Compassionate Reading Teacher offering excellent skills in devising, delivering, and assessing reading intervention plans, developing student reading strategies, and promoting positive reinforcement. Proficient in employing constant communication, evidence based practices driven by student data, collaborative team efforts to deliver educational tools aligned with the Science of Reading, fostering academic achievement and a love of literacy.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certificates
Work History
Title I Reading Teacher
Walnut Hill Elementary School
Petersburg, VA
08.2021 - Current
Gathered, organized, and analyzed student assessment data using Phonological Assessment Literacy Screening (PALS), Student Growth Assessments (SGA), and Benchmark data as a basis for supporting student learning
Interpreted PALS data for PALS Tutors, developed their "push-in" schedules, and gave suggestions of focus skills for each differentiated group based on the students needs.
Utilized best practice instructional strategies and research-based intervention curriculum materials to meet the learning needs of identified students
Encouraged and prepared students to become independent readers through systematic, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills.
Analyzed the existing student achievement data, assessments, to progress monitor K-5 students to determine which students need tier 2 and tier 3 instruction
Maintained accurate student records and student progress data reports as required by district policy
Planned, coordinated, organized and analyzed assessment data to provide "push-in" and on occasion "pull-out" research-based interventions in the areas of reading for identified students in a Title I school
Worked collaboratively with Title I teachers, school based instructional coaches, and core content program specialists to identify needs and develop a plan of support; Planned and conducted high quality literacy professional development activities for school and division staff based on identified needs
Modeled whole group and small group reading lessons for new teachers
Planned and presented professional development for K-5 teachers in the areas of reading, data collection/analyzation, and phonological awareness skills and assessments.
Planned and hosted Title I Nights throughout the school year to promote a love of reading among students and their families
Lead Student Engagement Team (SET) meetings which consisted of analyzing students who have been flagged as having attendance, behavior, or academic concerns. Followed up with teachers on next steps to monitor each student as needed
Participated in Student Based Intervention Team (SBIT) Meetings to discuss a plan of action for students who have been monitored through the SET process
Assess, analyze, and write individual student reports for students identified through the SET and SBIT process. Data used to diagnose reading difficulties and suggest further interventions or accomodations
Extra-curricular activities included Elementary Honor Society Advisor, Safety Patrol Advisor, Year Book Committee Coordinator, After School Tutoring, House Otaria Co-Lead, and School-Wide and District Level Spelling Bee Coordinator
Wrote various grants to supply books for families to take home from school events to promote the love of literacy.
First Grade Elementary Classroom Teacher
Cool Spring Elementary School
Petersburg, VA
08.2020 - 06.2021
Developed a safe, positive, and engaging "classroom" environment through Zoom and transitioning into a hybrid classroom environment.
Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
Incorporated Zoom technology into lesson planning to create engaging, handson, and multi-dimensional lessons.
First Grade Team Leader
Cool Spring Elementary School
Petersburg, VA
08.2020 - 06.2021
Conducted training and mentored team members to promote productivity and a positive teaching environment while we navigated through online and hybrid models of teaching.
Established open and professional relationships with team members to achieve quick resolutions for various issues.
Mentored and guided team members to foster proper completion of lesson plans, assessments, and data collection.
Held weekly pre-planning meetings to review upcoming standards for each subject and brainstorm online lessons collaboratively.
Held weekly team planning meetings to review the lessons and goals for the upcoming week.
Held one-on-one meetings on an as needed basis for team members who requested additional support with lesson planning, classroom management, or technology.
Clinical Residency Coach
Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU
Richmond, VA
09.2018 - 06.2021
Conferred with the teacher residents and building administrator to review district expectations during the workday, including the beginning and ending dates of the internship.
Introduced the teacher resident to the school community and explained their role in the manner which enhances the teacher resident's chance for success.
Created an atmosphere of acceptance of the teacher resident as a co-teacher and equal to the pupils, parents, and faculty and school community.
