Diane Sanders Thaler
Chevy Chase,Maryland
Summary
Upbeat educator devoted to promoting student learning and enhancing individual potential. Skillful in directing classroom environments and enhancing student behavior through positive and forward-thinking approaches. Caring relationship-builder with analytical mindset and good decision-making skills. Elementary School Teacher with expertise in early education, child development and collaborative teaching methods. Experienced in developing lesson plans to meet district and state standards. Confidently offers classroom instruction and personalized student support using balance of traditional and modern approaches.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Grades 1 & 2 Teacher
FCPS
08.2017 - Current
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Encouraged students to think critically and develop problem-solving skills.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians to foster a supportive home-school partnership.
- Fostered a positive learning environment that encouraged intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and collaborative problem-solving among students.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formal and informal assessments, adjusting teaching strategies based on results.
- Enhanced classroom management through consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to share best practices, align curriculum goals, and create interdisciplinary units of study.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Directed class discussions to spark conversation about key concepts, complex problems and overarching themes.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
Certified Elementary School Teacher (Grades 1-6)
Worthington Elementary School HCPSS
01.2005 - 2017
- Experience 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade and 4th grade homeroom teacher
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
- Established positive classroom environments through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement, participating in professional development workshops and collaborating with colleagues on best practices.
- Communicated effectively with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication regarding student progress and addressing concerns as needed.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, enhancing students'' understanding of various subjects.
- Assisted in creating safe and nurturing classroom environments that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as field trips and special events, enriching educational experience for all students involved.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Served as liaison between school administration and families during parent-teacher conferences, ensuring clear communication about expectations and areas of improvement for each child.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
Pointers Run Elementary School HCPSS
01.2004
- 4th Grade
Concord Hill School
01.2000
- 2nd Grade
Pinecrest
01.1998
- 2nd/3rd Combination Classroom
Education
MA Elementary Education -
Johns Hopkins
01.1998
Master of Arts - Art Therapy
George Washington University
Washington DC01.1986
BFA -
George Washington University
01.1982
Sidwell Friends High School
01.1977
Skills
- Curriculum planning
- Creative lesson planning
- In-service leadership (Cultural Proficiency and Writing Traits)
- Peer mentoring
- Teacher-parent relations
- Gifted/talented students
- ESL/ESOL students
- Student success
- Testing
- Learner assessment
- Technology integration
- Classroom management
- Positive Reinforcement Strategies
- Student Engagement
- Parental involvement
- Teaching across curriculum
- Mainstream
- Inclusion
- Differentiated Instruction
- Team Collaboration
Additional Information
I have a special talent with incorporating students' individual interests into standards/objectives that I am charged to teach. Being creative and "hooking" the kids into a lesson is something I am strong in. Consistently commended for ability to redirect students exhibiting behavior problems by replacing disruptive, unproductive patterns with positive behaviors. Earned high marks for the quality and creativity of classroom teaching, lesson plans and instructional materials used in teaching diverse subjects (e.g., language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and history).
Occupation
Certified Elementary School Teacher (Grades 1-6)
Personal Information
Title: Cultural Proficiency Leader HCPSS
Timeline
Grades 1 & 2 Teacher
FCPS
08.2017 - Current
Certified Elementary School Teacher (Grades 1-6)
Worthington Elementary School HCPSS
01.2005 - 2017
Pointers Run Elementary School HCPSS
01.2004
Concord Hill School
01.2000
Pinecrest
01.1998
MA Elementary Education -
Johns Hopkins
Master of Arts - Art Therapy
George Washington University
BFA -
George Washington University
Sidwell Friends High School