Vitae

Document file

Lindsay Sims

1011 Prospect Dr. SE

Decatur, AL 35601

p: 256-777-****

e: lindsay.sims@dcs.edu

Education

Cert Samford University, Gifted Education Endorsement December 2021

Advisor: Dr. Patti Wood

M. Ed. Auburn University, Elementary Education August 2013

Advisor: Dr. Octavia Tripp, GPA: 3.89

B.S. Ed. Athens State University, Elementary Education May 2011

Positions & Appointments

Decatur City Schools, Decatur, AL

Gifted Education Specialist (6-8), Decatur Middle School, Aug 2019 to present

· Develop programs in our secondary schools which involves analyzing stakeholder feedback, collaborating with multiple teams, and leveraging data-driven insights to develop and/or redesign our program. This includes addressing public relationships via web-based user interfaces. As a result, parent/guardian and student involvement has increased by 15% and the program received commendations from the Alabama State Department of Education.

· Implemented a new strategy to effectively engage with stakeholders, including students, faculty, and administrators, on critical issues affecting the gifted education program. Through regular updates, meetings, and other communication channels, I ensured that all stakeholders were informed, engaged, and empowered to make informed decisions about their educational pathway. The success of the strategy resulted in a 20% increase in awareness about the gifted education program.

· Collaborate with a cross-functional team to successfully develop a grant proposal each fiscal year to meet the project requirements and timelines while leveraging each team member's strengths and effectively communicating proposal progress and challenges that has resulted in more than $100,000 awarded within the last five years by the Alabama State Department of Education Gifted Education Grant.

Primary Responsibilities

· Monitor and maintain the day-to-day operation of programs for gifted and/or academically accelerated students, including screening, student identification, compliance, curriculum programming, professional development for teachers, and communication with a variety of stakeholders both internal and external.

· Coordinates accelerated and advanced studies opportunities for students.

· Develops and implements procedures and provides training related to screening and identification of students, including identifying students in under-represented groups for participation in gifted and academically accelerated programs.

· Provide subject matter expertise and curriculum support to ensure appropriately challenging instructional opportunities are provided to meet the differentiated needs of gifted and talented students.

· Monitor, liaise, & coordinate with parents, teachers, and administrators.

· Enhance individualized educational services for 137 gifted students on my caseload.

Courses

· “Gifted Explorations”, 2019, 2020

Sixth-grade course averaging 50 students per semester, exploring the following concepts: giftedness, identity, discovery

· “Future City”, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

Seventh-grade course averaging 50 students per semester, exploring the following concepts: innovation, sustainability, creative design.

· “Stock Market Game”, 2020, 2021, 2022

Eighth-grade concept-based course focusing “Systems” as a concept. 30 students per semester on average

Limestone County Schools, Athens, AL

STEAM Lead Teacher, Elkmont Elementary (21st Century Learning Program), June 2018 to August 2018

· Created & conceptualized course instructional framework to weave STEAM experiences into multi-disciplinary curricula.

· Designed, developed, & assessed learning experiences for K-8 students.

· Worked in partnership with teachers, modeling consistent effective teaching with technology, engagement, lesson plan design, use of technology, STEAM, and online tools.

Decatur City Schools, Decatur, AL

Gifted Education Specialist (K-5), Special Services, Aug 2016 to July 2018

· Monitored and maintained a 75 student caseload as well as the day-to-day operation of programs for gifted and/or academically accelerated students, including screening, student identification, compliance, curriculum programming, professional development for teachers, and communication with a variety of stakeholders both internal and external.

· Planned, implemented, and supported modified instructional strategies to meet the needs of students identified as gifted and talented.

· Provided gifted students in grades K-5 an opportunity to work on various skills with resources such as enrichment units, concept-based units, student-led projects, extension projects, learning contracts, curriculum contrasting, etc. through regularly scheduled, pull-out services

· Provided subject matter expertise and curriculum support to ensure appropriately challenging instructional opportunities were provided to meet the differentiated needs of gifted and talented students in grades 3-5.

Athens City Schools, Athens, AL

Classroom Teacher (3rd grade), Julian Newman Elementary, Aug 2014 to July 2016

· Provided feedback to students, parents and administration regarding student progress, expectations, and goals.

