Dina Blankenship
Berea,OH
Summary
I will give you a brief background of myself in a few sentences. I am a wife, teacher, mother of 6. I have worked with children for twenty-two plus years. I have had many challenges and hurdles in the classroom, each which was a learning experiences. Patience, empathy, and flexibility are among the things that I have learned and basically perfected. I love teaching and my classroom. I am ready for a new challenge in my career. I am excited to give it my all in anything I do. I have a great personality and many talents. In my free time I like to stay busy with my children doing crafts, cooking or just hanging out enjoying their company. I have many qualities and knowledge that make me an asset to any job.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Preschool Lead Teacher
The Centers
5209 Detriot Ave
11.2002 - Current
- Completed documentation on individual children and teachers for recordkeeping.
- Planned and prepared activities for preschool students.
- Built strong relationships with parents, providing regular updates on student progress and addressing concerns promptly.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment, fostering respect, empathy, and teamwork among students.
- Provided open and loving environment where children direct learning process.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, offering guidance on lesson planning, classroom management techniques, and parent communication strategies.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Enhanced student learning experiences by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into lesson plans.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Administered assessments for each child and tracked results.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
Sales Associate
Hallmark
Berea, OH
04.2016 - 03.2020
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Answered customer questions about sizing, accessories, and merchandise care.
- Provided positive first impressions to welcome existing, new, and potential customers.
- Engaged with customers to build rapport and loyalty.
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Solved customer challenges by offering relevant products and services.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
- Collaborated with team members to improve overall store performance, sharing best practices, and offering support as needed.
- Increased sales revenue by building strong rapport with customers and recommending appropriate products based on their needs.
Education
Bachelors - Education
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH12.2011
Associates Degree - Education Administration
Cuyahoga Community College
Cleveland, OH06.2000
College Prep
Brooklyn High School
Brooklyn Ohio 06.1995
Skills
- Artistic Expression
- Childcare needs
- Safety awareness
- Gross Motor Skills Development
- Documentation and Record Keeping
- Safety Precautions
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Training and mentoring
- Fine motor skills development
- Nutrition and Health
- Lesson Planning
- Creative Teaching Strategies
- Outdoor Play Supervision
- Key decision making
- Lesson development
- Sensory Integration
- Music and Movement
- Compliance understanding
- Early Childhood Education
- Special Needs Support
Accomplishments
I am certified in cpr and child abuse.
Languages
Italian
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Sales Associate
Hallmark
04.2016 - 03.2020
Preschool Lead Teacher
The Centers
11.2002 - Current
Bachelors - Education
University of Cincinnati
Associates Degree - Education Administration
Cuyahoga Community College
College Prep
Brooklyn High School