Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
References
Generic

Alana Appel

Royal Oak

Summary

Dedicated, enthusiastic and passionate elementary educator seeking a teaching position where I can utilize my passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning. I am eager to create an inclusive and supportive classroom environment that inspires academic growth and personal development in students.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

First Grade Teacher

Grandview Elementary School
Livonia, MI
08.2025 - Current
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
  • Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and collaboration.
  • Assessed students progress through observations and formative assessments to inform instruction.
  • Designed and executed differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
  • Collaborated with parents and staff to support student development and address challenges.

Kindergarten Teacher

Grandview Elementary School
Livonia, MI
08.2024 - 06.2025
  • Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance early childhood learning experiences.
  • Implemented individualized instruction strategies to support diverse learning needs.
  • Fostered positive classroom environments through effective behavior management techniques.
  • Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.

Student Teacher, Third Grade

Loon Lake Elementary
Walled Lake Consolidated School District
01.2024 - 04.2024
  • Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
  • Developed engaging lesson plans that aligned with 3rd grade learning standards.
  • Implemented behavior management strategies to support students in following classroom rules and expectations.
  • Boosted students self-confidence and motivation through regular positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to foster a supportive learning environment.
  • Supported students with special needs by modifying instruction and providing necessary accommodations to ensure their academic growth.

Teacher Assistant, Kindergarten

Zinser Elementary
Kenowa Hills School District
08.2023 - 12.2023
  • Assisted in presenting lessons and teaching students.
  • Provided one-on-one or small group support to students who needed extra help.
  • Helped manage classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Engaged in professional development opportunities to expand knowledge and skills related to education.

Student Caller

Grand Valley Telephone Outreach Program
Allendale, MI
01.2020 - 08.2023
  • Updated alumni demographic information, talked to alumni about their Grand Valley experiences, and ask for donations to help support the University.
  • Enhanced caller engagement by utilizing strong communication skills and active listening techniques.
  • Increased fundraising efforts by maintaining a positive attitude and persuasive approach during calls.

Camp Counselor

Temple Israel Day Camp
West Bloomfield, MI
06.2020 - 08.2020
  • Ensured camper safety by enforcing camp rules, supervising group activities, and responding promptly to incidents or concerns.
  • Acted as a positive role model, demonstrating strong leadership skills and exemplifying the camp''s core values.
  • Collaborated with other camp counselors to design fun and enriching learning activities for campers.
  • Led conflict resolution efforts among campers, fostering a positive atmosphere conducive to personal development.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Ped Cont Know PreK-3rd, Educational Studies

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
04.2024

Skills

  • Working collaboratively
  • Friendly, positive attitude
  • Creative and resourceful
  • Effective Customer Communication
  • Planning & Organizing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Team Leadership
  • Lesson Planning
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Classroom Management

Timeline

First Grade Teacher

Grandview Elementary School
08.2025 - Current

Kindergarten Teacher

Grandview Elementary School
08.2024 - 06.2025

Student Teacher, Third Grade

Loon Lake Elementary
01.2024 - 04.2024

Teacher Assistant, Kindergarten

Zinser Elementary
08.2023 - 12.2023

Camp Counselor

Temple Israel Day Camp
06.2020 - 08.2020

Student Caller

Grand Valley Telephone Outreach Program
01.2020 - 08.2023

Bachelor of Science - Ped Cont Know PreK-3rd, Educational Studies

Grand Valley State University

References

Rebecca Perry

Kindergarten Teacher 

Zinser Elementary

(616) 240- 5886

rperry@khps.org

Julie Abeska 

Clinical Instructor 

Grand Valley State University

(248) 568-4419

Melissa Sinclair

Third Grade Teacher

Loon Lake Elementary

(248)- 535- 0854

MelissaSinclair@wlcsd.org