Dr. Maria A. James

Experience

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  First Baptist Church Child Development Center

  May 1995 - Jul 1997

  5K Teacher

  I was a Kindergarten teacher who taught Reading, Writing, and Math. My job required conducting conferences, assisting with programs and fund-raisers, and preparing meals. During my time there I became the center director for a short period of time. The center director’s position included payroll, scheduling, conferencing and conducting classroom observations.

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  Latta High School

  Aug 1997 - Dec 1997

  Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher

  The courses that I taught at Latta High School were Family and Consumer Sciences 1, Child Development 1, Foods and Nutrition 1, and Family Life Education 1. The courses targeted the family and the consumer. I prepared and taught lessons, held parent conferences, participated on various committees, coached cheerleading, and participated in morning duty.

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  South Carolina State University

  Jan 1998 - May 1999

  Faculty Instructor

  My position at South Carolina State University was that of a Faculty member in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences. I was an instructor in the 4k Child Development program with an assistant. I taught my students Reading, Writing, Math, Science and Social Studies. My assistant and I directed plays and graduation for the children and held parent conferences. During my time there I was a part of the NAEYC accreditation process for the Child Development Learning Center. My responsibilities also included teaching undergraduate evening classes. The course that I taught was a methods course in Creative Home Economics Instruction. Show less

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  Darlington High School

  Aug 1999 - Jun 2002

  Familly and Consumer Sciences Teacher

  My position at Darlington High school consisted of teaching ninth through twelfth graders. I taught Consumer and Homemaking 1, Foods and Nutrition 1, Family Life Education 1, Consumer Education 1, and Child Development 1. The courses that I taught centered on the family and the consumer. I was the advisor of the Yacht Club, a homebound instructor, participated on various committees, and a Working on the Work facilitator. I also taught teen mothers and students in the GED program through Adult Education. My position also required that I hold parent conferences. Show less

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  Thornwell School for the Arts

  Aug 2002 - May 2004

  Early Childhood Education Teacher

  My position at Thornwell was one of a dedicated teacher who taught the core curriculum to first and second graders. The curriculum that I taught consisted of Reading, Writing, Math, Science, Social Studies, and Health. I structured my class in relation to the Four Block Method. The School Improvement Plan and the Sunshine Club were committees that I participated in. Team planning was an essential component that I participated in as well. My other responsibilities included morning and afternoon duty once a week, holding parent conferences and I was one of three technology leaders in my school. Show less

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  Thornwell Magnet School for the Arts

  Aug 2004 - May 2007

  Reading First Literacy Coach

  My position as a literacy coach at Thornwell Magnet School for the Arts allowed me to work with primary grade level teachers in the area of literacy. During this time I had the opportunity to partner teach with a first grade teacher. My responsibilities included conducting study group sessions, observing literacy blocks, demonstrating literacy lessons, evaluating teachers, attending grade level meetings to offer assistance with planning, researching literacy practices, conducting profession book clubs, conducting literacy workshops for parents, and working with a small group of children or one-to-one with developing literacy skills/ strategies. My primary focus was on the five literacy components, comprehension, vocabulary, phonics, phonemic awareness, and fluency, which are outlined by the National Reading Panel. I also taught graduate level literacy courses onsite to teachers via study groups through the University of South Carolina. Show less

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  Florence School District No. 1

  Aug 2007 - Sept 2012

  Early Childhood Educator

  In this position I taught all parts of the second grade curriculum. My lessons were focused on the South Carolina State Standards/Common Core Standards. I employed small group instruction, cooperative learning, whole-part-whole instruction, and technology into my daily lessons. This position also required that I conduct parent teacher conferences.

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  Walden University

  Jan 2008 - Jun 2009

  Online Faculty Instructor

  My position was in the School of Education Teacher Preparation for Early Childhood Education. My primary duties were to facilitate the online classroom and to assist online students within this program.

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  Grand Canyon University

  Jan 2012 - May 2012

  Faculty Supervisor

  In this position I supervised a student teacher. I observed and evaluated teaching practices, held debriefing sessions, discussed areas of concerns, and offered recommendations.

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  South Carolina State University

  Sept 2012 - now

  Associate Professor (Tenured), Department Chair Of Family & Consumer Sciences

  GRANT: Reclaiming a Healthy Heritage, $300,000 over 3 years. 1890 Research SCSUIn this role I teach undergraduate courses, advise students, conduct research, present at conferences and serve as the academic program coordinator of Child Development.

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  Florence-Darlington Technical College

  Aug 2015 - May 2016

  Adjunct Instructor

  Instructor in Early Childhood Development.

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  Western Governors University

  Aug 2016 - now

  Clinical Supervisor

  In this position I am a clinical supervisor of student teachers. I observe and evaluate teaching practices, hold debriefing sessions, discuss areas of concerns, and offer recommendations.