Elizabeth Mena
Northlake,IL
Summary
Dedicated and responsive professional with proven skills in classroom management, behavior modification, and individualized support. Comfortable working with students of different skill levels to promote learning and boost educational success. Serves as role model by using growth mindset to develop young minds and inspire love of learning.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, Illinois
04.2025 - Current
- Managed classroom behavior and fostered a positive learning environment, promoting student engagement and collaboration.
- Facilitated engaging classroom activities and lessons across various subjects and grade levels, enhancing student participation.
- Executed lesson plans provided by regular teachers, ensuring seamless continuity of education and support for student learning.
Student observer/Student teaching
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Teach small-group and whole-class lessons using UDL, SIOP strategies, visuals, and hands-on learning.
- Support diverse learners with sensory tools, fine-motor supports, sentence frames, and structured routines.
- Observed collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists and therapists, to enhance student support.
Childcare Provider
Brighton Park Neighborhood Council
08.2024 - 11.2024
- Coordinated after-school programming for children ages 6-11, providing homework support, crafts, games, and SEL activities to enhance learning and social skills.
- Supervised daily activities for children in a safe and nurturing environment.
- Planned engaging educational activities aligned with developmental milestones.
- Communicated effectively with parents about children's progress and needs.
Lead Teacher
Ladybug & Friends Daycare and Preschool
Chicago, IL
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Led a toddler and preschool classroom, planning daily lessons that supported early literacy, fine-motor skills, and social-emotional development.
- Established consistent routines fostering independence and emotional regulation.
- Communicated daily with parents while supervising assistant teachers to ensure effective classroom management.
- Maintained safe, nurturing environment that supported developmental needs of children.
Assistant Teacher
Rising Little Stars
Northlake, IL
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Contributed to educational and sensory activities (storytime, coloring, crafts, sensory bins) to enhance children's learning and engagement.
- Facilitated feeding, diapering, naps, and early language, gross motor, and fine-motor routines for infants-preschoolers to foster developmental milestones.
- Ensured compliance with safety protocols, maintaining a secure daycare environment for children.
Education
B.A - Elementary Education, Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO (UIC)
Chicago, IL05-2026
High School Diploma -
West Leyden High School
Northlake, IL05-2020
Skills
- Bilingual communication
- Child development knowledge
- Classroom management
- Small-group instructional skills
- Building rapport
- Patient communication
- Comfort rounding
- Behavior management
- CPR/First Aid Certified
- Mandated Reporter Certified
- Education tools
- Lesson planning
Community Service
- Cradles to Crayons, Chicago, IL, Sorted clothing, hygiene items, books, and school supplies in the Quality Control station to prepare personalized 'KidPacks' for children facing clothing insecurity.
- Feed My Starving Children, Schaumburg, IL, Hand-packed and weighed nutritionally complete meal pouches for international shipment to children experiencing severe food insecurity in other countries.
Teaching And Childcare Experience
- Lead Teacher, Ladybug & Friends Daycare and Preschool, Chicago, IL, 2021-2024, Led a toddler and preschool classroom, planning daily lessons that supported early literacy, fine-motor skills, and social-emotional development.
- Student observer/Student teaching, Chicago Public Schools, 2024-2026, Teach small-group and whole-class lessons using UDL, SIOP strategies, visuals, and hands-on learning. Support diverse learners with sensory tools, fine-motor supports, sentence frames, and structured routines.
- Childcare Provider, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, 08/24 - 11/24, Facilitated after-school programming for children ages 6-11, including homework support, crafts, games, and SEL activities.
- Private Babysitter, 2023 - Present, Provide regular childcare for families with children ages 3-11. Plan engaging activities, support homework, maintain routines, and communicate daily updates to parents.
- Assistant Teacher, In-Home Daycare (High School Job), 2017-2019, Supported infants-preschoolers with feeding, diapering, naps, and early language, gross motor, and fine-motor routines.
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
04.2025 - Current
Childcare Provider
Brighton Park Neighborhood Council
08.2024 - 11.2024
Student observer/Student teaching
Chicago Public Schools
01.2024 - 01.2026
Lead Teacher
Ladybug & Friends Daycare and Preschool
01.2021 - 01.2024
Assistant Teacher
Rising Little Stars
01.2017 - 01.2019
B.A - Elementary Education, Psychology
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS CHICAGO (UIC)
High School Diploma -
West Leyden High School