Helene Strater
Rantoul,IL
Summary
I am a teaching professional passionate about nourishing critical thinking skills while also supporting social/emotional development. I am dedicated to teaching young learners skills to succeed while cultivating a passion for learning and fostering a sense of global awareness. I am familiar with a variety of instructional approaches and various technologies used in the classroom. I have an understanding of curricula, lesson planning, and the importance of differentiation in the classroom. My goal as an educator is to help students become well-informed, compassionate individuals who think critically about the world.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Pre Kindergarten Substitute Teacher
Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative
08.2024 - 12.2025
- Maintained consistent learning environments in five pre kindergarten classrooms across three school districts as a substitute teacher.
- Followed classroom lesson plans left by the classroom teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Supported classroom readiness for the Pre-K for All grant audit by assisting in organizing program materials, and student files.
Braille Assistant
Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative
08.2018 - 05.2024
- Converted student materials from print to braille using specialized computer programs
- Worked closely with teachers to meet deadlines, ensuring that students have the necessary educational materials on time
- Provided verbal descriptions of materials when requested by students
- Assisted students by acting as a scribe upon their request
High School Life Skills Paraprofessional
Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative
08.2016 - 06.2018
- Worked collaboratively with the team to implement strategies for teaching assistive communication tools and promoting student independence in daily tasks.
- Assisted with teaching personal hygiene and grooming skills.
- Supported students learning based on their individual needs and goals.
- Collected and recorded data on individual student’s IEP Goals
Teacher Aide
Rantoul Township High School
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Assisted with life skill and co-taught resource classes as needed.
- Helped students with their class schedule, helping them to transition between classes.
- Assisted with outings designed to develop appropriate social and consumer skills
- Supported students' academic needs during instruction.
- Collaborated with colleagues on schedules and needs of students.
Elementary Cross Categorical Teacher Assistant
Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative
01.2010 - 12.2014
- Documented student performance for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Prepared the classroom environment and the educational materials on a daily basis
- Implemented one-to-one lesson instruction
- Assisted students with self-care needs
- Collaborated with staff including Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, Teachers, and Teacher Assistants.
Lead Teacher/Assistant Manager
La Petite Academy
01.2005 - 12.2008
- Planned and implemented play based Lessons using the provided curriculum.
- Monitored and documented the progress of children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.
- Engaged in parent/teacher conferences to discuss student progress and developmental milestones.
- Oversaw operations of afterschool programs and summer camps.
- Ensured a secure and nurturing learning atmosphere for all students
- Handled administrative duties such as light bookkeeping, managing payments, and coordinating staffing for classrooms
- Scheduled and gave tours to prospective families who were interested in enrolling their children in the program.
Teacher Aide/Assistant Teacher
Parkland College Child Development Center
01.2000 - 12.2005
- Worked in collaboration with other classroom teachers and staff to plan and implement weekly lesson plans using methods based on The Creative Curriculum and The Project approach
- Used the Ages and Stages Questioner as a tool to formally evaluate students aged 3-5 years on their developmental milestones
- Organized student portfolios with samples including student work, photographs, and anecdotal notes that demonstrated student progress.
- Established positive communication with parents through daily conversations, and monthly newsletters
- Had conferences with families twice a year to formally discuss student progress and developmental milestones
Education
Bachelor's - Early Childhood Education
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05-2025
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Child Development
Parkland College
Champaign, IL05.2005
Certificate - Child Development CDA preparation
Parkland College
Champaign, IL08.2000
Skills
- Special Education
- Braille Code
- Technology
- Child Development
- Group and Individual instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Lesson Planning
Additional Endorsements
Early Childhood Special Education Letter of Approval
Educational Philosophy
My philosophy as an educator centers on a learning environment that is built on mutual trust and respect. In order to foster growth in my students, I aim to create a safe and inclusive space where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to learn from and with each other. Ultimately, I want my students to be critical thinkers, have compassion, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Timeline
Pre Kindergarten Substitute Teacher
Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative
08.2024 - 12.2025
Braille Assistant
Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative
08.2018 - 05.2024
High School Life Skills Paraprofessional
Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative
08.2016 - 06.2018
Teacher Aide
Rantoul Township High School
08.2015 - 06.2016
Elementary Cross Categorical Teacher Assistant
Rural Champaign County Special Education Cooperative
01.2010 - 12.2014
Lead Teacher/Assistant Manager
La Petite Academy
01.2005 - 12.2008
Teacher Aide/Assistant Teacher
Parkland College Child Development Center
01.2000 - 12.2005
Bachelor's - Early Childhood Education
Illinois State University
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Child Development
Parkland College
Certificate - Child Development CDA preparation
Parkland College
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