Christine Durham
Ambler,PA
Summary
Enthusiastic Early Education professional offering over twenty years of coordinating activities to promote physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth for children with various needs. Well-versed in positive reinforcement and behavior redirection. Skilled in cultivating nurturing and inclusive environments rooted in curiosity and development. Creativity, patience and compassion add to my passion of working with kids. and overseeing and managing adults. Flexible and organized, professional and driven. Special Education Teacher Assistant with classroom experience working with disabled and special needs students. Assisted in administering lessons and academic materials and maintained safe and productive environment throughout daily activities. Compassionate worker dedicated to securing well-being for students and cultivating personal growth and development.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Emotional Support Teacher Aide
Ghresources
Ambler, PA
08.2023 - Current
- Provided individualized instruction to support student's academic needs.
- Assisted students with behavioral and academic challenges in a classroom setting.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, and administrators to discuss student progress and develop strategies for improvement.
- Conducted assessments of students' social and emotional abilities to determine appropriate interventions.
- Monitored student behavior in a positive manner to ensure safety and encourage self-control.
- Modeled effective problem solving techniques for students facing emotional difficulties.
- Encouraged independent thinking while providing guidance on how to make responsible decisions.
- Created a safe learning environment by implementing rules and expectations for all participants.
Autistic Support Teacher Assistant
Ghresources
Ambler, PA
03.2023 - 06.2024
- Worked at Stony Creek Elementary School in Mrs. Mathews autistic support center.
- Advocated for needs of the students with disabilities.
- Collaborated with general education teachers to include students in classroom activities.
- Developed interesting and interactive learning methods tailored to help students with individual needs.
- Established and maintained dynamic working relationships with students and parents to support classroom objectives.
- Teamed with general education teachers to plan and implement curriculum, state and district-wide assessments.
- Encouraged student empathy of others to build confidence and improve self-image.
- Led students on field trips to enhance educational programs.
- Facilitated student operation of augmented communication devices.
- Participated in adapted physical education activities with students to encourage overall health and instill positive routines.
Fitness Instructor
YMCA
Ambler, PA
08.2011 - Current
- Educate and guide clients in safe and appropriate exercises for individual levels of fitness and physical abilities.
- Encourage clients to engage in group fitness classes and other gym activities to meet fitness goals.
- Instruct full range of classes including Zumba, weightlifting, stretching and pilates to help clientele reach goals.
- Guided clients in safe exercise, taking into account individualized physical limitations.
- Created weight training programs, set up equipment and provided detailed instructions.
- Developed and delivered a minimum of six weekly fitness classes.
- Foster lasting relationships that include a large following.
Kindergarten Teacher
Kiddie Academy
Feasterville, PA
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Developed lesson plans consistent with established guidelines and goals.
- Created and maintained safe learning environment for students.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Monitored, documented and reported students' progress and performance.
- Assessed each child's developmental needs on continuous basis.
- Coordinated conferences with parents to discuss student progress and establish goals for improvement and advancement.
- Supervised students on school grounds, field trips and during various school functions.
Toddler Lead Teacher
Twin Spring Farm Day Camp
Ambler, PA
01.2021 - Current
- Communicated with children's parents and guardians about daily activities, behaviors and problems.
- Supervised circle time, free play, outside play and learning and developmental activities.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Monitored children's play activities to identify additional learning opportunities or behavioral issues.
- Read aloud and played alphabet games to encourage early literacy.
Restaurant Manager
Spring House Tavern
Ambler, PA
08.2011 - 01.2021
- Developed and maintained staff that provided hospitable, professional service while adhering to policies and business initiatives.
- Consistently maintained high levels of cleanliness, organization, storage, and sanitation of food and beverage products to ensure quality.
- Performed checkouts of servers and bartenders to ensure that all tickets were accounted for.
- Mentored front of house personnel on company policies customer service techniques and professional communication.
- Scheduled and directed staff in daily work assignments to maximize productivity.
- Assigned tasks and oversaw employees to maintain compliance with food safety procedures and quality control guidelines.
- Detailed hands-on requirements for performing preventive maintenance and repairs to micros system & cappuccino equipment.
- Championed 100% guest satisfaction by providing excellent dining experience.
- Efficiently resolved problems or concerns to satisfaction of all involved parties.
- Communicated well and used strong interpersonal skills to establish positive relationships with guests and employees.
- Counseled and disciplined staff, addressing issues promptly and providing constructive feedback.
- Developed and maintained exceptional customer service standards.
Ymca Kindergarten
Ymca pottstown
Pottstown, PA
06.2010 - 06.2011
- Designed lesson plans based on comprehensive teaching of academic, social and personal skills.
- Maximized receptive learning and retained student interest through play, crafts, music, fitness and social games.
- Taught children ages five to six basic reading and alphabetical skills.
- Organized and assigned duties for my teacher assistant.
- Wrote and discussed daily activities with parents.
Family Nanny
Bill Miller
Chester Springs, PA
06.2001 - 06.2010
- Coordinated after-school activities and transportation for four active children.
- Planned excursions to enhance physical abilities and expose children to stimulating, educational activities.
- Helped children complete homework and special assignments daily to support academic performance.
- Engaged with children, providing nurturing, safe environments to promote emotional, social and intellectual growth.
- Monitored playtime to prevent overuse of technology, television or other detrimental influences.
- Facilitated safe, caring and warm environment for children between ages of five and twelve years old to stimulate development until the youngest turned eighteen
- Developed lasting, professional relationships with the family.
- Cooked nutritious meals to promote healthy diet and nutrition.
- Performed light housekeeping duties including cooking.
Preschool Lead Teacher
Evergreen Center
Framingham, MA
06.1995 - 06.2001
- Promoted good behaviors by using positive reinforcement methods with children.
- Administered and documented results of student assessments.
- Recognized early signs of emotional or developmental problems in children.
- Incorporated music and art activities to encourage creativity and expression.
- Set guidelines for teacher performance and lesson planning and oversaw compliance with established procedures.
- Increased student academic performance by diversifying teaching techniques.
- Encouraged teaching staff to continually improve strategies and maximize student learning.
- Distributed quarterly progress assessments and milestone reports to each parent.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Child Psychology
Framingham State University
Framingham, MA06.1995
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Effectively work with parents and staff
- Arts and crafts aptitude
- Effective listening
- CPR/First-aid certified
- Excellent classroom management
- Excellent supervisory skills
- Calm and patient
- Social skills development
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Schedule creation and maintenance
- Behavior Modification
- IEP Familiarity
- Friendly, Positive Attitude
Timeline
Emotional Support Teacher Aide
Ghresources
08.2023 - Current
Autistic Support Teacher Assistant
Ghresources
03.2023 - 06.2024
Kindergarten Teacher
Kiddie Academy
01.2022 - 05.2023
Toddler Lead Teacher
Twin Spring Farm Day Camp
01.2021 - Current
Fitness Instructor
YMCA
08.2011 - Current
Restaurant Manager
Spring House Tavern
08.2011 - 01.2021
Ymca Kindergarten
Ymca pottstown
06.2010 - 06.2011
Family Nanny
Bill Miller
06.2001 - 06.2010
Preschool Lead Teacher
Evergreen Center
06.1995 - 06.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Child Psychology
Framingham State University
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