Crystal Willis
South Bend,IN
Summary
Professional educator with strong background in developing and implementing engaging curriculum. Adept at fostering collaborative learning environment that encourages student growth and achievement. Skilled in classroom management, lesson planning, and adapting to diverse educational needs. Known for reliability and flexibility, ensuring smooth and effective teaching operations.
Overview
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
3rd Grade Remote Teacher
K12
Santa Rosa, NM
09.2020 - Current
- Developed data driven, engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster positive learning environments.
- Utilized educational technology tools to enhance student interaction and learning experiences.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods to track progress.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects and activities.
- Provided individualized support to students, addressing diverse learning needs effectively.
- Organized parent-teacher conferences to strengthen home-school communication and involvement.
Second Grade Teacher
Success Academy
South Bend, IN
12.2018 - 06.2019
- Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Implemented a positive reward system to motivate students and reinforce good behavior, resulting in a more productive classroom environment.
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Benton Harbor Area Schools
Benton Harbor, MI
11.2017 - 12.2018
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and provided targeted feedback for improvement.
- Established and adjusted instructional goals and objectives to reflect district or school goals, curriculum policies and progress and needs of students.
- Fostered positive classroom environment, promoting student collaboration and participation.
Long Term Substitute 4th Grade, Art, and SE
South Bend Community School Corp.
South Bend, IN
09.2015 - 06.2017
- Streamlined grading processes by utilizing digital tools, improving efficiency in tracking student progress and feedback delivery.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
Education
Transition to Teaching Licensure Program - Education And Ministry
Bethel College
Mishawaka, Indiana05-2009
Medical Spanish Certificate - Medical Spanish Certification
Holy Cross College
Notre Dame, Indiana08-2006
Bachelor of Arts in Communication - Business Management And Communications
Indiana University At South Bend
South Bend, Indiana05-2002
Masters in Ministry - undefined
Bethel College
Mishawaka, Indiana05-2000
Bachelor of Science in Business - undefined
Indiana University at South Bend
South Bend, Indiana05-1986
Skills
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Student engagement
- Lesson planning
- Growth mindset
- Parent-teacher communication
- Differentiated instruction
Certification
- State of New Mexico K-8 Professional License
- Must be renewed in 2030.
- State of Michigan Professional Educator’s License
- State of Indiana Professional Educator’s License
Timeline
3rd Grade Remote Teacher
K12
09.2020 - Current
Second Grade Teacher
Success Academy
12.2018 - 06.2019
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Benton Harbor Area Schools
11.2017 - 12.2018
Long Term Substitute 4th Grade, Art, and SE
South Bend Community School Corp.
09.2015 - 06.2017
Bachelor of Science in Business - undefined
Indiana University at South Bend
Masters in Ministry - undefined
Bethel College
Transition to Teaching Licensure Program - Education And Ministry
Bethel College
Medical Spanish Certificate - Medical Spanish Certification
Holy Cross College
Bachelor of Arts in Communication - Business Management And Communications
Indiana University At South Bend
Multi-Cultural Skills
- Taught Spanish for three years, 3rd through 8th grades, creating a positive language acquisition experience for the students while stressing appreciation and diversity for other cultures.
- Translated Spanish at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
- Worked with high-risk street students in Guatemala.
- Distributed food to impoverished families in Honduras.
- Tutored students in foster care, creating an atmosphere of caring and affirmation.
- Welcomed and encourage diversity in the classroom.
Leadership Skills
- Employed effective classroom management skills and routines for class of 26 to 35 students.
- Developed cooperative learning groups to enhance learning and leadership development.
- Collaborated (and worked in) with special education staff, parents, colleagues, and administration.
- Conducted positive parent/student/teacher conferences in English and Spanish.
- Managed an on-line grade book system to expedite the prompt return of assessments.
- Created benchmarks for students to reach annual goals.
- Organized and track progress of students receiving interventions and tutoring.
- Student teacher mentor
Teaching Skills
- Created cross-curricular lesson plans, synchronizing state standards, objectives, and assessments.
- Enhanced the learning experience with Engagement throughout
- Adapted lesson plans to meet the needs of ADHD, LD, and students with autism.
- Incorporated technology, manipulatives and authentic writing task across grade levels.
- Utilized formative and summative assessments including running records, pretest and posttest.
- Conducted lessons using differentiated instruction.
- Utilized Daily 5, Café, STEAM
- Designed a classroom city to aid in cross-curricular subjects and give students extra practice on skills.
- Planned and provided interventions in Math and Reading for all students.
- Modified lessons, by using collected data, to meet the variety of levels of the students.
- Taught using higher order thinking differing DOK levels and asking the big picture question.
- Administered Star 360, Dibels, NWEA, I STEP, I Ready and IOWA testing
Professional Development
- K12 Professional Development On going
- Lexia Letrs Certification
- Unpacking the Standards On going
- Engaging Students Dealing with Poverty October 2018
- Tough Kids August, 2018
- Journeys Training and System 44 August, 2018
- Back to School Boot Camp August 2018
- Back to School University July 2017-August 2017
- Character Education, Transforming Classroom Management
- Zones of Regulations, and Positive Classroom Meetings
- Poverty, Restorative Justice, Love and Logic October 2016-May 2017
- “Don’t Kick them Out” October 20, 2016
- Shareholders Conference to Improve Indiana Schools June 2013
- Diversity Training January 2013
- Crisis Prevention Intervention May 2011
- Teach America May 2011
- 6+1 Writing February 2010
- Positive Classroom Management March 2010
- Lips/Wilson June 2010