· Documented teaching and student progress, activities, and outcomes for eleven students in my twenty-two-student classroom who had an individualized education plan. Each of the eleven students with an individualized education plan increased their reading and math proficiencies by 10% by the end of the school year.

· Supervised and mentored new and student-teachers.

· Facilitated data disaggregation using excel and other database tools during workshops which resulted in a special appointment to develop a new (virtual) math pacing guide that aligned with district resources and current state standards to be used by teachers across the district.

Athens City Schools, Athens AL

Title I Interventionist, Julian Newman Elementary (Federal Programs), Aug 2013 to July 2014

· Motivated and mentored a group of academically challenged students by developing and implementing a personalized study plan that catered to each student's unique needs. I regularly met with the students to provide guidance, support, and motivation, resulting in a 25% increase in their overall academic performance. The success of the program earned me recognition from the institution's leadership and inspired me to continue to motivate and inspire students to reach their full potential.

· Identified and addressed a critical curriculum gap by conducting extensive research and collaborating with faculty members to develop and implement a new program that effectively bridged the gap. The program was well-received by students and faculty, resulting in a 15% increase in enrollment and recognition from the institution's leadership for my contributions to the institution's academic excellence.

Athens City Schools, Athens, AL

Literacy Lab Instructor, Julian Newman Elementary, Aug 2012 to July 2013

· Planned, organized, and implemented literacy and writing instructional programs that guided and encouraged students to develop their foundational reading and writing skills.

Athens City Schools, Athens, AL

Kindergarten Teacher, Julian Newman Elementary, Aug 2011 to July 2012

Achievements

Awards

· "Best Use of Robotics or Unmanned Systems", Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International-Pathfinder Chapter, (2023)

· “AL People’s Choice Award”, Alabama Modeling & Simulation Council, (2023)

· "Outstanding Project Plan" sponsored by the Project Management Institute Educational Foundation, (2023)

· “Alabama Student’s Choice Award” by Alabama Modeling & Simulation Council, (2023)

· “Outstanding Project Plan", Project Management Institute Educational Foundation, (2022)

· “Outstanding Use of Circular Economy Principles”, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, (2022)

· "Best Land Surveying Practices”, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, (2022)

· “Best Telecommunications and Power Systems”, IEEE Huntsville Section, (2021)

· “Best Use of Sustainable Infrastructure”, American Society of Civil Engineers, (2021)

· “Making A Difference” Award (CH19), (2020)

· “Energy Efficiency Award”, Association of Energy Engineers, ARFCC, (2020)

· Alabama Association for Gifted Children (AAGC) Student Video Contest, (2020)

· Student Action Research Recognition, Auburn University COE, (2015)

· Professional Dispositions Award, Athens State University COE, (2011)

· Student Intern Excellence Award, Athens State University COE, (2011)

· Athenian Ambassadors, Athens State University, (2011)

· Student Honor Marshall, Athens State University College of Education (2010)

· Scholarship, Kappa Delta Pi Education, (2007)

· Class President, Athens High School Seniors, (2006-2007)

Grants

· $24,794 by the Alabama Department of Education for a grant titled “IGNITE Innovation” to provide middle school gifted students collaborative spaces along with interest- and project-based learning opportunities where students can come together to design and create. (2022)

· $26,821 by the Alabama Department of Education for a grant titled “AIM” to develop a three-year continuum of instructional units, courses, and field trips affording students an opportunity to examine their own interests considering potential career goals. (2021)

· $900 by the Alabama Association for Gifted Children for a grant titled “Innovation Station: Student Recording Studio” focused on creating a student recording space for middle school students. (2020)

· $29,974 by the Alabama Department of Education for a grant titled “Introducing STEAM and PBL to the Gifted Classroom” to address the needs of creative thinkers and underserved populations by giving gifted and talented students in Decatur City Schools an opportunity to demonstrate achievement and participate in engaging opportunities, both on the academic and creative level. (2020)

· $29,000 by the Alabama Department of Education for a grant titled “Discovery in Decatur through Technology & Innovation” which centered on innovation and discovery, and guided students towards being innovators and creators of digital technology by implementing a technology continuum that spans from elementary through middle school. (2019)

