Brittany Backhus
Summary
Experienced early childhood education professional with track record of fostering nurturing and stimulating learning environment. Strong focus on team collaboration and restults, adaptable to changing needs. Skilled in curriculum development, classroom management, and communication. Known for reliability, leadership, and child-centered approach. Currently holds teaching certificate in Texas, Early Childhood-6th generalist. Currently holds teaching certificate in Hawaii, Kindergarten-6th.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Hickam Elementary School
08.2025 - Current
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation and collaboration.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations, providing timely feedback for improvement.
- Integrated technology into lessons to promote interactive learning experiences for students.
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Yokota West Elementary, DoDea Pacific East
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Fostered a nurturing and dynamic learning environment preschool age children in a military community.
- Taught the Teaching Strategies Curriculum to fidelity.
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans to foster children's cognitive and social development.
- Effectively collaborated with parents and fellow educators to ensure a supportive and cohesive educational experience.
- Served as the team leader for grades Pk-2 for the school leadership committee.
- Designed assessments that measured student progress towards meeting curriculum goals, informing future instructional decisions.
- Actively participated in professional development workshops to stay current on educational trends and improve teaching techniques.
- Served as the Chair team lead for the school scheduling committee.
- Named Teacher of the Year at Yokota West Elementary 2025.
Kindergarten Long-Term Sub Teacher
Yokota West Elementary, DoDea Pacific East
11.2023 - 02.2025
- Quickly adapted by creating engaging lesson plans from the benchmark curriculum, ensuring the students remained on track with DoDea standards.
- Managed classroom behaviors, held conferences with parents, completed report cards, and attended IEP meetings on behalf of the classroom teacher.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting student collaboration and participation.
- Provided stability and consistency, which helped the children feel secure and valued.
3rd Grade Long-Term Sub Teacher
Yokota West Elementary, DoDea Pacific East
02.2024 - 06.2024
- Effectively managed classroom operations and maintained a positive learning environment during extended teacher absences.
- Responsibilities included creating lesson plans for each subject, adapting instructional strategies to meet diverse student needs, and assessing student progress including report cards and parent teacher conferences.
- Collaborated with school staff and parents to support student development and ensure continuity across the board.
- Additionally, maintained accurate records, managed classroom behavior, and provided individualized support to students, fostering a productive and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
Preschool Teacher
Christian Life Center
07.2020 - 06.2023
- Fostered a nurturing classroom environment promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with early childhood education standards.
- Mentored junior teachers, providing guidance on classroom management and instructional strategies.
- Organized and led extracurricular activities enhancing students' creativity and physical development.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
Instructor- Dog Obedience
Cornerstone Dog Training
04.2022 - 06.2023
- Instructed dog owners and dogs how to work together inside the home and in public, this included adult education, early childhood education, and community outreach.
- Trained specifically to leash obedience, manners, aggression, and proper behavior around kids.
- Worked one on one with families to integrate a new pet into their household by teaching the place command, wait command, how to walk on a leash, and kennel training.
- Developed Curriculum for specific owners who might have a hard time staying on track.
- Hosted and developed a monthly graduation for clients and their families.
- Mentored junior instructors in effective training techniques and client communication.
- Developed and implemented customized training programs for diverse dog breeds.
Office Manager
Cornerstone Dog Training
03.2022 - 06.2023
- Managed and organized office supplies for 3 training locations.
- Managed daily office operations to ensure efficient workflow and communication among staff.
- Coordinated training schedules and client appointments, optimizing resource allocation.
- Moderate 2 Facebook pages and an Instagram account.
- Mastered using 5 computer systems: to include Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Click Funnels, Chrome, and Canva.
- Assist with interviews and hiring of replacement.
Substitute Teacher- Pre-Kindergarten-6th Grade
Abilene ISD
08.2013 - 02.2014
- Collaborated with teachers to support lesson planning and enhance student engagement in academic activities.
- Delivered engaging lessons aligned with curriculum standards to foster student learning and participation.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse student needs and learning styles effectively.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
Kindergarten Teacher
Colorado City ISD
08.2011 - 05.2013
- Adjust lesson plans in order to meet basic needs of students with significant barriers including poverty, drugs, and homelessness.
- Co-taught with the preschool teacher to ensure students needs were met.
- Recognized children's physical, emotional and social needs for personalized support.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on classroom management and instructional strategies.
- Enhanced school community involvement through organizing events that promote family engagement in education.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment encouraging student participation and collaboration.
- Incorporate technology into 50% of all lessons example: smart board learning, iPad learning, computer listening learning in the classroom.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with state curriculum standards.
5th Grade Science Teacher
Colorado City ISD
12.2010 - 06.2011
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance student understanding of scientific concepts.
- Utilized innovative teaching methods to promote critical thinking and foster student engagement during science lessons.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to create interdisciplinary projects that integrated science with other subject areas.
Education
Master's degree - Educational Administration
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ06.2016
Bachelor's degree - Elementary Education, Science
The University of Montana
Missoula, MT12.2010
Skills
- Positive reinforcement
- Classroom management
- Classroom organization
- Early childhood education
- Curriculum planning
- Age-appropriate assessment
- Adept at working with special needs children
- Phonics instruction
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Attention to detail
- Training coordination
Accomplishments
- Earned "Teacher of the Year" in 2024-2025.
- Supervised team of 20 staff members.
Certification
Texas Teaching License- Early Childhood Education-6th grade, generalist Expires: 2026
Hawaii Teaching LIcense- Kindergarten-6th grade, expires
2028
Personal Information
- Available: Full Time: Part Time: Remote-Online
- Citizenship: United States
- Nationality: United States
Timeline
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
Hickam Elementary School
08.2025 - Current
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Yokota West Elementary, DoDea Pacific East
08.2024 - 06.2025
3rd Grade Long-Term Sub Teacher
Yokota West Elementary, DoDea Pacific East
02.2024 - 06.2024
Kindergarten Long-Term Sub Teacher
Yokota West Elementary, DoDea Pacific East
11.2023 - 02.2025
Instructor- Dog Obedience
Cornerstone Dog Training
04.2022 - 06.2023
Office Manager
Cornerstone Dog Training
03.2022 - 06.2023
Preschool Teacher
Christian Life Center
07.2020 - 06.2023
Substitute Teacher- Pre-Kindergarten-6th Grade
Abilene ISD
08.2013 - 02.2014
Kindergarten Teacher
Colorado City ISD
08.2011 - 05.2013
5th Grade Science Teacher
Colorado City ISD
12.2010 - 06.2011
Bachelor's degree - Elementary Education, Science
The University of Montana
Master's degree - Educational Administration
Grand Canyon University