Rachel L.

Watts-Cotton
Improving Performance Enhancing Programs Leading By Example

EXPERIENCED EDUCATOR
dedicated to optimizing academic, artistic and social capabilities by providing instructional leadership

Visionary Leader, Bridge Builder and Licensed Educator with a Bachelors Degree coupled with 15 years
experience instructing and guiding elementary students and teachers, creating resources, and implementing effective
learning tools.

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
An enthusiastic, creative, and passionate educator, mentor and advisor who believes that all children can
learn and thrive in a learning environment that is stimulating, comforting and appropriate to their unique
talents and abilities.
Specializations include: Elementary Certification, English as a Second Language Certification
(ESL), Technology Specialist (iTeam Trainer for the implementation of Apple products and devices, up
& coming software tools)
Malvern Elementary Teacher of the Year Nominee
Strategic Collaborations / Leverage Resources Work closely with colleagues and experienced in
Technology Training to enhance student engagement, Designing Electronic Portfolios and training
teachers in Project Based Learning.
Campus Web Master to promote consistent communication to the community
Engage Parents Work closely with parents throughout career and produced extremely successful learning
results through building positive home/school connections.
Extensive background in meeting the needs of at risk students and creating a stimulating and challenging
learning environment.
Implementing successful programs that produce lasting results.

HIGHLIGHTED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

MALVERN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, McKinney, TX July 2003 Present
First Grade General Education (July 2003 - 2010)
Third Grade General Education (August 2010-Present)
Established and maintained rapport with staff, students, and parents.
Mentor and lead new teachers.
Served a grade level Team Leader
Educated and guided student teacher
Worked with team members to support, plan and implement instructional strategies
Taught student with varied abilities, learning needs, and cultural backgrounds
Created a balance between teaching goals and the students learning need, assuring that the students felt
supported as they learn.
Routinely conducted assessment of students reactions, learning and understanding of lessons presented
Advise classroom teachers on seamless technology integration
Work with administrative team in developing a Campus Improvement Plan
Participate and lead teacher professional learning communities (PLCs) and data meetings.
Facilitate staff development for staff at the campus and district level.
Guide teachers in planning and implementation of instructional and intervention strategies.
Utilize multiple assessments in compliance with district and state requirements to inform instruction.




Rachel Cotton, Page Two



OHENRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Richardson, TX August 2000 May 2003
First Grade General Education (August 2000 May 2003)
Developed lessons with clear objectives.
Served as grade level Team Leader.
Effectively monitored students reactions to material presented and routinely checked for understanding.
Created a balance between teaching goals and the students learning needs, assuring that the students felt
supported as they learn.
Created and administered various student organizational tools
Developed daily lesson plans and testing materials; leveraged the use of technology to enhance instruction,
infusing the use of the latest technology to conduct research and prepare reports, including: the Internet,
department websites, PowerPoint presentation software, and on-line library research.

LILLIE BURNEY ELEMENTARY, Hattiesburg, MS August 1999 May 2000
First Grade General Education (August 1999 May 2000)
Selected member of Bill Clintons Ratio Analysis Program for critical area schools.
Developed lessons with clear objectives.
Instructed students in exceeding grade level expectations in all core content areas


EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 1999
Technology Specialist Institute Region 10, Richardson, TX 2008-2009

ASSOCIATIONS & CERTIFICATIONS

English as Second Language Certification (ESL)
Texas Teacher Certification 1-4
Mississippi Teacher Certification K-8