Presentations

Conference Papers

(Peer-Reviewed)

Peer Editing in a First Grade Classroom, Auburn University & Athens City Schools 2012, Advisor: Dr. Charles Eick

Workshop Presenter

“Nature & Needs of Gifted”, Decatur High School, Decatur City Schools, (2022)

“Differentiation in the Middle School Classroom”, Decatur Middle Faculty, (2021)

“Gifted Compliance Training”, Decatur Middle Inservice, (2019, 2020, 2021)

“Nature & Needs of Gifted”, Decatur Middle School, Decatur City Schools, (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022)

“Depth & Complexity Model for Teaching Gifted Learners”, Decatur Middle School, Decatur City Schools, (2022, 2023)

“Nature & Needs of Gifted”, Banks Caddell Elementary, Decatur City Schools, (2017)

“Nature & Needs of Gifted”, Woodmeade Elementary, Decatur City Schools, (2017)

“Google EDU for Teachers”, Google Education, (2016)

“Google in the Classroom”, Google Education, (2016)

“Global Scholar”, Athens City Schools, 2013-2015

“Depth of Knowledge”, Athens City Schools Teacher Inservice, (2015)

“Math Pacing for Grade 3 Teachers”, Athens City Schools Teacher Inservice, (2015)

“Being a Writer”, Training for ACS Classroom Teachers, (2015)

Paper Presentation

“Being a Writer: Pilot Classroom & Turnaround”, Athens City Schools Board, (2014)

“Igniting Young Minds Through Space”, STEM Summit, (2010)

Address

“Being a Writer”, Athens City Schools, (2014)

Commencement Ceremony, Athens High School, Athens City Schools, (2007)

Senior Awards Day, Athens High School, Athens City Schools, (2007)

Senior Class Breakfast, Athens High School, Athens City Schools, (2007)

Service

Advisor/Student Organizations

· Scholars’ Bowl, Decatur City Schools, (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

· Speech & Debate, Decatur City Schools, (2020, 2021, 2022)

· Google CS-First, Decatur City Schools, (2016-2018)

· Technology Club, Athens City Schools, (2014-2016)

· Girls Excelling in Math & Science, Decatur City Schools, (2016)

· Wonder League Robotics, Decatur City Schools, (2016)

Committee Member

· GEP Committee, Decatur Middle School, (2019-present)

· 504 Committee, Decatur Middle School, (2019-present)

· Acceleration Committee, Decatur City Schools, (2019-present)

· Hospitality Committee, Decatur Middle School, (2021, 2022, 2023)

· Organizer, Decatur Middle School Academic Booster Fundraiser, (2022)

· Coordinator, Scholars’ Bowl Open, Decatur Middle School, (2021, 2022, 2023)

· Co-Organizer, District-Wide Author’s Conference, Decatur City Schools, (2019)

· Co-organizer, Morgan County Spelling Bee, Decatur City Schools, 2016

· Team Lead, Response to Intervention, Julian Newman Elementary School, (2013-2015)

· SACS Accreditation Team, Julian Newman Elementary School, (2013-2014)

· Chair, Continuous Improvement Plan, Julian Newman Elementary School, (2013-2014)

· Curriculum Developer, “Science Among the Columns”, Athens State University COE, (2009-2011)

Mentor/Advisor

· Director, District-wide Scholars’ Bowl Tournament, Decatur City Schools, (2022 – present)

· Lead, Gifted Education Program, Decatur City Schools, (2022 – present)

· Faculty Mentor, Decatur Middle School, (2021, 2022)

· Student-Teacher Mentor, Athens State University COE & Athens Elementary Summer Program, (Athens, AL, 2016)

· Teacher-Lead, Athens State University COE & Athens Elementary Summer Program, (Athens, AL, 2016)

· Student-Teacher Mentor, Julian Newman Elementary School, Athens, AL, (2013, 2014, 2015)

· Lead Teacher, Athens City Chamber Groundwater Festival, Athens State University COE, (2010)

· Lead Teacher, “Science Among the Columns”, Athens State University COE, (2009-2011)

Volunteer

· Mentor, Hospice of Limestone County Camp Hope, Athens, AL, (2006-2014)

