Courtney Riley
Rincon,GA
Summary
Creative and enthusiastic preschool teacher with experience teaching special needs, learning-different and general-population students within a state-accredited and regionally quality 3 stars-rated preschool. Passionate about early childhood education; adore working with preschoolers; and deeply committed to providing quality, learner-centered instruction optimizing student success.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Teacher and Executive Director
Allegiance Learning Center
Port Wentworth, GA
06.2022 - Current
- Developed and implemented daily lesson plans to meet student needs.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving curriculum quality and teaching effectiveness.
- Mentored junior teachers to enhance instructional strategies and classroom management skills.
- Facilitated collaborative learning environments promoting student interaction and teamwork.
- Designed and implemented engaging curriculum aligning with developmental standards.
- Led school-wide initiatives for enhancing educational programs and community involvement efforts.
- Organized professional development workshops for staff, focusing on best teaching practices.
- 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.
- Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
- Communicated frequently with parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home reinforcement to support struggling students.
- Organized rooms in line with current educational thinking to maximize educational opportunities for students.
- Worked one-on-one with students and student teachers to increase overall classroom success.
- Guided student teachers and teaching aides in classroom management, leading by example and thoroughly answering questions.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
- Designed lesson plans for teaching staff and worked closely with administration for compliance with state curricula.
- Used data-driven decision-making processes to analyze student performance trends and adjust instructional practices accordingly, leading to improved outcomes.
- 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.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- 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.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
Preschool Teacher Leader
The Children's House
Savannah, GA
05.2019 - 06.2022
- Provided individual support to students requiring additional assistance with classroom activities.
- Guided children in developing basic reading and writing skills.
- Sourced and prepared materials for arts, crafts, and other hands-on learning activities.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay updated on educational trends.
- Implemented daily activities that supported children's emotional, social, and intellectual development.
- Developed age-appropriate lesson plans that encouraged creativity and learning.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student learning and development regularly.
- Facilitated group activities that promoted teamwork and social skills among students.
- Adapted teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Monitored children's progress and communicated effectively with parents during regular meetings.
- Utilized interactive teaching methods to engage students in the learning process.
- Leveraged technology in the classroom to enhance teaching methods and student engagement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and implement interdisciplinary lessons.
- Cultivated strong relationships with families to support children's growth outside of school.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, progress, and developmental milestones.
- Attended educational conferences, trainings, workshops and courses to maintain and enhance professional knowledge.
- Changed children's clothes and tended to injuries, illnesses and toileting needs.
- Planned programs and prepared activities for preschoolers.
- Observed and redirected behavior using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Led, supervised and supported children during classroom activities.
- Provided learning readiness experiences in various key areas.
- Monitored, organized and reordered classroom supplies for continual availability.
- Incorporated nature-based learning experiences and outdoor exploration to foster deeper connection with environment and enhance children's understanding of natural world.
- Evaluated student achievement and growth using assessments.
- Utilized mindfulness and yoga techniques to teach young children relaxation and self-regulation skills.
- Maintained student progress records with regular updates.
- Participated in staff meetings to receive updates and contribute to discussion.
- Established and maintained student behavior standards by explaining and enforcing rules.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss children's school adjustment, academic progress and classroom behavior.
- Helped children integrate into school environment by establishing boundaries while maintaining welcoming atmosphere.
- Observed children's performance, providing personalized written feedback.
- Discussed children's progress in routine and additional parent-teacher meetings.
- Worked closely with struggling students to improve focus, eating habits and personal hygiene.
- Identified children displaying signs of emotional, developmental or health-related problems, notifying parents and recommending further support.
- Kept required amount of classroom supplies and lesson resources.
- Organized classroom spaces to meet various needs throughout school day.
- Managed behavioral issues with use of positive reinforcement strategies.
- Led art, music and storytelling activities to cater to interests of all students.
- Designed and collated materials as part of lesson planning.
- Taught students foundational skills in reading and math to reach expected level.
- Offered various resources for children to explore imaginative and academic ideas.
- Supported students emotionally, socially, and academically with one-on-one care.
- Inspired children to be good students and citizens by modeling and rewarding positive behavior.
- Promoted good nutrition for every student by preparing and serving healthy meals and snacks.
- Adapted teaching methods to meet needs of individual students and provide personalized support.
- Encouraged positive behavior through the implementation of classroom management techniques.
