Cheri Niedholdt-Bedard
Teacher
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Focused and dedicated educator with 20 years of experience. Passionate about educating children using a wide variety of activities. Plans lessons that include hands-on and kinesthetic lessons to get students engaged and excited about learning. Expert in developing lesson plans, creating custom class materials, assigning classwork and assessments that lead to high pass rates on standardized tests. Willing to plan and execute extracurricular activities that foster learning and build relationships with peers, students, and parents. Diplomatic communicator when addressing parents and children about learning progress and discipline.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
5th Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2022 - Current
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices in teaching.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, and language arts.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons, connecting subject matter across various topics.
- Served as Science Curriculum Leader to ensure science teachers within the school were provided with the most updated teaching methods, supplies, and curriculum.
4th Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
- Served as Science Curriculum Lead to ensure teachers were provided tools and information to effective in the classroom.
- Mentored a student teacher from Old Dominion University, sharing expertise and offering guidance throughout the student teaching experience.
5th Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Applied effective time management techniques to maintain and ensure success of students both in person and online during hybrid learning.
- Taught core subjects of math, and language arts.
- Collaborated with colleague to develop engaging and effective lessons for students, as we team taught online and in person together.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities for my inclusion students.
4th Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2017 - 06.2020
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning during in-person and online learning environments.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects for in-person and online learning environments
- Developed students'' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments, to included engaging activities during online learning.
- Developed engaging and effective lessons in the areas of math, science, language arts and socials studies.
2nd Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative assessments, providing timely feedback for improved academic performance.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of growth for students, implementing targeted interventions to close achievement gaps.
- Served as a mentor teacher for a student teacher entering the profession, offering guidance and support throughout their student teacher experience.
- Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities.
1st Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Fostered student curiosity and interest in learning through hands-on activities and field trips.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
5th Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2009 - 06.2015
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices in teaching 5th grade students.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Created and presented clever lessons to engage students and focus on core subjects necessary for personal and academic growth.
- Cultivated critical thinking skills among students by challenging them with complex problem-solving tasks and thought-provoking discussions.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
3rd Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2004 - 06.2009
- Assessed student understanding regularly using various formative assessment techniques, adjusting instruction accordingly for optimal results.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Teacher of the year in 2009
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
02.2003 - 06.2004
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to students, parents and school administrators.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teacher and then designed my own lesson plans.
- Organized and cleaned teaching areas after daily use to maintain high standards for returning teachers or other substitutes.
- Documented student progress and provided regular updates to parents.
Education
Master of Science - Biology
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND 05.2001 -
Master of Arts - Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA 05.2001 -
Skills
Effective Parent-Teacher Communication
Professional Demeanor
High Success Rates on Standardized Test
Team Collaboration
Developing Extracurricular Activities
Project-based Interactive learning
Technology Integration
Curriculum Development and Implementation
Flexibility
Additional Information
Served as the Science and Social Studies Curriculum Leader
Mentored Student Teachers
Member of Arts Team that plans art based school wide activities such as afterschool art nights to engage students and raise money for school supplies
Work with the School Learning Team to ensures school wide educational goals are met
Timeline
5th Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2022 - Current
4th Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2021 - 06.2022
5th Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2020 - 06.2021
4th Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2017 - 06.2020
2nd Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2016 - 06.2017
1st Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2014 - 06.2016
5th Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2009 - 06.2015
3rd Grade Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
08.2004 - 06.2009
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Armstrong School For The Arts
02.2003 - 06.2004
Master of Science - Biology
University of North Dakota
05.2001 -
Master of Arts - Education
Old Dominion University
05.2001 -