Shirley N. Reyes M.Ed. has been involved in the education profession for many years. She has worked in several school systems as a primary classroom teacher, adult education teacher, reading specialist, program coordinator, consultant, mentor, facilitator, assessor, and evaluator for the state of Louisiana Department of Education. She has received numerous awards for her work in the field of education, as well as for her work in the community with children and adults of all ages and backgrounds.
Ms. Reyes began writing for children while in college, with a focus in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Reading, and Curriculum and Instruction. She continues to create for children through her songs and writings that teach and entertain. She asserts that children who lack personal attention and joyful stimulation at an early age are deprived of what is needed to achieve optimum success in life and learning. Learning for them is stifled, causing deficiencies and gaps in their education that may never be filled. Parent monitoring and participation in the formal educational process for children are of the utmost importance. Teachers have children for one year. Parents have children for a lifetime.
Shirley N. Reyes (aka ReyBird)
Resume:
Formal Education
(1975) BA Degree – Kindergarten/Elementary Education
(1990) M.ED Curriculum and Instruction/Reading Specialist/Nursery School Early
Childhood Education Certification
(1995 – Present) Louisiana State Evaluator
Teaching Experience
Per-Kindergarten – Adult Education
(1975 -1978) Caddo Parish Public School System
(1979 –1980) St. Charles Parish Public School System
(1980 – 2002) Jefferson Parish Public School system
(1990 – 1991) GED Adult Education – St. Bernard Community Baptist Church
(2003-2004) Mentor for New Teachers – Special Education Dept. New Orleans Public Schools
(2005) Talent Development High Schools (TDHS) Facilitator/Curriculum Coach (NOPS)
(2006-2011)- First Grade Teacher/ Coordinator – Joyful Noise After School Program (NOPS)
Other Related Activities, Awards, and Honors
(1970 – 1975) Worked with Summer Youth Programs in New Orleans
Worked two years teaching Arts and Crafts – St. Marks Community Center
(1975 – 1976) Nominated, Rookie Teacher of the Year (Caddo Parish)
(1977 – 1978) Achievement Award – Outstanding Title I Teacher (Caddo Parish)
(1982 –1984) Head of Cultural Activities for Jefferson Elementary School