Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Heather Higgins

Ocoee,Florida

Summary

Passionate and seasoned Montessori educator with extensive experience in both classroom instruction and teacher training. Dedicated to advancing the Montessori philosophy and methodology across diverse educational settings. Proven track record in curriculum design, professional development, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Seeking a role as a Regional Montessori Teacher Trainer to empower educators, elevate teaching standards, and promote holistic child development on a broader scale.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience

Work History

Lead Montessori Teacher

Innovation Montessori Ocoee
07.2016 - Current
  • Observed children and interpreted classroom needs.
  • Evaluated student performance through assessments and observations, using data to inform instruction and drive improvement efforts.
  • Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
  • Enhanced classroom management by implementing effective strategies and maintaining a positive learning environment.

Preschool Teacher

Key West Cooperative Preschool
08.2014 - 01.2016

Implemented a Montessori classroom environment fostering both child learning and parental education on the methodology.

Preschool Teacher

Oaklane Academy Preschool
08.2013 - 11.2013

Part-time Teacher at a traditional daycare, gaining appreciation for Montessori's holistic approach to child development.

Owner /Montessori Primary Teacher

Vision Montessori
05.2008 - 06.2012

Founder and Montessori Directress of a home-based school, gaining firsthand insight into the benefits of Montessori education from infancy. Developed strong rapport with parents, enhancing communication and understanding.

Volunteer /Teacher's Aide

Manor House
09.2004 - 04.2005

Teacher's Aide for a four-year-old girl with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Montessori classroom. Responsible for creating and modifying materials, adapting the environment, and facilitating normalization. Gained a deep appreciation for the crucial collaboration between home and school in effectively integrating children with Autism into society.

Montessori Teacher

Thevenet Montessori School, Highland Mills, New Yo
09.2001 - 06.2004

At this esteemed school, I dedicated myself to nurturing the growth of each child in the 3 to 6-year-old class. Catering to the needs of first graders, I ensured a seamless transition to any educational setting by meticulously preparing Montessori materials

Head Montessori Directress

Montessori School Of Palm Springs
05.2000 - 05.2001

Collaborated with the Principal to oversee teachers spanning from infancy to lower elementary. Responsibilities included maintaining adherence to Montessori philosophy and standards among staff, providing training as necessary, managing staff schedules, and ensuring the attainment of academic benchmarks.

Montessori Teacher

George Montessori School
01.1999 - 04.2000

In an established school with limited resources, I innovated by creating and repurposing materials from recycled items, ensuring a rich learning environment. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in developing a school play centered around our cultural studies curriculum. Beyond academics, I spearheaded sports instruction and organized engaging sports days for the students.

Consultant and Substitute Teacher

Key West Montessori Children's School
01.2014 - 05.2014

Observed diverse classrooms and provided insightful recommendations to the principal for fostering normalized learning environments. Substitute teacher experienced in Montessori environments, adeptly facilitating learning and aftercare activities.

Montessori Teacher

Montessori Kelapa Gading
08.1996 - 07.1998

I played a key role in establishing a brand-new school, overcoming the challenges posed by a multicultural and multilingual student body, alongside their young age group. My responsibilities included training assistant teachers to effectively navigate these diverse learning environments, ensuring a supportive and inclusive educational experience for all students.

Montessori Intern

Bassett House School
09.1995 - 07.1996

At this academically rigorous school, we maintained a steadfast commitment to the Montessori philosophy while delivering a comprehensive education. Interns rotated between four classes, where we served as assistant teachers while pursuing our diplomas. Our unique setup included a Montessori Lecturer on staff, providing invaluable guidance throughout our studies. This rotation not only broadened our teaching styles but also enriched our understanding of effective pedagogy.

Education

Montessori International Diploma - Montessori Teacher Education

London Montessori Centre
London, United Kingdom
07.1995

Associate Degree Equivalent - Accounting

University of South Africa
12.1992

Skills

  • Montessori Education
  • Mentoring and Coaching
  • Teacher and Assistant Teacher Training
  • Early Childhood Education and Development
  • Curriculum design and development
  • Classroom Instruction
  • Record Keeping
  • Report writing and editing
  • Lesson planning
  • Classroom Management
  • Literacy
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Parent and Teacher communication
  • Tutoring
  • Organization Skills
  • Team Leadership
  • Collaborative Work
  • Teacher Evaluations

Timeline

Lead Montessori Teacher

Innovation Montessori Ocoee
07.2016 - Current

Preschool Teacher

Key West Cooperative Preschool
08.2014 - 01.2016

Consultant and Substitute Teacher

Key West Montessori Children's School
01.2014 - 05.2014

Preschool Teacher

Oaklane Academy Preschool
08.2013 - 11.2013

Owner /Montessori Primary Teacher

Vision Montessori
05.2008 - 06.2012

Volunteer /Teacher's Aide

Manor House
09.2004 - 04.2005

Montessori Teacher

Thevenet Montessori School, Highland Mills, New Yo
09.2001 - 06.2004

Head Montessori Directress

Montessori School Of Palm Springs
05.2000 - 05.2001

Montessori Teacher

George Montessori School
01.1999 - 04.2000

Montessori Teacher

Montessori Kelapa Gading
08.1996 - 07.1998

Montessori Intern

Bassett House School
09.1995 - 07.1996

Montessori International Diploma - Montessori Teacher Education

London Montessori Centre

Associate Degree Equivalent - Accounting

University of South Africa

Heather Higgins