Amanda Veldheer
Holland,MI
Summary
I am passionate, caring and hard working. I am always looking for ways to grow as a teacher, and get out of my comfort zone. I enjoy working through challenges and finding new ways to do something. I am confident while using place based, play based and child led practices in my teaching. I am a compassionate and clear leader of our teaching team. I love to lead and coach new teachers, and see them grow their skills. I carry myself in a way honors the ODC and what we stand for as an organization.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
GSRP Lead Teacher
Dragonflies Discovery Preschool
Holland, MI
09.2023 - Current
- Strengthened communication skills through intentional conversations with parents and caregivers.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks, such as napping in the woods.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and coaching my team.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate a wide range of learners.
- Maintained patience and level-headedness in challenging situations to support student development and personal growth.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
- Worked one-on-one with students to support individual growth.
- Integrated nature based lessons into our teaching each day.
Tuition Lead Teacher
Dragonflies Discovery Preschool
Holland, MI
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, come up with solutions and make decisions.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while teaching three different groups of students.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
Associate Teacher
Seedlings Discovery Preschool
Holland, MI
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Registered student progress on TSGold to track and maintain accurate records of their learning.
- Supported lead teacher in managing classroom behavior by implementing effective discipline strategies, maintaining a focused learning environment for all students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with past trauma and challenging behavior.
- Attended IEP meetings and became more familiar with the IEP process.
- Participated in parent teacher conference to discuss developments of students and increase support.
Associate Teacher
(Little) Dragonflies Discovery Preschool
Holland, Mi
08.2021 - 12.2021
- As a team, we ordered and organized all of the materials needed for launching our classroom.
- We moved into the space, and set up our classroom in a developmentally appropriate and nature based way.
- Distributed fliers and information about our school opening throughout the community.
- Held community openhouses for the public to come see our program.
- Maintained consistent classroom schedule with wide range of experiences.
- Maintained an organized and clean work space and classroom.
Associate Teacher
Little Hawks Discovery Preschool
Holland, Mi
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Learned how to navigate challenges while working on an team with different personalities and teaching styles
- Became a stronger advocate for myself and my team mates
- Helped prepare materials for class and documented students growth on TSGold.
Childcare Teacher
Hatchlings Childcare
Holland, MI
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Increased student participation by implementing creative and interactive learning activities.
- Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
Education
Early Childhood Education - Child Development
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids, MI01.2019
Skills
- Positive Learning Environment
- Small Group Instruction
- Literacy development
- Co-Teaching and Co-Planning
- Lesson Planning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Positive Reinforcement
- Curriculum Implementation
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Behavior Management
- Lesson development
- Training and mentoring
- Curriculum compliance with ISD and MI standards
- Team Teaching and Collaboration
- Behavior Modeling
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Classroom Management
- Relationship Building
- Play-based learning
- Curriculum Development
- Key decision making
Accomplishments
I worked full time in Hatchlings daycare, while finishing my degree in Early Childhood. I was on the team that originally launched Dragonflies. I have helped moved into, and set up a classroom space multiple years here at ODP. I have led our team in getting out of our comfort zones, and successfully done rest time in the forest. I have become a coach for a teacher at Dragonflies. I am on the Connections Committee, where we work to connect all ODC sites in meaningful ways.
Timeline
GSRP Lead Teacher
Dragonflies Discovery Preschool
09.2023 - Current
Tuition Lead Teacher
Dragonflies Discovery Preschool
09.2022 - 06.2023
Associate Teacher
Seedlings Discovery Preschool
01.2022 - 06.2022
Associate Teacher
(Little) Dragonflies Discovery Preschool
08.2021 - 12.2021
Associate Teacher
Little Hawks Discovery Preschool
09.2020 - 06.2021
Childcare Teacher
Hatchlings Childcare
08.2019 - 08.2020
Early Childhood Education - Child Development
Grand Rapids Community College
Volunteering
I am a youth group leader at the Foundry Church in Zeeland. I have been a leader for two and a half years, and meet each week with our girls. We challenge them to grow in their faith, serve along side of them and make church a fun and community filled place for them.