Included and incorporated teacher resident in classroom set up, developing class norms, and creating positive relationships with students and their families.
Reviewed school policies, regulations and practices.
Explained goals and objectives in relation to scope and sequence.
Assisted the teacher resident in examining the Standards of
Learning/VDOE Curriculum Frameworks for the grade level they were assigned.
Assisted the teacher residents in examining and discussing the Clinical Resident Coach's plans and the reasons for choice of methods, materials, and activities.
Gave specific help in the selection of instructional materials, including outside resources.
Assisted the teacher resident in developing his/her own teaching plans.
Demonstrated how to provide accomodations for individual student differences.
Identified and demonstrated methods to check for student understanding and model how to monitor and adjust teaching.
Collected quantitative data on teacher resident lessons using New Teacher Center tools.
Analyzed and reviewed quantitative data with teacher resident to provide constructive feedback, determine next steps, and have a reflective conversation on areas in which they would like to improve.
Weekly check-in meetings with teacher resident to discuss their progress, workload, and overall wellbeing.
Met with instructors of teacher residents to discuss their growth and progress throughout the year.
Kindergarten Team Lead
Cool Spring Elementary School
Petersburg, VA
09.2019 - 06.2020
Delegated lesson plans to team members to utilize their individual strengths and promote a collaborative team environment.
Communicated clearly with team members to keep everyone on the same page and working toward our goals.
Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Assessed team needs and develop Professional Learning Community meetings to improve our practices and foster lifelong learners.
Included in interviewing potential employees to determine the best addition to our school and/or kindergarten team.
Kindergarten Classroom Teacher
Cool Spring Elementary School
Petersburg, VA
07.2016 - 06.2020
Wrote grade-level reading plans and delivered structured lessons on readiness skills by emphasizing phonics, language skills, literature, and handwriting.
Developed cross curricular lesson plans to incorporate literacy in every component of students' learning.
Observed and assessed student performance and charted progress.
Developed differentiated and engaging activities for independent student practices.
Analyzed formal and informal student data to create flexible reading and math small groups.
Worked collaboratively with Fit4Kidz Coach to integrate fitness and movement into whole-group lessons.
Technology Support - Collaborated with colleagues for support in utilizing technology and smart boards.
Education
Master of Education - Reading Teacher Education
Averett University
Danville, VA
07.2021 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Randolph-Macon College
Ashland, VA
07.2012 - 05.2016
No Degree - Early College Scholars Program
Ocean County College
Toms River, NJ
05.2001 -
High School Diploma -
Lacey Township High School
Lanoka Harbor, NJ
09.2008 - 06.2012
Skills
Reading instruction
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Certification
Lexia LETRS Training
Timeline
Reading Specialist Endorsement - 2023-2033
08-2023
English to Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement 2023-2033
06-2023
Lexia LETRS Training
03-2023
Cultural Competency Training
09-2022
VDOE: Boosting Phonological Awareness and Instruction
10-2021
Title I Reading Teacher
Walnut Hill Elementary School
08.2021 - Current
Master of Education - Reading Teacher Education
Averett University
07.2021 - 05.2023
First Grade Elementary Classroom Teacher
Cool Spring Elementary School
08.2020 - 06.2021
First Grade Team Leader
Cool Spring Elementary School
08.2020 - 06.2021
Kindergarten Team Lead
Cool Spring Elementary School
09.2019 - 06.2020
Clinical Residency Coach
Virginia Commonwealth University, VCU
09.2018 - 06.2021
Kindergarten Classroom Teacher
Cool Spring Elementary School
07.2016 - 06.2020
Licensed PreK-6 Teacher 2016-2033
05-2016
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Randolph-Macon College
07.2012 - 05.2016
High School Diploma -
Lacey Township High School
09.2008 - 06.2012
No Degree - Early College Scholars Program
Ocean County College
05.2001 -
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