Heather Graham
Kennebunk,ME
Summary
I have been a focused and dedicated elementary school educator with 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. Many of these years have been spent being a math teacher for 3rd-5th grade children, using the Everyday Math and Reveal curricula. Educating children using various curricula and organizational tools is a passion. Creating custom class materials and developing lesson plans is a fun part of the job. During the last 30 years, much professional time has been spent looking for ways to enhance state curricula by making them more engaging and challenging.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
4th Grade Teacher
RSU 57 School District
2022.03 - Current
- Utilizes assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
- Improves student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
- Manages classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
- Enhances classroom dynamics by creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all students to thrive.
- Develops students' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
- Contributes to development of annual curriculum maps, ensuring alignment with state standards and grade-level objectives.
- Implements differentiated instruction strategies, addressing unique needs of each student in the classroom.
- Participates in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and innovative teaching techniques.
- Collaborates with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
- Teaches core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Maintains knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Adapts lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Collaborates on a district Social Studies curriculum team
4th Grade Teacher
RSU 21
2016.08 - 2022.03
- Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Developed students' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing unique needs of each student in the classroom.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and innovative teaching techniques.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
Gifted and Talented Teacher
RSU 21
2013.08 - 2016.08
- Utilized differentiated instruction strategies, ensuring each student''s unique needs were met and promoting academic success.
- Enhanced critical thinking skills through integrating inquiry-based learning methods within the curriculum.
- Mentored struggling students, providing personalized support and guidance to improve academic performance.
- Designed authentic assessments to gauge student understanding accurately and inform future instructional decisions.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating hands-on learning activities and group projects.
Director of Christian Education
South Congregational Church
2004.08 - 2013.06
- Recruited quality educators by conducting thorough interviews, reference checks, and background screenings of potential candidates.
- Strengthened faith formation through regular assessment and evaluation of program effectiveness, making adjustments as needed to better serve participants' needs.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge by attending conferences, workshops, and seminars focused on best practices in Christian education management.
- Enhanced spiritual growth by developing comprehensive Christian education programs for all ages.
In Home Child Care
Self Employed
2001.07 - 2004.06
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills when addressing conflicts or disagreements among children, resulting in peaceful resolutions.
- Assisted children with special needs, providing personalized care and attention to ensure their individual growth and development.
- Enhanced children''s cognitive development by conducting age-appropriate educational activities and games.
4th Grade Teacher
York School District
1996.08 - 2001.07
- Improved student comprehension by incorporating real-life examples and hands-on activities into lessons.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Developed students' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
- Increased student participation with interactive learning tools and diverse teaching methods.
- Contributed to development of annual curriculum maps, ensuring alignment with state standards and grade-level objectives.
5th Grade Teacher
Athens School District
1993.06 - 1996.06
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to needs of special education students.
- Served as liaison between school administration and parents, addressing concerns or questions regarding student performance or curriculum content promptly.
- Established a district Science Curriculum committee
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
Ohio University
Athens, OHSkills
- Student Engagement
- Growth Mindset
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Field Trip Organization
- Relationship Building
- Differentiated Instruction
- Team Collaboration
- Mathematics Instruction
- Problem-solving skills
Certification
- State of Maine Elementary Teaching Certification, grade K-8
- Gifted and Talented Endorsement grades K-12
- Member of Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
Timeline
4th Grade Teacher
RSU 57 School District
2022.03 - Current
4th Grade Teacher
RSU 21
2016.08 - 2022.03
Gifted and Talented Teacher
RSU 21
2013.08 - 2016.08
Director of Christian Education
South Congregational Church
2004.08 - 2013.06
In Home Child Care
Self Employed
2001.07 - 2004.06
4th Grade Teacher
York School District
1996.08 - 2001.07
5th Grade Teacher
Athens School District
1993.06 - 1996.06
Bachelor of Science - Education
Ohio University
- State of Maine Elementary Teaching Certification, grade K-8
- Gifted and Talented Endorsement grades K-12
- Member of Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance
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