AMY BEALS

Focused and dedicated primary school educator with 36 years of experience. Passionate about educating children ages 6 to 12 using various activities and organizational tools. Expert developing lesson plans, creating custom class materials assigning classwork and grading tests. Proficient in use of technology to deliver content and practice. Diplomatic communicator when addressing parents and children about disciplinary actions.

• Earned "Outstanding Economic Educator of the Year" in 1995 from VCU"s Department of Economic Education.
• Was a Social Studies Lead teacher for my school for 4 years
• Was a team leader 3 different times over my career
• I have been a collaborative teacher
• Taught in the Center Based Gifted Program in Chesterfield 1996-2004
• I have supervised student teachers from VCU, JMU and U of R
• Wrote a grant for extra Social Studies Materials
• Helped write a grant for Math Manipulatives
• Presented at the Richmond Area Math Council Conferences
• Presented workshops on Economic Education for Chesterfield County
• Worked with VCU Department of Economic Education to present workshops in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, and Caroline County
• Facilitated students in the Stock Market game
• Participated in Mini Economy with my students at VCU
• Taught a Robotics class at the Math and Science Center 2003-2005

• Elementary Ed K-4, Masters in Economic Education License - 2020-2030
• Certification in Gifted Education

Being an elementary school educator has been both rewarding and challenging. One of the best parts of my job is that it is always evolving. I see myself as flexible in how I plan my lessons and in the delivery. In the past 3 years I have had to learn new technology in order to deliver content to my student. I taught virtually for the entire 2020-2021 school year. I learned not only how to implement creative and engaging lessons, but also how to implement engaging practice using the computer. I was able to learn and implement various ways for my students to submit their work. I used Google slides, Canvas assignments, Flipgrid and uploading pictures to Canvas pictures.

I have also taught various grade levels. Teaching different grade levels enabled me to learn new curriculum and the learning styles of different elementary age students . I have taught fourth grade, fourth grade gifted, first grade and currently second grade. I have stayed in lower elementary because I love teaching reading.

Throughout my career I have had the pleasure of working with students from the 3 area high schools. They help the students with enrichment and remediation programs. They also provided much needed clerical assistance in the classroom. I have also hosted many practicum students from VCU, University of Richmond, Longwood and Liberty Universities.

Several years ago I started working with student teachers from Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond and James Madison University. This turned out to be a great opportunity for me. Working with young excited students gave me a different perspective on teaching. At times I learned as much from them as they learned from me.