SIBRENA SEARS
Virginia Beach
Summary
Christ-centered educator with over 15 years of experience serving children and families in Christian school, military, and early childhood settings. Elementary teacher and instructional leader recognized for effective classroom practice, strong student relationships, accommodations, enrichment programming, and community engagement. Dedicated to empowering students to discover and live out their God-given purpose through academic excellence, spiritual growth, and a growth mindset.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Third Grade Teacher
Gateway Christian Academy
01.2024 - Current
- Promoted from K-3 based on instructional effectiveness, leadership, and student growth.
- Developed innovative lessons that challenge students while providing support to achieve mastery using the ACSI, BIU, and Abeka curriculums.
- Led the development of an accommodations program in the lower school department for diverse learners.
- Actively collaborated with 4th Grade PLCs and 2nd Grade teachers to support vertical alignment and continuity of instruction.
- Implemented a Biblical Social-Emotional Learning approach to support emotional regulation and character development.
- Established strong, supportive relationships with students across age levels.
- Maintained strong communication and partnership with parents via email, phone conversations, and conferences.
- Collaborated with the Director of Learning to support students and address instructional gaps.
- Piloted elementary after-school clubs, expanding enrichment opportunities for students.
- Partnered with the school counselor to establish Military Kids Lunch groups, providing targeted support for military-connected students.
3-Year-Old Kindergarten Teacher
Gateway Christian Academy
01.2023 - 01.2024
- - Promoted based on instructional effectiveness, leadership, and student growth.
- - Developed innovative lessons that challenge students while providing support to achieve mastery using the ACSI, BIU, and Abeka curriculums.
- - Led the development of an accommodations program in the lower school department for diverse learners.
- - Actively collaborated with 4th Grade PLCs and 2nd Grade teachers to support vertical alignment and continuity of instruction.
- - Implemented a Biblical Social-Emotional Learning approach to support emotional regulation and character development.
- - Established strong, supportive relationships with students across age levels.
- - Maintained strong communication and partnership with parents via email, phone conversations, and conferences.
- - Collaborated with the Director of Learning to support students and address instructional gaps.
- - Piloted elementary after-school clubs, expanding enrichment opportunities for students.
- - Partnered with the school counselor to establish Military Kids Lunch groups, providing targeted support for military-connected students.
Owner/Educator
Navy Child Development Homes
01.2017 - 2022
- Independently operated a licensed home child development program serving military families, creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
- Designed and implemented daily instructional activities supporting children's cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
- Managed administrative and operational responsibilities including enrollment, scheduling, contracts, and maintenance of confidential child records.
- Ensured compliance with program standards, including immunizations, documentation, and safety requirements.
- Communicated clearly and consistently with families, fostering strong partnerships and trust.
Second Grade Teacher
Argyle Elementary School
01.2019 - 01.2021
- Delivered effective, standards-based instruction across core subject areas using curricula including Making Meaning, Being a Writer, i-Ready, Florida LAFS, Eureka Math, Capstone Classrooms, and HMH Florida Science.
- Adapted instructional practices to support student engagement, assessment, and family communication during COVID-19 school closures and transitions to virtual learning.
- Assessed student learning on an ongoing basis and provided timely feedback to students and families through conferences, progress reports, and regular communication.
- Collaborated with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade teachers to share instructional strategies, support student transitions, and receive mentorship.
- Proactively collaborated with the math coach and instructional leadership to strengthen instruction and support student learning.
Education
No Degree -
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VABachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Sociology
Columbia College of Missouri
01-2017
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Florida State College of Jacksonville
01-2012
Skills
- Christ-Centered Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Curriculum Implementation
- Family Communication
- Collaborative Planning & PLCs
- Student Support & Relationship Building
Certification
- - Association of Christian Teachers and Schools (ACTS) Certification
- - CPR / First Aid / AED
- - Mandated Reporter Training (Annual)
Timeline
Third Grade Teacher
Gateway Christian Academy
01.2024 - Current
3-Year-Old Kindergarten Teacher
Gateway Christian Academy
01.2023 - 01.2024
Second Grade Teacher
Argyle Elementary School
01.2019 - 01.2021
Owner/Educator
Navy Child Development Homes
01.2017 - 2022
No Degree -
Liberty University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Minor in Sociology
Columbia College of Missouri
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Florida State College of Jacksonville