Courtney Howcroft
Carnegie,PA
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience in early childhood education. Known for strong mentorship and collaboration skills, successfully guiding teachers in best practices and fostering positive relationships with families to support student development.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
PreK Counts Lead
Heritage Community Initiatives
Braddock , Pa
08.2021 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to individual learning styles and needs using Creative Curriculum, Kick Start Early Literacy, and a personally developed art curriculum.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss student progress and address concerns effectively.
- Implemented assessment tools to measure student growth and adapt teaching strategies using the Teaching Strategies GOLD system.
- Established positive relationships with parents to ensure open communication regarding their child's progress.
- Maintained classroom records and documentation in compliance with state regulations.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of early childhood education best practices.
- Adapted instructional techniques according to student learning styles and progress.
Heritage Mentor
Heritage Community Initiatives
Braddock , Pa
08.2024 - 06.2025
- Collaborated with colleagues to implement best teaching practices across grade levels.
- Mentored all tenures of teachers in classroom management and lesson execution techniques.
- Advised new teachers on problem solving strategies related to challenging behaviors exhibited by students.
- Conducted observations of classrooms to provide feedback on instructional practices and suggest improvements.
- Provided positive feedback with emphasis on learning from mistakes to establish solid foundation for progress.
Head Start Lead Teacher
Heritage Community Initiatives
Braddock, Pa
12.2013 - 07.2021
- Designed and implemented early childhood education curricula for diverse learners.
- Collaborated with families to support children's developmental needs and learning goals.
- Ensured compliance with state licensing requirements for early childhood education programs.
Lead Preschool Teacher
CCAC North Child Development Center
Pittsburgh, PA
01.2003 - 01.2014
- Trained new staff on classroom procedures and child development practices.
- Assessed children's developmental milestones and prepared reports for parents.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians by regularly communicating student progress.
- Conducted classroom activities to stimulate physical, mental, and social development of preschool students.
Education
Master of Education - Curriculum And Instruction: EC Leadership
Carlow University
Pittsburgh, Pa12-2024
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Indiana, Pa05-2006
Associate of Science - Child And Family Studies
Community College of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PA05-2004
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Classroom management
- Child assessment
- Behavior management
- Educational strategy
- Teacher mentoring
- Professional collaboration
- Family engagement
Timeline
Heritage Mentor
Heritage Community Initiatives
08.2024 - 06.2025
PreK Counts Lead
Heritage Community Initiatives
08.2021 - Current
Head Start Lead Teacher
Heritage Community Initiatives
12.2013 - 07.2021
Lead Preschool Teacher
CCAC North Child Development Center
01.2003 - 01.2014
Master of Education - Curriculum And Instruction: EC Leadership
Carlow University
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Associate of Science - Child And Family Studies
Community College of Allegheny County