Heaven Lankas
Colby,KS
Summary
Passionate Early Childhood Teacher with experience leading engaging classrooms that support early learning and social-emotional growth. Experienced in lesson planning, classroom management, and family engagement through events, conferences, and consistent communication with parents. Committed to creating a positive and structured learning environment where young children can thrive.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Preschool Teacher
Usd 315
Colby, Kansas
07.2025 - Current
- Engaged parents to tailor strategies for individual child needs and track progress.
- Assessed student development through regular observations and evaluations.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Guided new staff in effective classroom management techniques to enhance student engagement.
- Organized and maintained a safe learning environment for children, including supervision of indoor and outdoor playtime.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to collaboratively identify student strengths and areas for improvement.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, and meals.
- Organized educational events to promote community involvement in preschool activities.
Lead Preschool Teacher
Usd 428
08.2022 - 05.2025
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Provided individualized support to children during activities to enhance learning engagement.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to assess individual progress and tailor learning plans.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Tracked students' academic, social, and emotional development, documenting insights in individual files.
- Established a secure and welcoming atmosphere in the classroom to support preschoolers' development.
- Facilitated effective communication with parents through daily interactions and formal conferences.
- Built strong connections with students and their families to foster a supportive community.
Student Teacher
Fort Hays State University
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Created engaging lesson plans that integrated mandated topics and immersive activities to enhance student participation.
- Ensured classroom safety and promoted positive behavior through reinforcement strategies, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
- Built strong relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students to facilitate collaboration and a positive school culture.
Assistant Preschool Teacher
Hays Area Children’s Center
06.2021 - 12.2021
- Fostered social skills by encouraging children to interact and engage in group activities.
- Interacted with children one-on-one and in small groups to enhance and support learning activities.
- Supervised children during in-classroom activities and on playground.
- Coordinated snack and nap times to establish routine and structure for children.
- Prepared for lessons by gathering educational materials and setting up equipment.
- Ensured a safe and healthy environment by maintaining a tidy and clean classroom.
- Maintained classrooms by disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces and toys.
Sales Associate
Walmart
06.2018 - 03.2021
- Engaged customers in conversation to identify and address individual needs.
- Assisted customers in locating products and utilized store system to identify merchandise availability at other locations.
- Maintained calm demeanor while effectively resolving customer issues in high-stress situations.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Performed cash, card, and check transactions to complete customer purchases.
- Opened, shelved and merchandised new products in visually appealing and organized displays for optimal sales promotions.
- Rotated stock and restocked shelves to maintain product availability and store appearance.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Unified
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS05-2022
Skills
- Early education
- Classroom management
- Classroom organization
- Lesson planning
- Learning assessment
- Differentiated instruction
- Behavioral management
- Parent communication
- Social learning
- Active listening
- Calm and patient
- Education background
Certification
LETRs: level 8, completed 2 years K-12.
References
- Amanda Harris
Head Start Mentor/Coach
719-646-8742
amanda.harris11@yahoo.com
Amanda has mentored me this year and has provided consistent support, guidance, and feedback that has helped me grow and develop as an educator.
- Shelby Hales
Family Advocate
shelby.hales80@gmail.com
850-420-0836
Partnered with Shelby to provide consistent support to families, strengthen relationships, and ensure effective and meaningful home-school communication.
- Sara Betz
Music teacher
785-269-7394
sbetz@colbyeagles.org
Worked closely with the music teacher this year to support our preschool students and introduce engaging music. She also supported me in learning about Head Start since she has a lot of past experience.
- Sarah Allison
Lead preschool teacher
620-617-5626
sarah.allison@usd428.net
Worked with Sarah last year, but I have known her for 2.5 years.
Timeline
Lead Preschool Teacher
Usd 315
07.2025 - Current
Lead Preschool Teacher
Usd 428
08.2022 - 05.2025
Student Teacher
Fort Hays State University
01.2022 - 05.2022
Assistant Preschool Teacher
Hays Area Children’s Center
06.2021 - 12.2021
Sales Associate
Walmart
06.2018 - 03.2021
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Unified
Fort Hays State University