ELIZABETH HEFFERNAN
Watertown,MA
Summary
Educational support professional prepared to support diverse learning needs and assist in creating a positive educational environment. Proven track record in implementation of individualized student academic and behavioral supports, ensuring student goals are met. Known for strong teamwork and adaptability in dynamic classroom settings, displaying key skills in behavior management and effective communication.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Teaching Assistant
Wellesley Public Schools
11.2022 - Current
- Full-time
- Responsible for supporting the implementation of student IEPs and behavior plans under the supervision of the Special Education Department and the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
- Duties include data collection related to behavior, facilitation of social interactions, and academic support in the classroom setting
- Safety-Care Specialist: With my PBIS Safety-Care certification, I also have the responsibility and skill to prevent and manage challenging behaviors while maintaining the safety and well-being of the child and those around them. Specifically, I have been trained and re-certified twice on de-escalation strategies and physical management
3rd Grade Reading and Social Studies Teacher
Tulsa Public Schools
07.2021 - 11.2021
- Full-time
- As a full-time 3rd grade Reading and Social Studies teacher, was responsible for planning, preparing, and teaching grade-appropriate lessons that I adapted from the Amplify CKLA and The Oklahoma Story curricula that were provided by TPS
- Additionally, I was responsible for running a homeroom for 22 students, as well as conducting parent-teacher conferences, maintaining student records, and participating in the construction and implementation of student IEPs
- I was forced to leave a 2 year contract after 5 months due to injuries sustained in a car accident in November 2021
Preschool Pod Leader
Community-based
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Part-time
- Hired to run a preschool learning pod for 3 children ages 4-5 during the 2020-2021 school year
- Created a developmentally appropriate curriculum that focused on foundational math, reading, writing, and science skills
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences and provided weekly progress reports and semester-based Kindergarten readiness evaluations
Classroom Assistant
Beers Elementary School
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Part-time
- Company Overview: DC Public Schools
- As part of the Minor in Education, Inquiry, and Justice, I assisted in a 4th grade resource (special education) classroom for 80 total hours during the Fall and Spring semesters of Junior year at Georgetown
- Assisted classroom teacher in lesson preparation, administering reading and writing assessments for students, and working one-on-one with students needing extra help
Student Aide
Hoya Kids Learning Center
02.2018 - 03.2020
- Part-time
- Company Overview: Georgetown University's child-care center
- Student assistant in the toddler, preschool, and pre-k classrooms 8-5 hours/week at Georgetown University's child-care center
- Responsible for preparing snacks, maintaining classroom cleanliness, and assisting with the care and education of the children
Head Counselor and Teacher's Assistant
The Carroll School- Summer@Carroll
06.2015 - 07.2018
- Full-time, seasonal
- Camp combines morning academic classroom work with afternoon activities for children with language-based learning difficulties, specifically Dyslexia
- As head counselor and TA, was responsible for assisting in 3rd grade math classroom instruction in the morning and leading a group of campers in the afternoon
Tutor
DC Reads Tutoring Program
09.2017 - 12.2017
- Part-time
- Company Overview: Through Georgetown University's Center for Social Justice (CSJ)
- Worked one-on-one with an elementary school student in a public DC elementary school 2 afternoons per week to develop phonic and comprehension skills
- Through Georgetown University's Center for Social Justice (CSJ)
Classroom Assistant
Children's Corner Nursery School
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Part-time
- Responsible for helping with all daily activities in the 3 and 4 year old classrooms, 3 mornings per week
- Responsible for assisting with and leading sensory activities, supervising playground time, and assisting children needing personalized attention
Intensive Student
Wellesley High School Child Development Lab
05.2015 - 06.2016
- Part-time
- Selected, along with 7 other high school seniors, to coordinate all activities in the preschool classroom (children ages 3-5)
- Responsible for communicating with parents, conducting parent-teacher conferences, and conducting Kindergarten readiness evaluations
Director/Co-facilitator- Break Free From Depression Program
Interact Club of Wellesley
09.2014 - 06.2016
- Part-time
- Co-facilitated programs at the Boys & Girls Club of Waltham (Massachusetts) to educate at-risk high school students on mental health issues
- Named a director for the 2015-2016 program
"Education and the Classroom" Participant
National Student Leadership Conference
06.2015 - 06.2015
- Participated in seminars and met with leaders at the U.S Department of Education
- Worked with a team of fellow students to create a middle school math curriculum, following common core standards
- Final project: designed a 1-year educational curriculum for a 7th grade math class and presented it to the leadership team, consisting of the program director and other education professionals
Babysitter
Various
01.2012 - Current
- Part-time
- Ages newborn - 14yo
- Up to 5 children, including multiples, and children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Babysit consistently for 2 families in the Boston area
- Duties include: full-day care, driving children to activities, supervising swimming, school pick-up, meal prep, and overnight care
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Education, Inquiry, and Justice
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY- Georgetown College
05.2021
Skills
- Collaborative teamwork
- Social skills development
- Data collection
- Instructional support
- Peer mediation
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Student supervision
Awards
- WHEELOCK COLLEGE BOOK AWARD, 06/15, Awarded to the high school junior with the highest demonstrated commitment to working with young children.
- MASSACHUSETTS STATE SENATE CITATION, 03/15, Presented in recognition of co-facilitating the Break Free From Depression Program.
Certification
Certified PBIS Safety-Care Specialist
Timeline
Special Education Teaching Assistant
Wellesley Public Schools
11.2022 - Current
3rd Grade Reading and Social Studies Teacher
Tulsa Public Schools
07.2021 - 11.2021
Preschool Pod Leader
Community-based
09.2020 - 05.2021
Classroom Assistant
Beers Elementary School
09.2019 - 03.2020
Student Aide
Hoya Kids Learning Center
02.2018 - 03.2020
Tutor
DC Reads Tutoring Program
09.2017 - 12.2017
Classroom Assistant
Children's Corner Nursery School
09.2016 - 05.2017
Head Counselor and Teacher's Assistant
The Carroll School- Summer@Carroll
06.2015 - 07.2018
"Education and the Classroom" Participant
National Student Leadership Conference
06.2015 - 06.2015
Intensive Student
Wellesley High School Child Development Lab
05.2015 - 06.2016
Director/Co-facilitator- Break Free From Depression Program
Interact Club of Wellesley
09.2014 - 06.2016
Babysitter
Various
01.2012 - Current
Certified PBIS Safety-Care Specialist
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology, Education, Inquiry, and Justice
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY- Georgetown College
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