Teacher Assistant

Desiree Heyns, Ed.D

*** *** ****** ● Highlands, Texas 77562

*********@***.*** ● 832-***-****

Science – Grades 4 -7

July 2016- Present Harmony Fine Arts and Technology – Harmony Public Schools

Science Department Chair.

Southern District –Houston PLC (Professional Learning Community) Leader.

Curriculum writer for grade 5.

Mentor for all incoming science teachers.

Implement high quality science activities using STEMscopes curriculum.

Differentiate instruction using continuous formative and summative assessments.

Implemented home visit program to foster strong parent / teacher relationships.

Responsible for increasing science scores on STAAR from 55% to 86% passing.

Science – Grade 5

July 2015- June 2016 Garcia Elementary – Houston Independent School District

Plan high quality lessons with differentiated levels of questioning using the 5”E” model.

Involve students with hands-on /inquiry-based projects that have personal meaning and provide practice using critical thinking skills.

Created problem-solving activities for struggling learners that promote self-direction.

Implemented Tier-2 /3 evidence based intervention strategies.

Maintain a supportive classroom environment where students feel safe to respond to questions, experiment with ideas, and take risks.

Collaborate with colleagues to share data driven content and intervention techniques.

Excellent organizational, multitasking, and time management skills.

Pre-AP Science – Grade 6

July 2014- June 2015 YWCPA – Houston Independent School District

Increased student performance by modeling and using the ‘Evaluation level’ of Blooms Taxonomy to critique ideas, products and activities.

Extensive on-site and professional development training with HISD’s Technology focused Power-up initiative including interactive hands-on investigations with inquiry-based approaches.

Exhibit an open door policy with respect to parent communication.

Extraordinary leadership and interpersonal skills that foster a strong relationship with colleagues.

Sixth grade Science Fair Coordinator.

Sixth grade Science Club Organizer.

DIVA Design Team Leader (NASA).

Science Lab – Grades PreK-5

August 2004- June 2014 Eliot Elementary – Houston Independent School District

Lead Teacher when TAKS science scores soared from 53% to 89% passing in 2008.

Provided key tools for understanding or investigating more complex ideas and solving problems.

Constructivist approach centered on the learners building their own understanding of concepts.

Differentiated instructional strategies consistent with students’ needs and physical limitations.

All–level Professional Development coach for teachers on Earth Science modules.

Created an after school Science Club for grades 3-5.

Organized annual student centered recycling and composting project.

Created Outdoor Classroom / Vegetable Garden used by all classes and grade levels.

Science Fair Coordinator.

Graduate Teaching Assistant – Environmental Education

Summer 2009 University of Houston

Assist professor in facilitating purposeful assignments for undergraduate student teachers.

Evaluated and assessed student teachers and possible solutions to improve performance.

Implemented the philosophy of education, instructional goals and objectives.

Invited guest speakers to enhance understanding of environmental issues in the Houston area.

First Grade

August 2004-2005 Eliot Elementary – Houston Independent School District

Provided effective and diplomatic classroom management techniques.

Implemented “Hands-On” learning method to increase retention.

Designed lesson plans to meet curriculum and state standards.

Differentiate instruction to provide an effective, engaging, learning environment.

EDUCATION University of Houston

Ed.D – 2014 Curriculum & Instruction / Environmental Science emphasis

Walden University

M.Ed - 2008 ● M.S. in Science Education - 2008

Sam Houston State University

B.A. Biology / Geology

Secondary Provisional Certificate - Grades 6-12: Biology ● Earth Science ● Life-Earth Science

Science 4-8 ● Generalist EC-6 ● GT Certified

HONORS & Teacher of the Year-HISD (Eliot Elementary, 2005)

AFFILATIONS University of Houston Golden Key International Honour Society

American Association of the Advancement of Science (AAAS 2009)

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA 2008)

Science Teachers Association of Texas (2009)

PUBLICATIONS Graduate Dissertation - December 2014

“Ecological Knowledge and Verbal Environmental Commitment of Middle School African American Students in a Suburban Texas School”

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TEACHING

EXPERIENCE

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TEACHING

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CERTIFICATIONS

HONORS & AFFILIATIONS

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