· Outreach Liaison, Hospice of Limestone County, Athens, AL, (2006-2016)

· Hospice of Limestone County, Scrapbook, Athens AL, (2006-2016)

· Member, Athena League, Athens, AL, (2013-present)

· Officer/Corresponding Secretary, Athena League, Athens, AL, (2014-2016)

· Volunteer, Apple Annie 5k, Athena League, Athens, AL, (2015-2018)

· Chair/Organizer, Apple Annie Golf Tournament, Athena League, Athens, AL, (2013-2014)

· Volunteer, CASA of Limestone County Mud-Volleyball Tournament, Athens, AL, (2006-2013)

Affiliations

· Alabama Consortium of Technology Education, (2022)

· National Academic Quiz Tournaments, (2018 – present)

· Alabama Scholastic Competition Association, (2018 – present)

· Alabama Association for Gifted Children, (2016 – present)

· Young Professionals for Economic Growth & Development, (2017)

· Pi Tau Chi, (2010-Present)

· Phi Kappa Phi, (2010-Present)

· Kappa Delta Pi Fraternity, Athens State University, (2014-2016)

· President, (2010 – 2011)

Related Experience

Content & Database Manager, Alabama Consortium for Technology Education, (2022-present)

· Developing and managing content: Creating, editing, and publishing content for websites, social media platforms, email marketing campaigns, and other digital marketing channels.

· Maintaining the organization’s database: Overseeing data entry, data cleansing, and ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the database.

· Implementing data protection and security measures: Ensuring that the database and any other sensitive information is secure and implementing measures to prevent unauthorized access.

· Collaborating with cross-functional teams: Working closely with cross-functional teams, such as marketing, sales, and IT, to ensure that the organization's content and database management strategies align with broader goals.

Operations Manager, Non-profit Organization (2022-present)

· Review project drafts and regulatory documents to provide a clear understanding of work scope.

· Develop comprehensive project plans with action items, milestones, and schedules.

· Oversee the monitoring and inspections of completed projects.

· Provide top management with weekly progress updates and month-end reports.

· Google Workspace Administrator.

Marketing & User-Interface Consultant, Non-profit Organization (2022-present)

· Advise on branding, marketing issues and positioning.

· Develop & architect reusable front end components that align with brand design.

· Interactive interfaces & website build, design, and improvement.

· Liaise & collaborate with UX designers and other IT team members.

· HTML, CSS, & JavaScript webapp development & implementation.

Freelance User-Interface Consultant, Non-profit Organization (2022-present)

· Design new, on-brand visual elements focusing on message and brand.

· Create design packages to elevate and differentiate brand.

· Content strategy, data mining, and insight discovery.

Student Work-Study, Athens State University Library, 2010-2011

Student Work-Study, Alabama Math, Science, Technology Initiative, Athens State University, 2009-2011

Training

Setting Up Canvas/PowerSchool Gradebooks for PassBack, Decatur City, (2021)

Gifted Specialist Regional Training, ALSDE, Athens Inservice Center, (2019- 2022)

Intro to NSDA Coaching, NSDA, remote (2021)

Python Programming Language in Codespace, Firia Labs, remote, (2021)

ELL Differentiations & Accommodations, Decatur City Schools, (2020)

ELLevations and Serving our ELL students, Decatur City Schools, (2020)

Envisioning the Possibilities Conference, Alabama Association for Gifted Children, (2020)

Creating Hands-on Virtual Learning Activities, AAGC Webinar Series, (2020)

Creating Bitmoji Classroom with Laura Sergeant & Dr. Charla, AAGC WebSeries, (2020)

Integrative Teaching: Putting the Emotion In, AAGC Webinar Series, (2020)

An Introduction to Schoology, AAGC Webinar Series, (2020)

Designing Personalized Learning Experiences for Gifted, AAGC, (2020)

Using Classroom to Meet the Needs of TAG Students, AAGC, (2020)

Secondary Renaissance Training, Decatur City Schools, (2020)

Virtual Instructional Practices, Decatur City Schools, (2020)

Makerbot Curriculum Creator, Makerbot 3D Printing, (2020)

