HEATHER ALWARD
Dearborn Heights
Summary
Passionate elementary school teacher with background in creating engaging and inclusive classroom environments. Skilled in developing innovative lesson plans that cater to diverse learning styles, ensuring all students feel valued and motivated. Strong ability to connect with students, fostering a positive and dynamic learning atmosphere. Committed to making significant contributions to overall student growth and academic success through compassionate teaching and effective communication.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
First Grade Teacher
International Islamic Academy
Detroit
08.2023 - Current
- Created engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans in literacy, math, and writing.
- Delivered targeted instruction and small-group interventions in phonics and reading.
- Assessed student growth using NWEA data, and adjusted instruction accordingly.
- Cultivated a supportive and inclusive classroom culture to maximize student potential.
- Developed and implemented individualized learning plans for struggling students.
- Utilized differentiated instruction techniques including cooperative learning groups and flexible grouping arrangements.
- Promoted critical thinking by developing problem-solving activities that encouraged higher order reasoning skills.
- Assessed student performance through formal testing and informal observation.
- Planned and facilitated small group activities to enhance student understanding of material presented in whole-class setting.
- Created classroom environment that promoted positive behavior expectations and respect for diversity.
- Involved parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Met with parents to communicate students' progress, achievements and classroom issues.
- Referred to district standards to plan lessons and prepare students to take standardized assessments.
- Administered tests and assessed results to evaluate student understanding of material.
- Worked with school administrators to develop classroom management policies for grade level.
Certified Substitute Teacher
MI
01.2023 - Current
- Certified substitute teacher for the state of Michigan.
Health & Fitness Teacher (K-12)
International Islamic Academy
Detroit
08.2017 - Current
- Promoted physical health, teamwork, and wellness through interactive lessons.
- Organized school-wide fitness programs and efforts.
- Adhered to applicable fitness program standards and benchmarks.
- Developed lesson plans to cover a variety of topics such as sports, health, nutrition and safety.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, grades, assessments and other relevant information.
Reading Tutor (Grades 2-3)
International Islamic Academy
Detroit
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Provided intensive literacy support to struggling readers through individualized tutoring plans.
- Tracked progress and adapted strategies to improve fluency and comprehension.
- Helped students gain confidence and fostered a love for reading.
- Instructed students on strategies for decoding unfamiliar words using phonics principles.
- Created individualized learning plans for each student based on their goals and needs.
- Promoted a safe and respectful environment where all learners feel comfortable expressing themselves freely.
Fifth Grade Co-Teacher
International Islamic Academy
Detroit
08.2021 - 08.2022
- Collaborated with lead teacher to deliver cross-subject instruction.
- Led small group activities in ELA and math; supported behavior management.
- Supported curriculum planning and adapted lessons for diverse learners.
- Collaborated with lead teacher to create a positive learning environment for students.
- Created instructional materials for use in the classroom including worksheets, handouts, and activities.
Middle School Science Teacher
Middle School
Detroit
08.2017 - 08.2022
- Instructed 6th-8th grade science (Life, Earth, and Physical Science).
- Designed hands-on labs, inquiry-based projects, and cross-curricular activities.
- Encouraged scientific curiosity through collaborative exploration and real-world application.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans for middle school science classes.
- Encouraged students to explore their own interests in the field of science.
- Utilized technology such as interactive whiteboards and online resources to enhance instruction.
- Provided individualized feedback on student work.
- Organized field trips to local museums, universities, and research centers related to science topics.
High School Science Teacher
International Islamic Academy
Detroit
04.2017 - 08.2019
- Taught Biology and Chemistry, integrating lab work and inquiry-based instruction.
- Instructed students in the proper use of lab equipment and safety protocols.
- Created and administered assessments to measure student understanding of course material.
- Advised students on college admissions requirements related to science courses.
- Prepared students for standardized exams; coordinated school-wide science fairs.
Education
Associate of Applied Arts - Teaching
Henry Ford College
Dearborn, MI11-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT11-2026
Skills
- Event and program coordination
- Parent and staff collaboration
- Differentiated learning
- Curriculum development
- Literacy and reading intervention
- Social-emotional learning
- Lesson planning and instruction
- Student-centered learning
- Classroom and behavior management
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Student assessment
- Differentiated instruction
- Teaching strategies
- Parent communication
- Collaboration techniques
- Critical thinking
- Parent-teacher communication
- Relationship building
- Activity development
- Standardized tests
- Individualized education plans
- Assessment administration
- Organizational skills
- Activity planning
- Reading instruction
- Growth mindset
- Social-emotional learning
- Technology integration
- Common core assessments
- Writing instruction
- Safety awareness
- Diverse learning modalities
- Phonics instruction
- Academic record keeping
- Behavior modeling
Certification
MI Certified Substitute Teacher (2023 - present)
- Certified substitute teacher for the state of Michigan
Mental Health Aide (2021-2024)
- Supported students with emotional and behavioral needs in academic settings.
Language
Arabic
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
First Grade Teacher
International Islamic Academy
08.2023 - Current
Certified Substitute Teacher
MI
01.2023 - Current
Reading Tutor (Grades 2-3)
International Islamic Academy
08.2022 - 08.2023
Fifth Grade Co-Teacher
International Islamic Academy
08.2021 - 08.2022
Health & Fitness Teacher (K-12)
International Islamic Academy
08.2017 - Current
Middle School Science Teacher
Middle School
08.2017 - 08.2022
High School Science Teacher
International Islamic Academy
04.2017 - 08.2019
Associate of Applied Arts - Teaching
Henry Ford College
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Western Governors University
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