Caroline G. Ford
Hickory
Summary
Dedicated elementary educator with 2 years of teaching experience, including classroom teaching and substitute teaching across diverse grade levels. Skilled in creating engaging, student-centered learning environments, differentiated instruction, and effective classroom management. Committed to fostering academic growth, building positive relationships with students and families, and adapting instruction to meet the unique needs of every learner.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Alexander County Schools
01.2024 - Current
- Delivered instruction across multiple elementary grade levels, ensuring continuity of learning and engagement.
- Adapted swiftly to diverse classroom environments, effectively implementing various teaching styles and school procedures.
First Grade Teacher
St. Stephen's Elementary School
08.2024 - 06.2026
- Improved first-grade literacy outcomes through data-driven instruction and targeted interventions, increasing students performing at or above grade level to 11 out of 17 students by the end of the year.
- Planned and delivered engaging, standards-based instruction in all core subject areas.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of students.
- Monitored student progress with formative and benchmark assessments to inform instructional adjustments.
- Communicated regularly with families about student progress and classroom expectations to foster engagement.
- Collaborated with grade-level teachers and staff to enhance instructional practices and support student achievement.
- Maintained consistent communication with families regarding student progress and classroom expectations.
Interim First Grade Teacher
Wittenburg Elementary School
03.2024 - 06.2024
- Managed full classroom responsibilities during interim teaching assignment, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Created lesson plans aligned with North Carolina Standard Course of Study, enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Cultivated positive relationships with students, promoting a collaborative classroom atmosphere while ensuring effective classroom management.
- Built positive relationships with students while maintaining effective classroom management.
Student Teacher
Bethlehem Elementary School
08.2023 - 12.2023
- Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students.
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
- Developed lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student understanding and engagement.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with experienced teachers to refine teaching methodologies and improve student outcomes.
- Facilitated small group activities and one-on-one instruction to meet individual student needs.
Daycare Teacher
Mt. Bethel Child Development Center
04.2021 - 06.2021
- Fostered developmental, social, and emotional growth in one-year-old children through tailored interactions and activities.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC12-2023
High School Diploma -
Hickory Christian Academy
Hickory, NC05-2019
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Lesson planning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Student Engagement
- Assessment & Data Analysis
- Diverse student needs
- Parent & Family Communication
- Collaboration & Teamwork
- Adaptability & Flexibility
- Student-centered approach
- Active Listening
- Responsible & Dependable
Certification
- North Carolina Professional Educator's License
- Initial License – Elementary Education (K–6)
- Issued: December 2023
- Expires: June 2027
Timeline
First Grade Teacher
St. Stephen's Elementary School
08.2024 - 06.2026
Interim First Grade Teacher
Wittenburg Elementary School
03.2024 - 06.2024
Substitute Teacher
Alexander County Schools
01.2024 - Current
Student Teacher
Bethlehem Elementary School
08.2023 - 12.2023
Daycare Teacher
Mt. Bethel Child Development Center
04.2021 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Appalachian State University
High School Diploma -
Hickory Christian Academy
Professional Developments
- Lexia LETRS Training (Completed May 2026)
- LetterLand Training
- The Writing Revolution Training
- Literacy Instruction Standards Training
- DIBELS 8th Edition (mCLASS) Training
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
- Beginning of the School Year Staff Meetings
- Parent-Teacher Conferences
Leadership & Collaboration
- Member of the CBS committee at St. Stephen's Elementary School: Collaborated with the school's CBS committee to develop initiatives that promote student motivation, positive behavior, and an inclusive school culture while reinforcing school values and supporting student success.
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs): Collaborated with principals, academic facilitators, instructional coaches, and grade-level team to plan standard-based instruction, analyze student data, and support student achievement
Honors
First Year Beginning Teacher of the Year, St. Stephen's Elementary School (2024–2025), Beginning Teacher of the Month, St. Stephen's Elementary School (Nov. 2024), Summa Cum Laude Graduate, Appalachian State University (2023), Member of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) (2021), BCBSNC Scholarship Recipient (2020–2023), National Beta Club Member (2016–2019)
Community Involvement & Volunteer Experience
- Wittenburg Elementary School, Volunteer, Taylorsville, NC, 2015-2022, Supported students and staff through ongoing volunteer service and involvement in the school community.
- Mission Trip Volunteer, Puerto Rico, Feb. 2019, Assisted community members through service projects, including home improvement projects, food distribution, and church outreach activities., Engaged with children and supported community needs through volunteer efforts.
- National Beta Club Member, 2016-2019, Completed quarterly community service hours while participating in service-based school initiatives.