Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Timeline
Skills
Certification
Generic
Alexa Hinano K. Higa

Alexa Hinano K. Higa

Summary

Dynamic and adaptable Teaching Assistant with a proven track record at Kamehameha Schools Preschools, enhancing early literacy and fostering social skills in preschoolers. Leveraged collaborative teamwork, excellent problem solving and effective communication to develop innovative curriculum and improve student engagement. Skilled in computer applications and behavior management, contributing to a safe and nurturing learning environment.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Teaching Assistant

Kamehameha Schools Preschools
01.2007 - Current
  • Prepared for lessons by gathering educational materials and setting up equipment.
  • Engaged and entertained children through recreational and educational activities.
  • Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication about their child''s progress and upcoming events.
  • Improved language development in young learners through engaging storytelling sessions and interactive conversations.
  • Maintained classrooms by disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces and toys.
  • Supported children's social and emotional development by encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
  • Ensured a clean and sanitary classroom environment by routinely organizing materials as well as assisting in daily cleaning tasks.
  • Supported classroom management strategies for maintaining an orderly, safe, and nurturing learning environment.
  • Promoted early literacy skills by incorporating daily reading time and introducing age-appropriate literature to the classroom library.
  • Enhanced preschoolers'' social skills by implementing group activities and cooperative learning techniques.
  • Collaborated on developing differentiated instruction methods aimed at meeting all students'' unique strengths and weaknesses.
  • Delivered clear, concise instructions to children to aid in each student's decision-making.
  • Prepared reports and maintained administrative records.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
  • Interacted with children one-on-one and in small groups to enhance and support learning activities.
  • Communicated with parents to inform about child's progress and classroom behavior.
  • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
  • Implemented visual aids like charts or posters across the curriculum to enhance understanding during instructional periods.
  • Supported children''s social and emotional growth by implementing creative play opportunities and group activities.
  • Assisted lead teacher in developing age-appropriate curriculum to support child development milestones.
  • Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for all students by adhering to preschool policies and procedures.
  • Assisted teacher by developing lesson plans to meet educational goals for each child.
  • Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
  • Participated in professional development workshops to stay informed on best practices in early childhood education.

Teaching Assistant

Oahu Headstart
07.2004 - 01.2007
  • Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for all students by adhering to preschool policies and procedures.
  • Promoted language development in students by engaging them in conversations, reading stories, and teaching songs related to various themes.
  • Established strong relationships with families by actively participating in school events such as open houses and parent-teacher conferences.
  • Enhanced classroom management skills, creating a positive learning environment for students.
  • Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive activities and hands-on learning experiences in lesson plans.
  • Maintained classrooms by disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces and toys.
  • Fostered a love for music with fun sing-alongs, rhythm exercises, and exposure to different musical instruments.
  • Supported classroom management strategies for maintaining an orderly, safe, and nurturing learning environment.
  • Assisted with snack time, meal preparations, and maintaining food safety guidelines during daily routines.
  • Supervised children during in-classroom activities and on playground.
  • Delivered clear, concise instructions to children to aid in each student's decision-making.
  • Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
  • Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
  • Organized snack time and nap hours.

Floater Teacher

Montessori Community School
07.2002 - 07.2004
  • Exercised great adaptability in transitioning between assigned classrooms.
  • Built and maintained environment that stimulated learning and supported student achievement.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education and further enhance teaching skills.
  • Assisted in curriculum development, contributing to improved student outcomes and overall course effectiveness.
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
  • Facilitated extra-curricular activities and assemblies in collaboration with other supervisory and supporting staff.

Education

Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education

Honolulu Community College
Honolulu, HI

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Kapiolani Community College
Honolulu, HI

Timeline

Teaching Assistant

Kamehameha Schools Preschools
01.2007 - Current

Teaching Assistant

Oahu Headstart
07.2004 - 01.2007

Floater Teacher

Montessori Community School
07.2002 - 07.2004
  • First Aid, CPR, and AED Instructor Certification - American Red Cross.

Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education

Honolulu Community College

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Kapiolani Community College

Skills

  • Positive Attitude
  • Computer Skills
  • Relationship Building
  • Calm and Patient Demeanor
  • Collaborative Teamwork
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Effective Communication
  • Behavior Management
  • Cleaning and sanitizing
  • Supervising Student Activities
  • Small Group and Individual Assistance
  • CPR and First Aid

Certification

  • First Aid, CPR, and AED Instructor Certification - American Red Cross.
Alexa Hinano K. Higa