Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Heather Ferguson

Minerva,OH

Summary

Experienced professional seeking full-time role to utilize strong interpersonal, time management, and problem-solving skills. Possesses analytical, communication, and teamwork skills with proven ability to adapt quickly. Excited to contribute to team success and continue professional development. Skilled in creating engaging lesson plans for fourth-grade students, employing effective classroom management techniques. Demonstrated success in fostering student growth through differentiated instruction and collaborative activities.

Overview

24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Fourth Grade Teacher

National Heritage Academies
01.2022 - 08.2024
  • Taught Math and Science.
  • Restorative Practices Leader and Mentor
  • Provided timely feedback on assignments and assessments, enabling students to track their progress and improve performance.
  • Utilized differentiated instruction techniques to meet the varying abilities and learning styles of all students in the class.
  • Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress, behavior, and upcoming events or assignments.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay informed about current educational trends and research-based instructional practices.
  • Designed engaging hands-on activities that reinforced key concepts while fostering critical thinking skills.
  • Assisted in the planning and execution of school-wide events that promoted community engagement and fostered a sense of pride among students and staff members alike.
  • Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
  • Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres, supporting student growth and learning.
  • Coached, mentored, and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
  • Implemented data-driven instruction by analyzing assessment results and adjusting lesson plans accordingly to address areas of need.
  • Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.

Social Emotional Learning Teacher

CONCEPT SCHOOLS
07.2021 - 01.2022
  • Implemented and taught K-8 students utilizing the Second Step Curriculum.
  • Involved the school in the National Bully Association and World Kindness Organizations.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
  • Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.

Substitute Teacher

Rachel Wixey & Associates
04.2021 - 06.2021
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
  • Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
  • Promoted a collaborative learning environment through group projects and peer-to-peer activities, fostering teamwork and communication skills.

Owner/Operator

TH SLY, llc
05.2008 - 10.2018
  • Co-owned and operated Sly Bail Bonds and The Sylvester Insurance Agency.
  • Provided exceptional customer service, addressing issues promptly to ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
  • Managed daily operations for optimal efficiency, streamlining processes to reduce costs.
  • Ensured compliance with relevant regulations, maintaining proper documentation and licensing requirements.
  • Developed and implemented successful marketing strategies, resulting in increased brand awareness and customer base.
  • Developed business plan, processes, and procedures to provide superior service to customers.
  • Evaluated company performance against objectives, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired results.
  • Negotiated contracts with underwriters to secure favorable terms for the business.
  • Assessed income and expenses and adapted plans to improve profit levels.
  • Implemented effective financial management practices, improving cash flow and profitability.
  • Trained and motivated employees to perform daily business functions.

Beverage Director

RVA Group
05.2000 - 08.2008
  • In charge of ordering, merchandising, education, and sales of beer and wine.
  • Acquired extensive knowledge of the beverage business.
  • Drafted beverage purchasing plan, aligning inventory needs with budgetary constraints by applying historical data.
  • Adhered to corporate efficiency and profitability goals for beverage purchasing and distribution.
  • Negotiated favorable contracts with vendors, securing competitive pricing on premium products.
  • Planned service for special events by developing drink lists and inventories.
  • Created visually appealing displays of premium spirits, enticing customers to try new offerings.
  • Increased beverage sales by developing and implementing innovative marketing strategies.

Education

Master's degree - Curriculum And Instruction

Grand Canyon University
02-2026

Masters of Education - Elementary Education

Grand Canyon University
11-2023

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science/Urban Studies

The College of Wooster
Wooster, OH
05.2000

Skills

  • Accounts Receivable/Payable
  • Restorative Practice
  • Relationship Building
  • Growth Mindset
  • Diversified Instruction
  • Time/Office/Classroom Management
  • Multitasking and Organization
  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Event Planning
  • Public Relations
  • Marketing
  • Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Office, Zoom, QuickBooks
  • Problem-Solving Skills
  • Team Collaboration

Certification

  • Ohio Substitute Teaching License April 2021 to Current
  • Property and Casualty License January 2001 to July 2021

Timeline

Fourth Grade Teacher

National Heritage Academies
01.2022 - 08.2024

Social Emotional Learning Teacher

CONCEPT SCHOOLS
07.2021 - 01.2022

Substitute Teacher

Rachel Wixey & Associates
04.2021 - 06.2021

Owner/Operator

TH SLY, llc
05.2008 - 10.2018

Beverage Director

RVA Group
05.2000 - 08.2008

Master's degree - Curriculum And Instruction

Grand Canyon University

Masters of Education - Elementary Education

Grand Canyon University

Bachelor of Arts - Political Science/Urban Studies

The College of Wooster