide group and individual tutoring to pass the TExES state board <a href="http://examswww.passthetexes.com">examswww.passthetexes.com</a>

EdPublishing

Professional Development Specialist and Author

Served the district initially on contract as a published author for the Writers for Schools TAKS program, later as a classroom teacher and district trainer. Provided specialty instruction to students struggling with writing objectives. Taught fully-integrated curriculum of all core and support subjects to students in grades 1-6. Led large-group (100+ students) weekend workshops to enhance student skills. Coordinated directly with School District SWAT team, Education Service Center consultants and administrators on student progress and district objectives. Designed and implemented writing programming that was instrumental in bringing campuses out of low performing ranks for state mandated writing. Provided training and materials, led workshops and team meetings for classroom teachers to assist in improving writing scores. Led teacher training workshops for New Learning Center Training, including training on integrating technology, differentiating instruction to reach all learners, motivating today’s learner, cross-curricular integration, and improving school test scores. Currently serve in district's pilot arts-infused campus as academic coach and coordinator.

Academic Coordinator for Arts Integration

WordTechs Press

Managing Editor

Contributing writer for School Arts Magazine

Davis Publications

Contributor

Professor of English as a Second Language, Advanced Level Provided college level instruction in English grammar, American culture, and American social structures to adult ESL learners. Taught in both large and small-group settings to assist students in mastering phonemic concepts, grammar, pronunciation, and employment skills. Coordinated with faculty and staff to assist in student retention and job placement.

Interactive Learning Systems

Professor

Served as team leader for community building team. Served as a trainer/instructor at AOL University (distance-learning center) providing training and certification in system procedures, online systems, systems management, system security and MicroSoft systems.

America Online

Greenhouse Community Team Associate/Trainer

Managing editor for daily newspaper with several subsidiary publications in a large, urban suburb.

Lemmons Publications

Editor

Assisted in administrating Newspaper in Education program for 500,000+ circulation newspaper. Worked with area schools providing teacher in-service training on using newspapers in the classroom. Led in-class student presentations to students in grades K-12, led tours of both Dallas Morning News facilities, and wrote and produced 17 curriculum books on meeting TEKS using newspapers in the classroom.

Vickie Hester