Joyce Vanessa Lyons
Norristown
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Mastery Prep Elementary, adept at fostering student growth through innovative curricula and culturally responsive teaching. Proven skills in grant writing and interpersonal communication, successfully securing funding for educational initiatives while enhancing classroom engagement and student outcomes.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
First Grade Teacher
Mastery Prep Elementary
Philadelphia
03.2025 - Current
- Responsible for fostering the intellectual and social development of children in the first phase of their elementary school experience, or kindergarten.
- Provides the tools and the environment for students to develop into responsible adults and possibly move on to higher education.
Master Teacher/Choreographer
The New Freedom Theater
Philadelphia
03.1993 - Current
- Developed and implemented curricula in the basic to intermediate classes
- Instructor for ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, African Dance, acting and movement classes
- Lead Dance Teacher for the pre-teen summer program
Kindergarten Teacher
Harambee Institute of Sci. & Tech.
Philadelphia
08.2023 - 03.2025
- Fostered intellectual and social growth in kindergarten students through culturally responsive teaching.
- Promoted pride in African heritage by including Black histories and cultures in lessons.
- Created a supportive school environment encouraging critical thinking and cultural appreciation.
- Introduced foundational subjects using interactive tools like games, music, and art.
- Prepared and assessed tests, assignments, and maintained classroom discipline effectively.
- Developed lesson plans integrating diverse educational backgrounds and objectives.
- Wrote grant proposals securing funding for educational research initiatives.
- Tutored students individually to enhance understanding and performance.
Director
Brightside Academy
Philadelphia
07.2020 - 08.2023
- Oversaw administration, programs, and strategic planning for organization operations.
- Regulated staff to ensure compliance with organizational standards.
- Conducted staff training sessions to enhance skills and performance.
- Spearheaded fundraising initiatives to secure financial support.
- Developed marketing strategies to promote community outreach efforts.
- Managed CACFP Food program regulations to maintain accreditation standards.
- Facilitated community engagement to strengthen organizational presence.
Executive Director
Children’s Garden Childcare Center
Philadelphia
02.2019 - 06.2020
- Oversaw administration, programs, and strategic planning for the organization, regulating staff effectively.
- Conducted training for staff to enhance operational skills and knowledge.
- Executed fundraising initiatives, marketing strategies, and community outreach efforts.
- Regulated CBS Food program to ensure compliance and quality standards.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with established curriculum as Lead Teacher.
- Created engaging educational materials to support diverse learning needs within the center.
- Collaborated with staff to foster a positive educational environment and improve student outcomes.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through regular assessments and adjustments.
Site Director/Education Director
Pee Wee Prep Educational Center
Philadelphia
09.2018 - 12.2018
- Oversaw organizational programs and strategic plans to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Guided and regulated staff performance to align with organizational goals.
- Ensured staff received timely updates on training requirements and opportunities.
- Implemented training workshops to address identified skill gaps.
- Prepared center for Pakeys and PHL Pre-K certifications, ensuring compliance with standards.
Site Director/Executive Director/Lead Teacher
Dekalb Day School
Norristown
01.2014 - 08.2018
- Executive Director responsibilities – oversee the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization, which includes regulating staff.
- Fundraising, marketing, and community outreach.
- Responsible for staff trainings and regulation of the archdiocese Food program for the center.
- Lead Teacher responsibilities – responsible for creating and implementing lesson plans that adhere to the curriculum that I have developed for the center.
Overnight Receiving Associate
Wal*Mart
Norristown
11.2004 - 03.2008
- Maintained the integrity of the food area
- Processing food freight
- Setting sales features and assisting customers
Director/CEO
The Lollipop Guild, Inc.
Norristown
10.2000 - 09.2003
- Management of the facility which included but not limited to hiring, training and firing of staff, meal planning for entire school, developing and implementing curricula, evaluating staff, event planning, general payroll and accounting duties, and transportation of children.
- Educational and Performing Arts Center
Substitute Teacher
Philadelphia School District
Philadelphia
05.2000 - 09.2001
- Implementation of lesson plans that were put into place by the absent teachers.
Head Teacher/Supervisor
Montgomery County Head Start
Norristown
09.1999 - 06.2000
- Developed and implemented innovative curricula to enhance educational experiences.
- Supervised assistant teacher, room grandmother, and family services workers to ensure effective classroom management.
Legal Assistant/Executive Assistant
Hyatt Legal Services
King of Prussia
05.1991 - 09.1999
- Answered and screened telephone calls to prioritize urgent matters.
- Took dictation for efficient documentation and record-keeping.
- Executed word processing tasks to maintain accurate files and correspondence.
- Created legal documents ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Scheduled events to enhance organizational effectiveness.
- Arranged travel logistics to facilitate smooth business operations.
Administrative Assistant
Kelly Services
Philadelphia
01.1986 - 10.1988
- Performed administrative duties at PECO, ensuring efficient office operations.
Executed clerical tasks for Quest Diagnostics, facilitating seamless workflow.
Managed documentation processes for Simpson Paper Company to enhance organization.
Education
Teacher Certification - PreK – 4th Grade
Eastern University
King of Prussia, PA01.2026
Associate Degree - Early Childhood Education
Philadelphia Community College
Philadelphia, PA05.2015
Masters - Educational Leadership specializing in curriculum development
Strayer University
King of Prussia03.2007
BFA - Dance Education/Kinesiology
Temple University
Philadelphia, PA05.1997
Doctoral Candidate - Education/Leadership, Curriculum Development, specializing in Early Childhood Education
Capella University
Phoenix, AZSkills
- IBM mainframes and PER/CLASS compatibility
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Desktop publishing
- Financial software proficiency
- Internet applications
- Typing and writing skills
- Interpersonal communication
- Grant writing experience
Certification
- PA Keys Training Certification Pending
- Director’s Credential
- Emergency Certification, Type I - Eligible for Type 06
- Substitute Certification
Accomplishments
- National Minority, Collegiate National Collegiate Dance Festival Recipient
- National Dean’s List
- National Umfundalia Teacher’s Award Recipient
References
Available upon request
Clearances
- Act 34
- Act 141
- Act 151
Timeline
First Grade Teacher
Mastery Prep Elementary
03.2025 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
Harambee Institute of Sci. & Tech.
08.2023 - 03.2025
Director
Brightside Academy
07.2020 - 08.2023
Executive Director
Children’s Garden Childcare Center
02.2019 - 06.2020
Site Director/Education Director
Pee Wee Prep Educational Center
09.2018 - 12.2018
Site Director/Executive Director/Lead Teacher
Dekalb Day School
01.2014 - 08.2018
Overnight Receiving Associate
Wal*Mart
11.2004 - 03.2008
Director/CEO
The Lollipop Guild, Inc.
10.2000 - 09.2003
Substitute Teacher
Philadelphia School District
05.2000 - 09.2001
Head Teacher/Supervisor
Montgomery County Head Start
09.1999 - 06.2000
Master Teacher/Choreographer
The New Freedom Theater
03.1993 - Current
Legal Assistant/Executive Assistant
Hyatt Legal Services
05.1991 - 09.1999
Administrative Assistant
Kelly Services
01.1986 - 10.1988
Teacher Certification - PreK – 4th Grade
Eastern University
Associate Degree - Early Childhood Education
Philadelphia Community College
Masters - Educational Leadership specializing in curriculum development
Strayer University
BFA - Dance Education/Kinesiology
Temple University
Doctoral Candidate - Education/Leadership, Curriculum Development, specializing in Early Childhood Education
Capella University