Tonja Walden
Fairfax
Summary
Dynamic educator and school wide collaborator with a proven track record with Fairfax and Palm Beach County Public Schools, excelling in lesson planning and differentiated instruction. Passionately fostered student engagement and inclusivity, while effectively supporting diverse learning needs. Committed to enhancing classroom environments through innovative strategies and strong parent communication, ensuring every child thrives academically and socially.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Fort Belvoir Primary-Fairfax County Public Schools
Alexandria
08.2018 - Current
- Developed engaging and differentiated lesson plans for second-grade curriculum.
- Facilitated daily classroom activities and group discussions.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive, safe, and culturally diverse learning environment.
- Communicated regularly with parents about student progress and classroom events.
- Integrated educational technology tools to enhance student learning experiences.
- Participated regularly in professional development training to improve teaching methods.
- Created an environment conducive to learning through positive reinforcement and behavior management strategies.
- Conducted regular assessments of student performance and provided feedback to students and parents.
- Partnered with parents to maintain open communication, advise on available resources and build parental abilities necessary for student support.
- Collaborated with other teachers on curriculum development, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques.
- Provided positive feedback with emphasis on learning from mistakes to establish solid foundation for progress.
- Assessed student learning through varied formative and summative assessments.
Teacher, Grade 1
Washington Ele Palm Beach County School District
Riviera Beach
08.2016 - 05.2018
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state curriculum standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting student collaboration and respect.
- Implemented diverse teaching strategies to accommodate various learning styles.
- Coordinated with special education staff to support students with special needs.
- Fostered a classroom culture that supports diversity and inclusivity.
- Facilitated a positive learning environment by implementing classroom management techniques.
Kindergarten Teacher/3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Mount Vernon Woods Ele-Fairfax County Public Schoo
Alexandria
09.2014 - 06.2016
- Created engaging lesson plans using hands-on activities and visual aids.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting social and emotional development.
- Implemented daily routines to support student learning and classroom management.
- Organized and led extracurricular activities to promote student engagement.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods and adapted instruction accordingly.
- Utilized instructional strategies such as cooperative learning, inquiry-based instruction, and problem solving techniques.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication regarding student progress.
- Adapted lessons as needed for English Language Learners.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills among students by providing them with opportunities to explore solutions independently.
Education
Master of Arts - Reading W/Emphasis in Elementary Ed
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ09-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT12-2012
Skills
- Benchmark Advanced
- Classroom/Behavior management
- Differentiated instruction
- Parent communication
- Student engagement
- Special needs support
- Data-driven instruction/Science of Reading
- Diverse Population
- UFLI and Orton Gillingham Trained
Accomplishments
- 2019 and 2025 Outstanding Teacher Nominee
Certification
- Professional Virginia Teaching License Pre k-3
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Teacher - 2nd Grade
Fort Belvoir Primary-Fairfax County Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
Teacher, Grade 1
Washington Ele Palm Beach County School District
08.2016 - 05.2018
Kindergarten Teacher/3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Mount Vernon Woods Ele-Fairfax County Public Schoo
09.2014 - 06.2016
Master of Arts - Reading W/Emphasis in Elementary Ed
Grand Canyon University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Western Governors University
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