Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic
Heather Leitzke

Heather Leitzke

Tampa,FL

Summary

Dedicated ESE Teacher with expertise in lesson planning, classroom management, and individualized instruction. Proven ability to enhance student engagement and foster effective parent communication.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

ESE (Access) Teacher

Hillsborough County School District
Tampa, Florida
07.2010 - Current
  • Designed lesson plans aligned with alternate state standards to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Applied classroom management strategies that promoted a positive learning environment, contributing to student success.
  • Communicated effectively with parents regarding student performance and behavior issues.
  • Mentored new teachers on best practices and classroom techniques for effective teaching.
  • Created and maintained classroom environments that supported student learning and addressed physical, social, and emotional development.
  • Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
  • Participated in ESE Curriculum Adoption Committee.
  • Served as district trainer, co-wrote and presented: SImple Science Strategies, The InD Classroom: Making the Connections

ESE Paraprofessional

Hillsborough County School District
Taampa, FL
11.2008 - 06.2010
  • Provided one-on-one support to students during lessons and assessments.
  • Assisted teachers in executing individualized education plans, ensuring tailored support for diverse learning needs.
  • Facilitated small group activities to promote active student engagement and deepen understanding of material.
  • Guided students in developing social skills through structured interactions, fostering positive peer relationships.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, NC
05-1994

Skills

  • Individualized instruction
  • Lesson planning
  • Curriculum development
  • Data-driven instruction
  • Classroom management
  • Student engagement
  • Social-emotional learning
  • Student rapport
  • Parent communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Empathy and patience

Accomplishments

Excellence in Education - Heritage Elementary Teacher of the Year 2025
Excellence in Action Awards, 2014 & 2026
CEC Teacher of the Year nominee 2015-2016

Timeline

ESE (Access) Teacher

Hillsborough County School District
07.2010 - Current

ESE Paraprofessional

Hillsborough County School District
11.2008 - 06.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Sociology

Wake Forest University

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Heather Leitzke