Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Heather Acker

Alexandria,AL

Summary

Upbeat, passionate, and hard working teacher with 13 years of experience devoted to promoting student learning and enhancing individual potential through positive and forward-thinking approaches. Caring relationship-builder with analytical mindset and good decision-making skills as well as collaborative teaching methods. Experienced in developing lesson plans to meet district and state standards. Confidently offers classroom instruction and personalized student support using balance of traditional and modern approaches. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude and willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. Accomplished teacher successful in classroom management, student evaluations and test preparation. Proven history of improving student learning outcomes by adapting lesson plans to student needs. Dedicated to promoting academic performance and fostering social skills and character development. Proven history of creating engaged classroom environments supporting diverse educational styles.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade Teacher

Calhoun County Board Of Education
08.2013 - Current
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
  • Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, behavior incidents, and other pertinent information about each student''s progress throughout the school year.
  • Assessed student progress regularly through formal assessments, providing constructive feedback and tailored instruction to meet individual needs.
  • Collaborated with team members to develop interdisciplinary units of study that connected multiple subject areas for a more comprehensive learning experience.
  • Provided after-school tutoring sessions for struggling students, resulting in increased confidence and academic improvement.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational research and trends, applying new knowledge in the classroom setting.
  • Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
  • Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
  • Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
  • Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
  • Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
  • Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
  • Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
  • Developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by presenting challenges to boost self-esteem and performance.
  • Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
  • Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
  • Directed class discussions to spark conversation about key concepts, complex problems and overarching themes.
  • Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
  • Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
  • Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
  • Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
  • Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
  • Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
  • Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
  • Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
  • Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
  • Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
  • Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
  • Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
  • Coached students on physical and emotional safety as part of health curriculum.
  • Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest in learning through hands-on activities and field trips.
  • Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
  • Created and presented clever lessons to engage students and focus on core subjects necessary for personal and academic growth.
  • Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
  • Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
  • Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
  • Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
  • Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
  • Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
  • Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
  • Planned learning activities to address individual differences among students.
  • Established and maintained standards for behavior that fostered student self-discipline and positive relationships among students.
  • Implemented data-driven instructional strategies to target specific skill gaps and improve overall student achievement.
  • Organized field trips and guest speakers to provide real-world context for classroom lessons, enhancing student understanding.
  • Designed lessons that provided opportunities for problem-solving, creativity and communication skills.
  • Encouraged, secured and maintained involvement of parents and other community members in support of instruction.
  • Served as a mentor for new teachers, sharing best practices and offering guidance on effective teaching strategies and classroom management techniques.
  • Supported special education students by implementing personalized accommodations and collaborating with support staff to ensure success.
  • Improved student comprehension by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects in the curriculum.
  • Established open communication with parents through regular updates on student performance, conferences, and newsletters.
  • Enhanced classroom management techniques to maintain a positive learning environment for all students.
  • Monitored and evaluated students' progress in relation to district or school curriculum policies and other planned goals and objectives.
  • Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.

Kindergarten Teacher

Calhoun County Board Of Education
08.2012 - 05.2013
  • Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
  • Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.

Kindergarten Teacher

Calhoun County Board Of Education
08.2011 - 07.2012
  • Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
  • Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.

Education

Master of Science - Elementary Education

Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL
04.2011

Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Sciences/ Marketing

Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL
08.2006

Skills

  • Strong Parent-Teacher Communication
  • Growth Mindset
  • Departmentalized ELA teacher 2014-2022
  • 2nd Grade lead teacher 2023-2024
  • 3rd grade lead teacher 2021-2022
  • Collaborative learning
  • Orton Gillingham MSE trained and certified : Comprehensive
  • Currently working on LETRS training and certification, will complete by August 2024
  • Co-taught with SPED teacher from 2015-2022
  • High Structure Classroom Management
  • Collaborative Teamwork
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Technology Integration

Timeline

2nd, 3rd, and 4th Grade Teacher

Calhoun County Board Of Education
08.2013 - Current

Kindergarten Teacher

Calhoun County Board Of Education
08.2012 - 05.2013

Kindergarten Teacher

Calhoun County Board Of Education
08.2011 - 07.2012

Master of Science - Elementary Education

Jacksonville State University

Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Sciences/ Marketing

Jacksonville State University
Heather Acker