Amy Willis
KATHLEEN
Summary
Dedicated educator with over 25 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. Skilled in developing individualized learning strategies and implementing creative teaching methods to enhance student engagement and academic success. Specialize in classroom management, special needs support, and parent-teacher communication. Committed to fostering engaging learning environments that promote student growth and development. Reliable team collaborator with focus on achieving educational goals and adapting to changing classroom dynamics.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Pre-K Teacher
Houston County Board Of Education
Perry, GA
07.2017 - 11.2023
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans to foster cognitive and social development.
- Created engaging classroom environments that promoted active learning and student participation.
- Assessed student progress regularly, tailoring instruction to meet individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians as much as needed to support children's educational journeys and address concerns. Held conferences with parents twice a year to show progress.
- Developed individualized learning strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs. Worked closely with Special Education teachers as well as Speech and Language Teachers.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adapt curriculum accordingly.
- Collaborated with parents to establish effective communication regarding student achievements and challenges.
- Evaluated by Bright From The Start twice a year.
- Uploaded student data into the data base weekly.
Third Grade Teacher
Houston County Board Of Education
Perry, GA
07.2007 - 07.2017
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state curriculum standards.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs of students.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation and collaboration.
- Assessed student performance through regular evaluations and adjusted teaching strategies accordingly.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support individual student growth and development.
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance learning experiences and engagement levels.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on classroom management techniques and instructional practices.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness.
- Led professional development workshops to share best practices and improve teaching methodologies across grade levels.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with state curriculum standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and collaboration.
- Utilized diverse instructional strategies to accommodate various learning styles and needs.
- Monitored student progress through assessments, providing timely feedback for improvement.
- Facilitated communication between parents and teachers to support student development.
- Organized and led extracurricular activities to promote social skills and teamwork among students.
- Grade Chair- 3 years
- Piloted new curriculums for STEM and Common Core Math.
- Grade Level EIP Math Teacher-4 years
- Grade Level EIP Reading Teacher-1 year
Third Grade Teacher
Thomas County Schools
Thomasville, GA
01.2004 - 06.2007
- Assessed student understanding regularly using various formative assessment techniques, adjusting instruction accordingly for optimal results.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by implementing effective classroom management strategies and maintaining consistent expectations.
- Analyzed student performance data to adjust teaching strategies for improved educational outcomes.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, maintaining a positive learning environment for all students.
- Promoted inclusive classroom practices by adapting materials and instruction for students with special needs or English language learners.
- Integrated critical thinking exercises into daily lessons, challenging students to analyze problems from multiple perspectives.
- Team taught- Math, Science, and Social Studies
Kindergarten Teacher
Whitfield County Schools
Dalton, GA
07.2001 - 12.2003
- Developed engaging lesson plans to cater to diverse learning styles and enhance student participation.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment and minimize disruptions.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to support student development and address individual needs effectively.
- Assessed student progress regularly, adapting instructional methods to promote academic growth and confidence.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices in early childhood education and classroom management techniques.
- Coordinated with school administration to align curriculum objectives with district standards and educational goals.
- Worked with ESOL teachers daily.
Third Grade Teacher
Houston County Board Of Education
Perry, GA
07.2000 - 06.2001
- Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices, resulting in a more cohesive instructional approach across grade level teams.
- Supported struggling students with targeted interventions, improving overall classroom performance in standardized tests.
- Established strong parent-teacher relationships to ensure open lines of communication regarding student progress and needs.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Participated in professional development opportunities consistently, staying up-to-date with current teaching trends and research-backed strategies.
- Mentored new teachers in classroom management techniques and pedagogical approaches.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and academic performance, fostering accountability among students.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring each learner's success.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring each learner''s success.
- Grade Level EIP Teacher- Reading
Pre-K Teacher
Houston County Board Of Education
Perry, GA
07.1997 - 06.2000
- Worked with special needs teachers on effective classroom management strategies and curriculum delivery techniques for students with disabilities.
- Established a positive classroom atmosphere by implementing consistent behavior management strategies and clear expectations for students.
- Attended professional development workshops focused on early childhood education best practices.
- Streamlined classroom procedures to enhance efficiency in daily operations and instructional time management.
- Led initiatives for community engagement, enhancing partnerships between school and local organizations for resource sharing. We went on monthly fieldtrips to a variety of places in the community.
- Facilitated a safe, nurturing classroom environment promoting social skills and emotional growth.
Education
Specialist's Degree - Educational Leadership
Georgia College And State University
Milledgeville, GAMaster's Degree - Educational Leadership
Georgia College And State University
Milledgeville, GABachelor's Degree - Early Childhood Education
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA06-1997
High School Diploma -
Dooly County High School
Vienna05-1993
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Parent-teacher communication
- Creative teaching strategies
- Classroom organization
- Play-based learning
- Documentation and record keeping
- Special needs support
- Classroom management
- Fine motor skills
- Outdoor play
- Music and movement
- Science exploration
Timeline
Pre-K Teacher
Houston County Board Of Education
07.2017 - 11.2023
Third Grade Teacher
Houston County Board Of Education
07.2007 - 07.2017
Third Grade Teacher
Thomas County Schools
01.2004 - 06.2007
Kindergarten Teacher
Whitfield County Schools
07.2001 - 12.2003
Third Grade Teacher
Houston County Board Of Education
07.2000 - 06.2001
Pre-K Teacher
Houston County Board Of Education
07.1997 - 06.2000
Specialist's Degree - Educational Leadership
Georgia College And State University
Master's Degree - Educational Leadership
Georgia College And State University
Bachelor's Degree - Early Childhood Education
Georgia Southern University
High School Diploma -
Dooly County High School