Ellen Holcombe

Experienced N-6 Educator with a Masters in Educational Psychology seeking a lecturer role to share insights with future teachers. Dedicated to bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and classroom applications through inquiry-based learning. Committed to maintaining the highest standards of education and making a positive impact on the lives of future generations.

NYSED Professional Certificate in Childhood Education (N-6)

• Achieved high scores for the quality and creativity of classroom teaching, lesson plans, and materials used in diverse classrooms. (Differentiation and hands-on assignments). Teaching students to learn on their own and as a team member.
• Served on a variety of school committees: Crisis Intervention Team, Response to Intervention Team (RTI), Union Contract Negotiations Team, Union Building Representative, Curriculum Development, Textbook Review, Professional Development Learning Plan Committee, Math Coordinator for Third Grade and Team Member to Hire an Assistant Principal
• Compiled student data information for teachers and administrators from the New York State Math Tests, so students’ strengths and weaknesses, and gaps in learning could be analyzed (Math Performance Reports) and effective lesson plans could be developed to support student performance.
• Developed innovative approaches to teaching subject areas that were creative and related to the real world, thus keeping students actively involved in their learning.
• Attended a variety of professional development workshops, NYSUT Courses, and BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) conferences centered on differentiation, motivating students, math strategies, negotiations, NY State laws and Advocacy, etc..
• Certified to teach The Great Books Foundation, Junior Great Books Program, a reading & writing enrichment program after school, to students of grades 3 -5. Main objective is to develop independent thinkers, skilled readers, and articulate communicators through a shared inquiry approach.
• Director of Elementary Summer School Program: Program planning and development, staff recruitment and management, daily operations and safety, budgeting and enrollment, communication and support and data analysis and improvement evaluation.
• Supervised and mentored college student teachers in the classroom who were seeking state certification offering professional growth, fresh perspectives on pedagogy, prompting teachers to reflect on their own practices, learn new techniques, and re-evaluate their teaching philosophies.
• Stage Crew Manager for the Intermediate School Plays: Assessed and chose responsible students to build the sets, manage the lights and sound, to handle props, and run scene changes to ensure the show runs smoothly.
• Developed and implemented a yearly Math Pacing Guide for classroom teachers in grades 2 - 5, resulting in improved long-range planning, consistent curriculum delivery across classrooms, and better time management for teachers.
• Spearheaded project with sales representatives of Great Minds Eureka Math to bring new math workbooks and computer programs to grades K - 5 ensuring a coherent, spiraling curriculum that strengthens foundational skills in all areas of mathematics.
• Utilized educational technology, such as Google Classroom and SMART Boards to enhance student engagement.
• Collaborated with special teachers to integrate art, music, and language into the curriculum to help improve student focus and academic performance.