Heather Keith McDaniel
Muskogee
Summary
Experienced and compassionate elementary educator with 15 years of success nurturing young learners in dynamic, inclusive classroom environments. Specializes in creating engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that support academic, social and emotional growth. Skilled in fostering strong student-teacher relationships, maintaining positive classroom management, and differentiating instruction to meet diverse learning needs. Committed to building a foundation for lifelong learning by encouraging curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every student.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
4th Grade Teacher
Pea Ridge Intermediate School
08.2024 - 07.2025
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
- Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
- Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adjusting instructional approaches as needed.
- Contributed to the development of annual curriculum maps, ensuring alignment with state standards and grade-level objectives.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and innovative teaching techniques.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding their child''s academic growth and areas for improvement.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
5th Grade Teacher
Creek Elementary School
08.2023 - 07.2024
- Design and implement engaging lesson plans that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Maintain a structured and positive learning environment that fosters respect and discipline.
- Regularly interact with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and address concerns
- Participating in ongoing training and collaborate with colleagues to enhance teaching practices
- Adjust teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and unexpected challenges
- Understand and respond to students' individual needs, creating a supportive classroom atmosphere
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, modifying instruction as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons, connecting subject matter across various topics.
- Cultivated critical thinking skills among students by challenging them with complex problem-solving tasks and thought-provoking discussions.
- Promoted literacy skills through guided reading sessions, literature circles, and writing workshops.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices in teaching 5th grade students.
Teacher
Epic Charter Schools
07.2020 - 06.2023
- As an Professional Educator at Epic Charter Schools I provided individualized teaching to students from Pre-K through 12th grade, adapting lessons to suit each learner's pace and style.
- Conduct face-to-face meetings with students at least once every week, at a designated location, to reinforce learning and build relationships
- Distribute and guide students through a online curricula, ensuring they understand and can effectively use digital learning tools.
- Track students performance, manage schedules, and maintain accurate records of grades and academic progress.
- Participate in ongoing training and professional learning communities to stay current with educational best practices
- Designed engaging curricula aligned with state standards, ensuring comprehensive coverage of required material for success on standardized tests.
- Established open lines of communication with parents through regular meetings and updates, promoting their involvement in their child''s education process while addressing any concerns or questions they may have had throughout the academic year.
- Conducted meaningful professional development opportunities, continually refining teaching practices for improved student outcomes.
- Provided targeted support for struggling students through individualized tutoring sessions and differentiated instruction.
Teacher
Hilldale Public Schools
08.2011 - 06.2020
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
- Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading programs.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK05-2010
Associate of Science - General Studies
Connors State College
Warner, OK01-2006
High School Diploma -
Warner Public Schools
Warner, Ok05-2005
Skills
- Student Engagement
- Math Instruction
- Parent Communication
- Positive Reinforcement
Timeline
4th Grade Teacher
Pea Ridge Intermediate School
08.2024 - 07.2025
5th Grade Teacher
Creek Elementary School
08.2023 - 07.2024
Teacher
Epic Charter Schools
07.2020 - 06.2023
Teacher
Hilldale Public Schools
08.2011 - 06.2020
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Northeastern State University
Associate of Science - General Studies
Connors State College
High School Diploma -
Warner Public Schools
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