Lekena Ackerman

Award-winning, highly accomplished Humanities & History Educator (Head of Department) with over 10 years of experience designing high-impact, inquiry-based learning frameworks across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5 (Grades 7–12). Recognized nationally in the United States for innovative history instruction, civic education, and media literacy. Extensive expertise integrating International Baccalaureate (IB) methodologies, project-based learning, and educational technology to foster globally-minded critical thinkers.

A proven instructional leader and Mock Trial coach seeking to transition long-term teaching expertise to schools within the Cheshire East / Crewe region.

Social Studies & History Teacher / Head of Department at Southeast Middle School (2015-09 – 2026-05)

• Departmental Leadership: Served as Department Chair (Head of Department), providing strategic instructional leadership, facilitating collaborative planning, mentoring teaching colleagues, and driving whole-school curriculum alignment and improvement efforts.
• Curriculum Design & Delivery: Designed and executed engaging, inquiry-based history and civics instruction tailored for Key Stage 3 (Grades 7–8), utilizing diverse pedagogical strategies to promote advanced critical thinking and historical inquiry.
• Data-Driven Assessment: Developed standards-aligned formative and summative assessments, rigorously analyzed student performance data, and systematically adjusted instruction to support differentiated learning and maximize academic growth.
• Classroom Culture: Fostered an exceptionally inclusive, respectful, and high-achieving classroom environment while maintaining consistent, proactive communication with families and caregivers.
• Extracurricular Enrichment: Spearheaded the school's competitive Mock Trial program as Lead Coach, developing students' public speaking, legal synthesis, and rhetorical skills outside the standard classroom curriculum.

Autism Interventionist at Lexington School District 2l (2014-08 – 2014-12)

• Provided individualized academic, behavioral, social, and communication support for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other diverse learning needs.
• Implemented individualized education plans (IEPs), behavior intervention plans, and evidence-based strategies in collaboration with teachers and special education professionals.
• Used positive behavior support, de-escalation, and proactive intervention strategies to promote student engagement and successful learning.
• Supported students in developing communication, emotional-regulation, social, and independent-living skills.
• Adapted instructional activities and materials to meet individual learning needs while maintaining appropriate academic expectations.
• Collected and documented academic and behavioral data to monitor student progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
• Supported students during periods of behavioral or emotional dysregulation while maintaining a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
• Collaborated with teachers, administrators, therapists, specialists, and families to provide consistent support across educational settings.
• Promoted student independence, inclusion, self-advocacy, and successful participation within the school community.

Special Education Paraprofessional at Muller Road Middle School (2009-09 – 2014-05)

• Supported students with diverse learning, social, emotional, and behavioral needs in individual and small-group settings.
• Implemented individualized academic and behavioral support strategies in collaboration with classroom and special education teachers.
• Provided differentiated instructional support to help students access the curriculum while maintaining high expectations for achievement.
• Supported students in developing communication, social, emotional-regulation, and independent-living skills.
• Monitored and documented student progress, behavior, and achievement toward individualized goals.
• Used positive behavior-support and de-escalation strategies to promote successful learning and classroom engagement.
• Collaborated with teachers, specialists, administrators, and families to address individual student needs.
• Helped maintain a safe, structured, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social Studies – Ashford University (2008 – 2016)