Heather Zucco
Canaan
Summary
My mission as a teacher is to inspire a lifelong love of learning in all my students by fostering a supportive inclusive, and engaging classroom environment. I am committed to providing high-quality instruction that meets the diverse needs of each student, empowering them to achieve their full potential and become thoughtful, responsible, and contributing members of society.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher, Art
Salisbury Central School
05.2026 - Current
- Delivered engaging lesson plans to diverse student groups, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet varied learning needs and classroom dynamics effectively.
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure consistent curriculum delivery and maintain academic standards.
- Managed classroom behavior, implementing positive reinforcement strategies to encourage student participation and focus.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Boosted student engagement with interactive lessons, incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities.
- Promoted a collaborative learning environment through group projects and peer-to-peer activities, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to share resources and strategies, enhancing overall teaching quality.
- Supported implementation of school-wide initiatives aimed at improving academic achievement and student well-being.
- Fostered positive classroom environment, managing student behavior and promoting respect.
- Encouraged critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning activities.
- Adapted quickly to different classroom settings and teaching assignments, demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment.
- Monitored student behavior and administered discipline as needed.
- Monitored student performance and provided feedback to inform instruction.
- Researched and selected age-appropriate materials and resources for classroom instruction.
Student Teacher, Second Grade
Salisbury Central School
02.2026 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated collaborative learning experiences to enhance student participation and understanding.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations, adjusting instruction as needed.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment, promoting respect, responsibility, and cooperation among students.
- Integrated technology into lessons to support diverse learning styles and increase student engagement.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student performance and classroom activities to build strong partnerships.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units that enriched the educational experience for students.
- Created a welcoming classroom atmosphere by establishing clear expectations and routines, promoting a sense of belonging among students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, fostering critical thinking skills and interdisciplinary learning.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the unique learning needs of each student, ensuring all students were able to access the curriculum successfully.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and incorporating real-world examples.
- Incorporated hands-on activities and interactive games into lessons, stimulating student interest and engagement in course materials.
- Managed classroom effectively using positive discipline techniques and behavior management plans tailored to individual student needs.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of growth for students, implementing targeted interventions to close achievement gaps.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative assessments, providing timely feedback for improved academic performance.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Implemented a positive reward system to motivate students and reinforce good behavior, resulting in a more productive classroom environment.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with educational best practices.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards, and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
Teacher Assistant
North Canaan Elementary School
08.2022 - 05.2026
- Assisted teachers in preparing instructional materials and classroom activities.
- Supported individual student needs through tailored assistance and encouragement.
- Monitored classroom behavior, ensuring a positive learning environment.
- Coordinated with educators to implement lesson plans effectively.
- Organized educational resources and maintained classroom organization for optimal learning conditions.
- Conducted small group instruction to reinforce key concepts and skills.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching support strategies.
- Increased student engagement with dynamic lesson plans designed to accommodate diverse learning styles.
- Served as a positive role model for students by demonstrating professionalism, respectfulness, and an unwavering commitment to education excellence.
- Improved student comprehension by implementing innovative teaching methods and incorporating visual aids in lessons.
- Ensured the safety of all students by adhering strictly to school policies regarding proper supervision during class times as well as extracurricular activities.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on the latest teaching trends and methodologies, enhancing overall effectiveness as an educator.
- Facilitated effective learning experiences for students by utilizing a variety of instructional techniques to meet their unique needs.
- Provided timely feedback to students on their performance, allowing them to make adjustments as needed for continued improvement.
- Enhanced students'' critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities and group collaboration exercises.
- Assisted students with special needs in achieving academic success through individualized instruction and personalized support strategies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices, resulting in consistent teaching approaches across multiple classrooms.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining open lines of communication with students, parents, and staff.
- Supported the lead teacher in developing curriculum materials, ensuring alignment with state standards and educational objectives.
- Contributed to a more organized classroom setting by maintaining accurate records on student attendance, assignments, and progress reports.
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Worked with teacher to optimize learning plans based on student test grades and evaluations.
- Copied, organized and distributed classroom assignments or other paperwork.
- Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lecture plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.
- Mentored and tutored individual students needing additional help.
- Monitored student behavior in classes, laboratories and on field trips for unsafe or rule-breaking concerns.
- Encouraged small groups to discuss topics and explore concepts through hands-on activities.
- Developed materials for classroom teachers to support instruction, lab work or in-class activities.
- Shared important information with students concerning upcoming assignments and tests.
- Taught courses under guidance of senior instructors.
- Maintained laboratory safety by demonstrating equipment and techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05-2026
Skills
- Classroom management
- Adaptable
- Relationship building and management
- Student engagement
- Positive reinforcement
- Behavior management
- Classroom organization
- Verbal and written communication
- Group and individual instruction
- Creativity in teaching
- Lesson plan implementation
- Group instruction
- Lesson planning
- Activity planning
- Complex Problem-solving
- Behavior modeling
- Lesson implementation
- Safety awareness
- Disciplinary procedures
- Differentiated instruction
- Discipline
- Elementary education
- Special education
- Instructional strategies
- Multi-subject instruction
- Student tutoring
- Activity management
- Instructional technology
- Compliance
- Discussion facilitation
- Organizational growth
- Creative problem solving
- Health and safety
- Lecturing and teaching
- Smartboard technology
- Proctoring
- Organization and planning
- Multitasking and organization
- First Aid/CPR
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Creative thinking
- Critical thinking
- Relationship building
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication
Certification
Elementary Education Certified- CT
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, Art
Salisbury Central School
05.2026 - Current
Student Teacher, Second Grade
Salisbury Central School
02.2026 - Current
Teacher Assistant
North Canaan Elementary School
08.2022 - 05.2026
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Grand Canyon University