- Developed and implemented daily lesson plans to meet student needs.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving curriculum quality and teaching effectiveness.
Preschool teacher
Maggie's Morning School
Savannah, GA
08.2008 - 05.2019
- Organize and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental and social development, such as games, arts and crafts, music, storytelling, and field trips.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior, and procedures for maintaining order.
- Teach basic skills such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
- Read books to entire classes or to small groups.
- Observe and evaluate children's performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- Teach proper eating habits and personal hygiene.
- Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems, and discuss them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.
- Meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children's progress and needs, determine their priorities for their children, and suggest ways that they can promote learning and development.
- Arrange indoor and outdoor space to facilitate creative play, motor-skill activities, and safety.
- Attend professional meetings, educational conferences, and teacher training workshops to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Organize and label materials, and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their ages and perceptual skills.
- Demonstrate activities to children.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Observed and redirected behavior using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Planned programs and prepared activities for preschoolers.
- Developed and implemented daily lesson plans to meet student needs.
- Monitored, organized and reordered classroom supplies for continual availability.
- Attended educational conferences, trainings, workshops and courses to maintain and enhance professional knowledge.
- Provided learning readiness experiences in various key areas.
- Changed children's clothes and tended to injuries, illnesses and toileting needs.
- Participated in staff meetings to receive updates and contribute to discussion.
- Evaluated student achievement and growth using assessments.
- Incorporated nature-based learning experiences and outdoor exploration to foster deeper connection with environment and enhance children's understanding of natural world.
- Led, supervised and supported children during classroom activities.
- Utilized mindfulness and yoga techniques to teach young children relaxation and self-regulation skills.
- Established and maintained student behavior standards by explaining and enforcing rules.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss children's school adjustment, academic progress and classroom behavior.
- Maintained student progress records with regular updates.
- Cultivated strong relationships with families to support children's growth outside of school.
- Organized field trips and educational outings that complemented classroom learning.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student learning and development regularly.
- Implemented health and safety protocols to ensure a clean and safe classroom environment.
- Encouraged positive behavior through the implementation of classroom management techniques.
- Leveraged technology in the classroom to enhance teaching methods and student engagement.
- Sourced and prepared materials for arts, crafts, and other hands-on learning activities.
- Utilized interactive teaching methods to engage students in the learning process.
- Facilitated group activities that promoted teamwork and social skills among students.
- Monitored children's progress and communicated effectively with parents during regular meetings.
- Adapted teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay updated on educational trends.
- Guided children in developing basic reading and writing skills.
- Spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving curriculum quality and teaching effectiveness.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and implement interdisciplinary lessons.
- Provided individual support to students requiring additional assistance with classroom activities.
- Developed age-appropriate lesson plans that encouraged creativity and learning.
- Led art, music and storytelling activities to cater to interests of all students.
- Adapted teaching methods to meet needs of individual students and provide personalized support.
- Managed behavioral issues with use of positive reinforcement strategies.
- Promoted good nutrition for every student by preparing and serving healthy meals and snacks.
- Supervised recess and monitored cafeteria, intervening to provide support or mediate disagreements.
- Established and maintained reliable routine to minimize poor behavior and anxieties.
- Designed and collated materials as part of lesson planning.
- Incorporated wide range of activities and field trip opportunities to broaden horizons of each child.
- Helped children integrate into school environment by establishing boundaries while maintaining welcoming atmosphere.
- Inspired children to be good students and citizens by modeling and rewarding positive behavior.
- Worked closely with struggling students to improve focus, eating habits and personal hygiene.
- Taught students foundational skills in reading and math to reach expected level.
- Organized classroom spaces to meet various needs throughout school day.
- Supported students emotionally, socially, and academically with one-on-one care.
- Observed children's performance, providing personalized written feedback.
- Discussed children's progress in routine and additional parent-teacher meetings.
- Kept required amount of classroom supplies and lesson resources.
- Offered various resources for children to explore imaginative and academic ideas.
- Displayed student work around classroom to instill pride.
- Identified children displaying signs of emotional, developmental or health-related problems, notifying parents and recommending further support.
- Implemented daily activities that supported children's emotional, social, and intellectual development.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, progress, and developmental milestones.
Customer service associate
Dillard's
Savannah, GA
05.2005 - 08.2008
- Answer telephones to provide information and receive orders.
- Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
- Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
- Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
- Place special orders or call other stores to find desired items.
- Open and close cash registers, performing tasks such as counting money, separating charge slips, coupons, and vouchers, balancing cash drawers, and making deposits.
- Inventory stock and requisition new stock.
- Ticket, arrange and display merchandise to promote sales.
- Exchange merchandise for customers and accept returns.
- Bag or package purchases, and wrap gifts.
- Clean shelves, counters, and tables.
- Help customers try on or fit merchandise.
- Compute sales prices, total purchases and receive and process cash or credit payment.
- Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
- Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
- Receive payment by cash, check, credit cards, vouchers, or automatic debits.
- Issue receipts, refunds, credits, or change due to customers.
- Count money and audit money drawers.
- Accept credit applications and verify credit references to provide check-cashing authorization or to establish house credit accounts.
Sales associate/cashier
Citi Trends
Savannah, GA
11.2002 - 02.2005
- Answer telephones and give information to callers, take messages, or transfer calls to appropriate individuals.
- Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
- Compute sales prices, total purchases and receive and process cash or credit payment.
- Prepare sales slips or sales contracts.
- Help customers try on or fit merchandise.
- Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
- Maintain records related to sales.
- Place special orders or call other stores to find desired items.
- Open and close cash registers, performing tasks such as counting money, separating charge slips, coupons, and vouchers, balancing cash drawers, and making deposits.
- Watch for and recognize security risks and thefts, and know how to prevent or handle these situations.
- Inventory stock and requisition new stock.
- Ticket, arrange and display merchandise to promote sales.
- Bag or package purchases, and wrap gifts.
- Exchange merchandise for customers and accept returns.
- Clean shelves, counters, and tables.
Preschool teacher
Maggie's Morning School
Savannah, GA
06.1999 - 06.2002
- Teach basic skills such as color, shape, number and letter recognition, personal hygiene, and social skills.
- Read books to entire classes or to small groups.
- Attend to children's basic needs by feeding them, dressing them, and changing their diapers.
- Provide a variety of materials and resources for children to explore, manipulate and use, both in learning activities and in imaginative play.
- Assimilate arriving children to the school environment by greeting them, helping them remove outerwear, and selecting activities of interest to them.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
- Identify children showing signs of emotional, developmental, or health-related problems, and discuss them with supervisors, parents or guardians, and child development specialists.
- Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to children.
- Demonstrate activities to children.
Education
Some College - Early Childhood Education
Savannah Technical College
Savannah, GAHigh School Diploma - undefined
Sol C. Johnson High School
Savannah, GA05.1999
Skills
Speaking
Learning Strategies
Education and Training
Coordination
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Customer and Personal Service
Reading Comprehension
Time Management
Active Learning
Judgment and Decision Making
Personnel and Human Resources
Instructing
English Language
Complex Problem Solving
Clerical
Mathematics
Sales and Marketing
Fine Arts
Science
Biology
Safety procedures
Inquiry-based learning
Time management abilities
Classroom technology implementation
Teamwork
Core curriculum and standards
Multicultural education
Manage classrooms
Student support
Student assessment
Decision-making
Active listening
Verbal and written communication
Professional demeanor
Task prioritization
Interpersonal and social skills
Problem-solving abilities
Child development
Student motivation and engagement
Social Media Education
Plan lessons
Teamwork and collaboration
Cognitive Learning
Literacy strategies
Cognitive and behavioral development
Time management
Project-based learning
Lesson planning
Documentation and reporting
Self motivation
Positive learning environment
Written communication
Parent communication
Peer mediation
Special needs students
Adaptability
Effective listening
Adaptability and flexibility
Cooperative learning
Organizational skills
Reliability
Classroom safety practices
Outdoor education
Multitasking capacity
Multitasking Abilities
Analytical thinking
Timeline
Lead Teacher and Executive Director
Allegiance Learning Center
06.2022 - Current
Preschool Teacher Leader
The Children's House
05.2019 - 06.2022
Preschool teacher
Maggie's Morning School
08.2008 - 05.2019
Customer service associate
Dillard's
05.2005 - 08.2008
Sales associate/cashier
Citi Trends
11.2002 - 02.2005
Preschool teacher
Maggie's Morning School
06.1999 - 06.2002
Some College - Early Childhood Education
Savannah Technical College
High School Diploma - undefined
Sol C. Johnson High School