Grace Elizabeth Halfman
Elk Grove Village,IL
Summary
Dedicated and passionate educator with expertise in health education, family consumer science, coaching, and curriculum development. Experienced in designing engaging, student-centered learning environments that promote health, wellness, and personal growth. Skilled in lesson planning, technology integration, and classroom management, with a strong commitment to fostering inclusivity, teamwork, and student success.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
6th, 7th & 8th Grade Health Education Teacher
Glenn Westlake Middle School
08.2023 - Current
- Develops and delivers engaging health education lessons for 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students, aligning with curriculum standards
- Communicates regularly with parents to provide updates on student progress, engagement, and well-being
- Creates a positive and inclusive classroom environment, fostering student participation and discussion on health-related topics
- Assesses and monitors student comprehension through formative and summative evaluations, adapting instruction as needed
- Incorporates interactive and real-world applications to enhance students' understanding of health and wellness concepts
- Demonstrates professionalism, compassion, and organization in classroom management and curriculum delivery
- Coaches and trains 6th and 7th Grade Girls Track & Field Team in distance running and high jump, focusing on skill development and technique refinement
Head Junior Varsity Cheerleading Coach
Elk Grove High School
04.2022 - Current
- Choreographs and leads dynamic routines, ensuring compliance with safety standards and competition regulations
- Develops and implements effective training programs to enhance athletes' skills, endurance, and teamwork
- Provides mentorship and guidance to student-athletes, fostering leadership, discipline, and sportsmanship
- Manages administrative tasks, including paperwork, scheduling, and coordination of team events
- Collaborates with the varsity coaching staff to align team goals and performance strategies
- Promotes inclusivity and team spirit within a diverse co-ed cheerleading team
7th & 8th Grade Health Education Teacher
Emerson Middle School
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Developed effective classroom management strategies to maintain focus and minimize disruptions during instruction.
- Updated course materials regularly to ensure alignment with current state standards and industry trends in health education.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive learning environment by addressing instances of bullying and enforcing school policies.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans that enriched students' understanding of health topics within various contexts.
- Continually improved knowledge, skills, and performance based on feedback and self-identified professional developmental needs.
Health Education Student Teacher
Lincoln Community High School
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Developed and implemented Sexual Health Education programs to help students improve health and well-being.
- Demonstrated strong classroom management skills and ability to adapt quickly
- Evaluated students' performance with co-teacher, Jennifer Craig, and encouraged students to achieve their highest levels of success
- Served as a substitute teacher during planning and off periods while student teaching
Health Sciences Department Student Worker
Illinois State University
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Collaborated with Health Sciences Department staff and faculty to assist with weekly clerical and educational tasks.
- Designed and created bulletin boards to enhance departmental communication and engagement.
- Supported program projects and events by inputting data and providing organizational assistance.
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
Illinois State University
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Supported faculty members with administrative tasks including grading papers, updating class records, and tracking attendance.
- Streamlined communication between students and professors by managing online discussion boards and responding to email inquiries promptly.
- Developed and facilitated lesson plans and activities while co-teaching HSC 190 with Christy Bazan.
Education
Master of Public Health -
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois05.2026
Master of Science - Teaching & Learning - Educational Technology
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois05.2025
Bachelor of Science - Health Promotion And Education - School Health Education
Illinois State University
Normal, Illinois05.2022
Skills
- Adaptability
- Attention to Detail
- Classroom Management
- Curriculum Development
- Effective Communication
- Instructional Strategies
- Lesson Planning
- Organization
- Problem-Solving
- Professionalism
- Relationship Building
- Student Engagement
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Technology Integration
- Time Management
Credentials And Endorsements
- Illinois State Board of Education - Professional Educator License
- Pre K-12 Health Endorsement
- 6-12 Family Consumer Sciences Endorsement
Affiliations
- American Public Health Association — Student Member
- Illinois School Health Association — Professional Member & Board Member
- Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance — Professional Member
- Kappa Delta Pi — Illinois State University College of Education Honor Society Lifetime Member
Timeline
6th, 7th & 8th Grade Health Education Teacher
Glenn Westlake Middle School
08.2023 - Current
7th & 8th Grade Health Education Teacher
Emerson Middle School
08.2022 - 06.2023
Head Junior Varsity Cheerleading Coach
Elk Grove High School
04.2022 - Current
Health Education Student Teacher
Lincoln Community High School
01.2022 - 05.2022
Health Sciences Department Student Worker
Illinois State University
09.2021 - 01.2022
Undergraduate Teaching Assistant
Illinois State University
08.2021 - 01.2022
Master of Science - Teaching & Learning - Educational Technology
Illinois State University
Master of Public Health -
Illinois State University
Bachelor of Science - Health Promotion And Education - School Health Education
Illinois State University
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