Heather Garrison
San Antonio,Texas
Summary
• Dedicated and passionate educator with over 19 years of classroom experience. Committed to fostering a nurturing and dynamic learning environment that empowers students to explore, discover and thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Skilled in designing and implementing engaging lessons, promoting independent thinking, internal motivation and fostering a lifelong love of learning and wonder for the world around us!
• Experienced with educational leadership, managing school operations, and driving academic success. Utilizes strategic planning and team collaboration to enhance school performance. Track record of fostering positive learning environments and student retention. Excellent communicator and collaborator, adept at building strong relationships with students, parents and colleagues to create a vibrant educational community.
• Organized with exceptional work ethic and dedication to completing projects, thriving both independently and in collaborative team settings.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary Latin Teacher
Valor San Antonio
San Antonio, TX
08.2024 - Current
- Enhanced Latin language proficiency by incorporating engaging activities and interactive lessons.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to foster critical thinking and language skills.
- Established a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation and collaboration.
- Built strong relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress and academic achievement.
- Fostered a positive learning environment through clear communication and consistent expectations.
Director and Founder, Teacher
Hummingbird Montessori School
Wintersville, Ohio
06.2019 - 05.2022
- Established an independent Montessori school, catering to Preschool - Kindergarten students, with a focus on providing a nurturing and holistic educational experience.
- Created a positive and inclusive learning environment that fostered independence, creativity, peace and love for learning.
- Developed and implemented individualized learning plans, small group lessons, seasonal and outdoor activities; Adhering to the Montessori pedagogy, utilizing Montessori materials.
- Built and maintained positive relationships with parents, prioritizing communications regarding classroom activities, student progress and family involvement in student education.
- Oversaw school operations, including admissions, budgeting, and facility management.
Elementary, Kindergarten, Preschool Educator
Mary Seat Of Wisdom Montessori School
Steubenville, Ohio
06.2013 - 06.2019
- Established inspiring Lower Elementary environment.
- Carefully observed students, making adjustments in order to meet individual needs.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies, promoting a peaceful and engaging classroom.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with parents.
- Mentored and collaborated with staff; Provided guidance, support and constructive feedback.
Kindergarten, Preschool Teacher
Healthy Beginnings Montessori House
Plano, Texas
10.2010 - 12.2011
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans to foster cognitive and emotional growth.
- Cultivated a nurturing environment promoting social skills and positive interactions among children.
- Facilitated hands-on learning activities utilizing Montessori materials to enhance curiosity and exploration.
- Mentored and trained new staff on classroom management techniques aligned with Montessori principles.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
Elementary Teacher
New Century Montessori Academy
Plano, TX
06.2010 - 10.2010
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles and individual student needs.
- Fostered positive classroom environments, encouraging student collaboration and respect for peers.
- Implemented hands-on activities to enhance understanding of core subjects, including mathematics and literacy.
- Assessed student progress through observations and formative assessments to guide instructional adjustments.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
Elementary Teacher
Lakewood Montessori School
Dallas, Texas
08.2007 - 05.2010
- Created a stimulating and organized classroom environment that encouraged exploration, independence and self-discipline.
- Organized and facilitated conferences and school events.
- Contributed positively to school community and fully supported school mission and goals.
Middle School Language Arts Teacher
The King’s Academy
Sunnyvale, CA
07.2001 - 05.2002
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and participation.
- Utilized diverse instructional strategies to meet individual learning needs of students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum design and instructional methods.
- Coordinated parent-teacher conferences to discuss student performance and foster community engagement.
- Boosted students'' writing skills with targeted assignments, peer-review sessions, and individualized feedback.
Assistant Teacher
Waco Montessori School
Waco, Texas
08.1998 - 12.2000
- Supported classroom activities by preparing materials and organizing learning environments.
- Assisted lead teacher in implementing individualized education plans for diverse learners.
- Engaged students through hands-on activities that fostered curiosity and exploration.
- Collaborated with educators to develop age-appropriate curricula aligned with Montessori principles.
Assistant Teacher, Aftercare Teacher
CHILD Montessori School
San Antonio
06.1996 - 08.1997
- Facilitated individualized learning plans to support diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with lead teachers to create engaging and developmentally appropriate lesson plans.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Assisted in assessing student progress and providing constructive feedback for improvement.
- Organized extracurricular activities that promoted social skills and community involvement among students.
Education
Bachelor Of Arts - Anthropology And Archaeology
Baylor University
Waco, TexasMontessori Training - Early Childhood
Collin College
Plano, TexasMontessori Training - Elementary
Dallas Montessori Teacher Education
Dallas, TXSkills
- Relationship Building
- Compassion
- Individualized Instruction
- Prepared Environment
- Classroom Management
- Parent-Teacher Collaboration
Timeline
Elementary Latin Teacher
Valor San Antonio
08.2024 - Current
Director and Founder, Teacher
Hummingbird Montessori School
06.2019 - 05.2022
Elementary, Kindergarten, Preschool Educator
Mary Seat Of Wisdom Montessori School
06.2013 - 06.2019
Kindergarten, Preschool Teacher
Healthy Beginnings Montessori House
10.2010 - 12.2011
Elementary Teacher
New Century Montessori Academy
06.2010 - 10.2010
Elementary Teacher
Lakewood Montessori School
08.2007 - 05.2010
Middle School Language Arts Teacher
The King’s Academy
07.2001 - 05.2002
Assistant Teacher
Waco Montessori School
08.1998 - 12.2000
Assistant Teacher, Aftercare Teacher
CHILD Montessori School
06.1996 - 08.1997
Bachelor Of Arts - Anthropology And Archaeology
Baylor University
Montessori Training - Early Childhood
Collin College
Montessori Training - Elementary
Dallas Montessori Teacher Education