Ashley Pickens

Instructional design and learning development professional with 8+ years of experience designing learner-centered instruction, digital learning experiences, assessments, and professional learning. Skilled in translating complex content into engaging learning experiences, analyzing performance data, integrating technology, and measuring learning outcomes. Currently pursuing a Master's in Instructional Design and Technology.

8th Grade Science Teacher / HS Science Teacher at Sandtown Middle School (2024-01 – Present)

• Design standards-aligned, learner-centered learning experiences using the 5E model, digital platforms, interactive activities, demonstrations, and labs.
• Analyze learner performance data to identify gaps and develop targeted interventions and instructional solutions.
• Achieved 100% GMAS mastery among High School Physical Science students through data-driven instructional design, targeted interventions, and standards-aligned learning experiences.
• Develop guided notes, assessments, labs, visual resources, and digital learning materials; collaborate with educators to align objectives, instruction, and assessment.

Science Enrichment/STEM Teacher (2023–2024) | 7th Grade Science Teacher (2021–2023) | 6th Grade Science Teacher (2018–2020) at Woodland Middle School (2018-01 – 2024-12)

• Designed differentiated and performance-based learning experiences, interventions, assessments, and digital instructional resources for diverse learners.
• Used learner data to adapt instruction and address performance gaps; improved reading proficiency for 51% of students in six weeks.
• Improved 7th-grade reading proficiency levels by 198% in one semester through targeted, data-informed instructional interventions.
• Collaborated with educators on standards, learning objectives, instructional strategies, and implementation; secured classroom resource funding through DonorsChoose and AdoptAClassroom.

Instructional Leadership Team Member at Sandtown Middle School (2025-01 – Present)

• Collaborated with school leaders and instructional staff to analyze CCRPI, content mastery, and closing-gaps data and identify trends, strengths, and areas for instructional improvement.
• Participated in instructional coaching, learning walks, and classroom-observation processes designed to surface instructional trends, inform professional development, and support continuous improvement.
• Contributed to school-wide instructional planning, SMART-goal monitoring, assessment data tracking, and IB action-planning discussions.

8th Grade Science PLC Lead at Sandtown Middle School (2025-01 – Present)

• Facilitated PLC meetings focused on strategic planning, data analysis, instructional improvement, and alignment of practices and common assessments.

Professional Development Presenter at Fulton Schools Zone 1 (2024-01 – 2024-12)

• Selected by a principal to present an active-learning strategy to educators; designed and facilitated a professional learning session.

Connections Department Lead at Woodland Middle School (2023-01 – 2024-12)

• Mentored teachers and supported implementation of innovative instructional practices and educational initiatives.

Master's in Instructional Design and Technology – Georgia State University

Bachelor of Science in Middle Level Education – Georgia State University (2018-05)