COURTNEY BALASA
Summary
Professional educator with strong foundation in early childhood education. Skilled in creating engaging learning environments, fostering child development, and employing effective classroom management techniques. Focuses on team collaboration and adaptable to changing needs, ensuring reliability and positive outcomes.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center
07.2023 - Current
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
Teacher
YWCA MCLEAN COUNTY
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Collaborated with teachers on learning themes throughout the year
- Maintained a safe workplace by monitoring children for health, behavioral, and emotional issues and reported concerns to staff and families
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Student Teacher
FRANKLIN-EDISON PRIMARY
01.2023 - 05.2023
- Planned and implemented individualized lessons for kindergarten students with a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and maximize learning according to student's interests, strengths, and needs
- Utilized effective classroom management techniques
- Facilitated small group activities and one-on-one instruction to meet individual student needs.
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
Assistant Teacher
CHILDREN OF AMERICA
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Plan and administer group learning activities and offer personalized learning strategies for students
- Implemented positive discipline and classroom management strategies
- Cleaned and sterilized equipment and materials daily
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Early Childhood Education
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
05.2023
High School Diploma -
TINLEY PARK HIGH SCHOOL
Tinley Park, IL05-2018
Skills
- Willingness to learn
- Open-minded
- Caring and empathetic demeanor
- Problem-Solving
- Flexible
- Social Emotional Learning
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
Annie Jo Gordon Community Learning Center
07.2023 - Current
Student Teacher
FRANKLIN-EDISON PRIMARY
01.2023 - 05.2023
Teacher
YWCA MCLEAN COUNTY
01.2021 - 07.2023
Assistant Teacher
CHILDREN OF AMERICA
01.2017 - 01.2021
Bachelor's Degree - Early Childhood Education
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
High School Diploma -
TINLEY PARK HIGH SCHOOL
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