Elizabeth Lopez
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dedicated school counselor bringing a strong foundation in child development, instructional strategies, and classroom management. Experienced in supporting diverse urban youth, fostering inclusive and engaging learning environments, and promoting both academic achievement and social-emotional growth. Committed to building positive relationships, differentiating instruction, and creating a supportive classroom culture where all students can thrive. Strong focus on collaborative efforts and adaptability, ensuring reliable and flexible support. Skilled in crisis management and effective communication.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Counselor/ Substitute Teacher
Chicago Public Schools, Mary Lyon Elementary
Chicago, IL
10.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented individualized counseling plans to support student mental health and academic success.
- Facilitated conflict resolution sessions to enhance peer relationships and reduce behavioral issues.
- Conducted assessments to identify student needs and recommend appropriate interventions or resources.
- Provided crisis intervention support, ensuring student safety and connecting families to community resources.
- Facilitated workshops on conflict resolution, stress management, and social skills for diverse student populations.
- Collaborated with teachers and parents to identify student needs and develop appropriate interventions.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted counseling strategies based on feedback and outcomes.
- Enhanced student emotional well-being by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
- Provided crisis intervention services, ensuring a safe environment during emergencies or personal challenges.
K-8 Physical Education Teacher
ACERO Charter Schools- Cruz
Chicago, IL
01.2020 - 06.2025
- Developed and delivered student-centered physical education programs with an emphasis on emotional well-being and social skills development.
- Collaborated with case managers and school teams to create Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs) for students needing additional support.
- Mentored students through K-12 basketball coaching, promoting teamwork, leadership, and emotional resilience.
- Maintained strong communication with parents, supporting students' emotional and academic development.
- Led physical education programs that integrate social-emotional learning (SEL) and conflict resolution skills.
Special Education Apprentice
ACERO Charter Schools- Soto
Chicago, IL
04.2016 - 01.2020
- Worked directly with students to provide emotional, social, and academic support, developing personalized interventions.
- Collaborated with case managers to design BIPs and IEPs for students, ensuring that their educational and emotional needs were met.
- Facilitated after-school counseling groups for girls, focusing on self-esteem, social skills, and personal development.
- Supported special education students with academic and social skills development through one-on-one and small group interactions.
Substitute Teacher and Paraprofessional
Parallel Employment
Chicago, IL & Milwaukee, WI
01.2015 - 04.2016
- Led classrooms during teacher absences, ensuring smooth transitions and maintaining classroom order.
- Assisted in reinforcing lessons and supported students with behavioral challenges and emotional needs.
- Provided supervision during transitions, ensuring student safety and well-being.
Teacher's Assistant
HOPE Christian Schools, CARITAS
Milwaukee, WI
08.2014 - 01.2015
- Worked with teachers to reinforce lessons and support students in achieving academic goals.
- Organized and maintained student records, helping track progress and attendance.
- Communicated with parents about student progress and concerns, fostering positive relationships.
School Age Group Worker
ONWARD NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE
Chicago, IL
05.2008 - 03.2013
- Supervised and engaged with children aged 5-13 in group settings, ensuring safety and developmentally appropriate activities.
- Worked closely with families to identify signs of emotional or developmental issues, collaborating with support staff to address concerns.
- Created and implemented lesson plans to engage children and promote social, emotional, and academic growth.
Education
MA - Teaching (Elementary Education)
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL12-2023
MA - School Counseling
Concordia University
Chicago, IL12-2013
BA - Psychology
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL05-2007
Skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Empathetic and Compassionate
- Proficient in student record management and data entry
- Ability to build rapport with diverse student populations
- Problem-solving skills
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Student behavior management
- Bilingual, Spanish-Basic
Certification
- Professional Education License with Endorsement in Type 73, School Counseling, IL
- State and NCLB Approved Paraprofessional
- Type 13, Substitute Permit K-12, IL
- Elementary Education (1-6), IL- Pending
- CPR and First Aid, American Heart Association
- CPI Certified, Crisis Prevention Institute
Timeline
School Counselor/ Substitute Teacher
Chicago Public Schools, Mary Lyon Elementary
10.2025 - Current
K-8 Physical Education Teacher
ACERO Charter Schools- Cruz
01.2020 - 06.2025
Special Education Apprentice
ACERO Charter Schools- Soto
04.2016 - 01.2020
Substitute Teacher and Paraprofessional
Parallel Employment
01.2015 - 04.2016
Teacher's Assistant
HOPE Christian Schools, CARITAS
08.2014 - 01.2015
School Age Group Worker
ONWARD NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE
05.2008 - 03.2013
MA - Teaching (Elementary Education)
Northeastern Illinois University
MA - School Counseling
Concordia University
BA - Psychology
Northeastern Illinois University
Field Experience
Clinical Experience/ Student Teacher, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz,
Chicago, IL , 08/01/22-12/31/22
- Gained valuable insight into the trials and triumphs of teaching while reinforcing the importance of a positive personal attitude in creating successful learning environments.
- Developed rapport with students, applying active listening and empathy to understand their needs and concerns.
Internship, Wells Community Academy,
Chicago, IL , 05/01/13 - 08/31/13
- Individual Counseling: Assisted students in setting academic and career goals, helping them develop a plan to achieve these goals, and providing emotional support.
- Group Counseling: Facilitated group sessions to help students overcome social and behavioral issues.
- Administrative Support: Managed student databases, scheduling, and records while assisting in student planning and resource referrals.
- Special Education Support: Provided one-on-one tutoring to special education students to meet graduation requirements.
Practicum, Glenbrook Evening High School,
Glenview, IL , 01/01/13 - 05/31/13
- Assisted with classroom supervision and led student-focused activities in the absence of the supervisor.
- Supported students in both individual and group counseling settings, helping them address social, emotional, and academic challenges.
- Maintained records in compliance with state and federal regulations.