Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Deziray Dawn Simmons

Odin,Illinois

Summary

Motivated student eager to apply classroom knowledge to real-world experiences, with a strong willingness to learn and contribute. Effective communicator with a collaborative mindset, ready to bring fresh perspectives and a strong work ethic to any team. Known for excellent communication and teamwork abilities, with a commitment to helping children achieve their best. Passionate about continuous learning and professional development.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Crew Member

McDonald's
Salem, IL
01.2025 - Current
  • Talked pleasantly with customers while taking orders and promoted positive image for business.
  • Upheld high standards of productivity and quality in operations.
  • Educated customers on menu items, product ingredients and nutritional values.

Student Teaching Intern

Jordan Elementary
Centralia, IL
01.2025 - Current
  • Assisted teachers in the development of instructional materials.
  • Collaborated with lead teacher to adapt teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
  • Accepted constructive criticism and feedback with positivity in areas requiring improvement.
  • Managed classroom procedures and organized resources to promote safety and learning.
  • Attended and contributed to staff meetings.
  • Facilitated class discussions to encourage critical thinking and class participation.
  • Prepared teaching materials and visual aids to support lesson objectives.
  • Prepared visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to foster learning.
  • Took roll each morning and noted absences in software system.
  • Observed lead teacher and provided constructive feedback for mutual professional growth.
  • Developed deeper understanding of teaching strategies with increasing responsibility for student learning.
  • Engaged students through lecture and discussion, increasing classroom interaction to build inclusive learning environment.

Teacher

Clark Academy
Centralia, IL
02.2024 - 06.2024
  • Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
  • Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
  • Created meaningful projects that allowed students to apply their knowledge in real world situations.
  • Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
  • Identified and documented learning achievements by reporting outcomes, performance information and program adjustments used to boost comprehension.
  • Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.

Learning Center Teacher

WADI Head Start
Harrisburg, Il.
08.2023 - 01.2024
  • Integrated multimedia resources into daily lessons in order to engage students in active learning experiences.
  • Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
  • Led students on field trips to enhance educational programs.
  • Established open communication channels between home and school by keeping parents informed about their child's progress.
  • Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers.
  • Remained calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
  • Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
  • Met with parents to discuss students' progress and review areas requiring improvement.
  • Engaged students through lecture and discussion, increasing classroom interaction to build inclusive learning environment.
  • Participated in adapted physical education activities with students to encourage overall health and instill positive routines.
  • Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.

Assistant Director Trainee

Little Treasures CDC
Marion, Il.
02.2023 - 06.2023
  • Training for Assistant Directors position at the Harrisburg location February-April
  • Evaluated individual and team business performance and identified opportunities for improvement.
  • Held regular one-on-one meetings with employees to review performance and priorities and provide feedback.
  • Assisted in the coordination of special events and corporate functions.
  • Participated in networking events to promote organizational interests.
  • Managed communication between department heads and senior management.
  • Managed inventory and resources to ensure availability and cost-effectiveness.

Classroom Teacher

WADI Head Start
Harrisburg, Il.
09.2022 - 02.2023
  • Instructed students in a variety of academic subjects utilizing differentiated methods of teaching.
  • Liaised with team of professionals to implement comprehensive educational action plans for special needs and at-risk students.
  • Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
  • Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and modify instruction accordingly.
  • Engaged in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices.
  • Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
  • Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
  • Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
  • Developed lessons, activities and materials to cover required course material.
  • Assisted in the organization of school events such as assemblies or school plays.
  • Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.

LSA/Key Holder

Dollar General
Galatia, Il.
03.2020 - 09.2022
  • Accomplished sales goals by engaging customers, delivering top-notch service and promoting special items.
  • Facilitated and developed lasting relationships with clients to increase client retention.
  • Organized backroom storage areas to maximize efficiency of space utilization.
  • Assisted customers with product selection and resolving complaints.
  • Performed daily banking duties such as deposits and withdrawals of funds from registers.
  • Analyzed weekly reports on sales trends, labor costs, shrinkage rates to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Handled customer inquiries and complaints with professionalism and patience.
  • Ensured store was opened and closed in a timely manner according to company policies.
  • Reconciled daily sales receipts against cash drawer for accuracy.

Lead Teacher

Robins Nest CDC
, Il.
04.2017 - 02.2020
  • Teacher’s assistant in the 2 year old room for about 6 months @ the Carterville location
  • Lead teacher in the 2 year old room for 6 months and then became the lead teacher in the toddler room @ the Marion location
  • Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
  • Identified and documented learning achievements by reporting outcomes, performance information and program adjustments used to boost comprehension.
  • Selected optimal curricula and planned daily lessons to meet needs of children with various developmental levels.
  • Conducted individualized academic interventions for struggling students as needed.
  • Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain classroom discipline.

Head Teacher

Heartland Kids ELC
Marion, Il.
04.2010 - 04.2016
  • Head teacher in the 2 year old room (for about 2 years)
  • Head teacher in the Toddler II room (for about 6 months)
  • Identified and documented learning achievements by reporting outcomes, performance information and program adjustments used to boost comprehension.
  • Collaborated with other administrators in developing strategies for improving student achievement levels.
  • Maintained open communication channels with parents by responding promptly to inquiries or complaints.
  • Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.

Lead Teacher

Yellow Brick Road ELA
Marion, Il.
08.2006 - 04.2010
  • Lead teacher in the 2 year old room (for about 4 years)
  • Lead teacher in infant room (for about 2 months)
  • Teacher’s Assistant in Toddler room (for about 2 months)
  • Teacher’s Assistant in Pre-K room (for 8 months)

Education

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education

Illinois State University
Normal, Il
05-2025

Associate in Applied Science - Early Childhood Education

Southeastern Illinois College
Harrisburg, Il
12.2009

Short Term Certificate - Early Childhood Education

John A. Logan College
Carterville, Il
05.2008

Some College (No Degree) - General Studies

Southeastern Illinois College
Harrisburg, Il

Skills

  • Child development
  • Energetic caregiver
  • People-oriented
  • Adept at working with special needs children
  • Disaster preparedness training
  • Parent communication
  • Organized
  • First aid
  • Level 4 ECE Credential
  • Infant/Toddler Credential
  • State regulations
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Sanitizing
  • Clear communication
  • Telephone etiquette
  • Integrity and honesty
  • Team contributions
  • Teamwork and collaboration

Timeline

Crew Member

McDonald's
01.2025 - Current

Student Teaching Intern

Jordan Elementary
01.2025 - Current

Teacher

Clark Academy
02.2024 - 06.2024

Learning Center Teacher

WADI Head Start
08.2023 - 01.2024

Assistant Director Trainee

Little Treasures CDC
02.2023 - 06.2023

Classroom Teacher

WADI Head Start
09.2022 - 02.2023

LSA/Key Holder

Dollar General
03.2020 - 09.2022

Lead Teacher

Robins Nest CDC
04.2017 - 02.2020

Head Teacher

Heartland Kids ELC
04.2010 - 04.2016

Lead Teacher

Yellow Brick Road ELA
08.2006 - 04.2010

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education

Illinois State University

Associate in Applied Science - Early Childhood Education

Southeastern Illinois College

Short Term Certificate - Early Childhood Education

John A. Logan College

Some College (No Degree) - General Studies

Southeastern Illinois College

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Deziray Dawn Simmons