Cathy Bitters
Menominee
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience in early childhood education. Skilled in training and mentoring staff, engaging students through creative lesson plans, and maintaining effective parent communication. Committed to promoting a safe and inclusive classroom culture that supports diverse learning needs.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Teacher
The Country Schoolhouse
Menominee, MI
03.2024 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation and collaboration.
- Monitored student progress using assessment tools to inform instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student development and address individual needs.
- Organized extracurricular activities that enhanced social skills and community involvement.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
- Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.
- Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and success.
- Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
- Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
- Organized rooms in line with current educational thinking to maximize educational opportunities for students.
- Implemented assessment tools that monitored student progress throughout the year, allowing for targeted interventions when needed to close achievement gaps.
- Guided student teachers and teaching aides in classroom management, leading by example and thoroughly answering questions.
- Designed and executed project-based learning experiences, promoting teamwork, problem-solving skills, and real-world connections for students.
- Incorporated culturally responsive teaching practices into curriculum design and delivery models promoting inclusivity within the educational setting.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and inform instructional adjustments.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to three-year-olds' developmental stages.
- Implemented classroom management strategies fostering a positive learning environment.
- Developed strong relationships with students and parents, fostering a supportive classroom environment.
Lead Teacher
The Country Schoolhouse
Escanaba, MI
08.2020 - 03.2024
- Trained and mentored new teachers on best practices in classroom management and instruction.
- Utilized educational technology to create interactive learning experiences for students.
- Evaluated curriculum effectiveness, making recommendations for improvements based on feedback and outcomes.
- Communicated frequently with parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home reinforcement to support struggling students.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss child progress and address concerns.
- Trained and mentored new teaching assistants in classroom procedures and activities.
- Assessed children's individual needs, adapting activities to support diverse learning styles.
- Organized educational activities promoting social, emotional, and cognitive growth in students.
- Coordinated with fellow educators to align curriculum standards and best practices.
- Encouraged independent problem-solving skills through inquiry-based learning opportunities.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Established clear expectations for behavior, leading to increased focus during instructional time.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies, maintaining a well-disciplined and focused learning atmosphere.
- Developed social-emotional skills in students by modeling empathy, self-regulation, and communication techniques in the classroom setting.
- Championed a positive classroom culture by celebrating student achievements and fostering mutual respect among peers.
- Designed engaging lesson plans tailored to the unique interests of three-year-olds, promoting curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
- Promoted early literacy skills by integrating phonics-based activities into daily routines.
- Enhanced learning experience by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects in daily lessons.
- Built strong connections with local community resources, organizing field trips related to thematic units of study.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary curriculum units that connected various subject areas.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
Cashier
Meijer
Escanaba, MI
05.2018 - 08.2020
- Processed customer transactions efficiently using point-of-sale systems.
- Managed cash drawer, ensuring accurate cash handling and reconciliation.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries, providing exceptional service and support.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of checkout area to enhance customer experience.
- Trained new cashiers on operational procedures and customer service standards.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline checkout processes and reduce wait times.
- Resolved customer complaints promptly, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
- Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
- Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Restocked and organized merchandise in front lanes.
- Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
- Stocked, tagged and displayed merchandise as required.
- Resolved customer complaints professionally, leading to improved customer relations and loyalty.
- Handled multiple payment methods securely, minimizing discrepancies and potential losses.
- Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate cash transactions.
- Mentored new employees on cashier duties and best practices, improving overall staff performance.
- Adapted quickly to new technologies implemented at POS systems, ensuring seamless transition periods for both staff and customers.
- Provided backup support for other departments when needed, showcasing versatility within the retail environment.
Building Aide
Gladstone School District
Gladstone, MI
01.2013 - 04.2018
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of school facilities to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Assisted in setup and breakdown of school events, enhancing community engagement.
- Supported daily operations by managing inventory of cleaning supplies and equipment.
- Collaborated with staff to address maintenance issues promptly, improving facility functionality.
- Developed positive relationships with students and staff, fostering a supportive atmosphere within the school community.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, MI05-2028
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Bay College
Escanaba, MI05-2025
Skills
- Childcare needs
- Lesson planning
- Activity planning
- Conflict resolution
- Classroom management
- Child development
- Behavior modeling
- Parent-teacher communication
- Safety awareness
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Lesson development
- Staff development
- Student engagement
- Training and mentoring
- Project-based learning
- IEP support
- Emotional support
- Collaborative teaching
- Team building
- Inclusive practices
- Family engagement
- Childcare requirements
- Age-appropriate discipline
- Literacy strategies
- Safe learning environment
- Relationship building
- Behavior management
- Curriculum implementation
Timeline
Lead Teacher
The Country Schoolhouse
03.2024 - Current
Lead Teacher
The Country Schoolhouse
08.2020 - 03.2024
Cashier
Meijer
05.2018 - 08.2020
Building Aide
Gladstone School District
01.2013 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Northern Michigan University
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Bay College