Alexa Smotek
Macedonia,Ohio
Summary
I aim to use my academic knowledge and passion for learning in a dynamic educational environment where I can contribute to student success, facilitate engaging learning experiences, and foster a positive and inclusive classroom atmosphere. I am seeking opportunities to utilize my skills in student engagement, collaboration, and technology integration. I wish to inspire and empower students to achieve their full potential.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Teacher
Bryden Elementary School
01.2025 - 04.2025
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
- Facilitated small group activities and one-on-one instruction to meet individual student needs.
- Supported diverse learners with differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual needs and abilities.
- Created and implemented different learning activities to meet needs of different types of learners.
- Developed lesson plans that incorporated mandated topics and included immersive activities for student engagement.
- Continuously improved teaching practices through professional development opportunities, staying current with educational trends and research.
- Integrated current events into curriculum, making learning more relevant and engaging for students.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
Practicum Experience
Glendale Primary School
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
- Facilitated small group activities and one-on-one instruction to meet individual student needs.
- Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations, enforcing classroom rules, and fostering open communication.
- Monitored classrooms for safety and good behavior, offering students positive reinforcement to maintain discipline.
- Assisted in administering tests and other assessments to evaluate student progress.
- Assisted with management of classroom rules, procedures and expectations to instill discipline and observance of conduct code.
- Continuously improved teaching practices through professional development opportunities, staying current with educational trends and research.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
Lead Toddler Teacher/Float Teacher
Young Explorers Montessori
07.2022 - Current
- Designed and planned daily activities and lessons following a Montessori curriculum, ensuring children grow cognitively, socially/emotionally, as well as physically
- Collaborated with co-workers and co-teachers to facilitate and implement activities and lessons
- Created a nurturing classroom environment that supported the social-emotional growth of young learners.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication, resulting in increased involvement in their children''s education.
- Established routines and procedures that promoted a sense of orderliness, predictability, and security for toddlers.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers entering the profession, providing guidance on curriculum planning, instructional strategies, and classroom management.
Lead Teacher
Kairo Kids Childcare
08.2020 - 07.2022
- Provided a safe and nurturing environment for children, regularly monitoring indoor and outdoor spaces for potential hazards.
- Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication about their child''s progress and needs.
- Oversaw daily transitions between various activities such as snack time, outdoor playtime, naptime ensuring smooth operation of daily schedule.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Documented behavior, development and learning of children to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Collaborated with fellow daycare teachers to create a cohesive educational experience across all classrooms within the center.
Education
Bachelor of Science - P-5 Education
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, OH05.2025
Associate of Arts -
Cuyahoga Community College
Parma, OH05.2022
Skills
- Classroom management
- Child-centered approach
- Student engagement
- Differentiated instruction
- Computer skills
- Observation and assessment
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Patience and empathy
- Classroom organization
- Technology integration
- Creativity and innovation
- Parent-teacher communication
Training
- Child Abuse Prevention, 02/24
- First Aid Certification, 03/24
Timeline
Student Teacher
Bryden Elementary School
01.2025 - 04.2025
Practicum Experience
Glendale Primary School
08.2024 - 12.2024
Lead Toddler Teacher/Float Teacher
Young Explorers Montessori
07.2022 - Current
Lead Teacher
Kairo Kids Childcare
08.2020 - 07.2022
Associate of Arts -
Cuyahoga Community College
Bachelor of Science - P-5 Education
Cleveland State University