Bridging the Gap: Reaching and Teaching All Learners Conference, AAGC, (2019)

SMART Goal Development, Decatur Middle School, (2019)

Depth of Knowledge, Athens City Schools, (2016)

The Leader in Me, Athens Inservice Center, Athens, AL, (2016)

Higher Order Thinking- Addressing Rigor: Global Scholar Administrators, Athens Inservice Center, Athens, AL, (2016)

Apple iOS iLife (iPad), Athens City Schools, (2015)

AMSTI - Science 3rd Grade - Year 2 (Human Body), Athens Inservice Center, (2015)

AMSTI - Science 3rd Grade - Year 2 (Earth Materials), Athens Inservice Center, (2015)

Breaking Down Barriers to Learning, Athens City Schools, (2015)

Number Sense Strategies & Routines, Athens Inservice Center, Athens, AL, (2015)

CCCS ALSDE Alignment & Spiraling, Athens Inservice Center, Athens, AL, (2015)

RTI, ALSDE Team Lead and State Training, Global Scholar, Scantron, Athens, AL, (2015)

Google EDU Ambassador Teachers, Google Education, Remote, (2015)

CCRS and the Elementary Math Classroom (Grades 3-4), Athens City Schools, (2014)

OGAP Additive Reasoning, Athens City Schools, (2014)

Being a Writer, Athens City Schools, (2014)

Engineering is Elementary (EiE) (Grades 3-5), Athens City Schools, (2014)

Multisensory Teaching, Athens State University, Athens, AL, (2014)

Number Talks, Athens State University, Athens, AL, (2014)

Multiplication Support for Title, Athens City Schools, Athens, AL, (2014)

On Going Assessment Project (OGAP) Fractions, Athens Inservice Center, (2014)

On Going Assessment Project (OGAP) Multiplication, Athens Inservice Center, (2014)

ELA Leadership Team Training (Grades 3-6), Athens City School, (2013)

‘Reading Wonders' Training (Grades K-2), Athens City Schools, (2013)

ELA Course of Study Overview (Grades K-2), Athens City Schools, (2013)

"Go Math" Training, Athens City Schools, (2013)

Phase II: Math Common Core for First Grade Teachers, (2012)

The Leader in Me, Athens Inservice Center, Athens, AL, (2012)

7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Athens Inservice Center, Athens, AL, (2011)

Lee v. Macon Training in Special Needs Ed, Athens State University, Athens, AL, (2010)

Addressing Disproportionality in Classrooms, Athens Inservice Center, (2010)

Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI), Athens State University, Athens, AL, (2010)

Proficiencies

Com-reading/Programming: HTML/C++, Java, item inventory management database, presentations, green screen/media layering, basic coding, basic programming, cloud, storage, remote desktop, project management, app development, streaming, basic Python, mixed media programs, VR

Applications: advanced Office (word, excel, etc.), skill 2, skill 3, skill 4

Software Platforms: Android, Windows, MacOS, Linux, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Microsoft Office, Apple iOS, Google Chrome, YouTube

· Microsoft: Office, Works, Pdf conversion, Cloud computing, Zune, Publishing, 365, Outlook, Adobe Compatibility, Zip files, conversions, Collaborations, Windows Live, OneNote, Backup

· Apple: Foundations, Education, App Development, iOS, Mac, iCloud, cloud computing, Backup, iTunes, iTunes, TV, Remote Collaborating, App development, Pages, Photos, iMovie, Keynote, Numbers, Maps, Calendar

· Google: Education, Drive, Forms, Classroom, Sheets, Plus, Sync, Chrome, iOS, Cloud Computing, web store, Cloud computing, Zip filing, Remote Collaborations, Keep, Photos, Console, Print, Coordinate, Wallet, News, Slides, Earth, Maps, Cardboard, Calendar, Back Up

Tools: Google analytics

Software: Adobe Spark, Adobe Illustrator

Graphics/Design: Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Spark, AutoCAD, Microsoft Publisher

Content Maintenance: JavaScript, HTML, Adobe Illustrator

Hardware: Apple, Chromebook, A/V setup, Troubleshooting

Languages

English: Native Language

Spanish: Intermediate Listener, Novice Speaker, Intermediate Reading and Writing

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