Hilary Nelson
Williamston,SC
Summary
Professional Teacher focused on maximizing student learning potential through diverse instructional strategies and classroom management techniques. Skilled lecturer, discussion facilitator and hands-on leader focused on student centered learning, and best teaching pedagogies.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead English Teacher
Hermosa Valley School
Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Taught English to multilingual students grades 3-6
- Created multi-level ESL to advanced ELL lessons for all grades
- Translated official school documents and family communication
- Routinely mentored teachers through planning effective, differentiated lesson plans, behavior management strategies.
- Provided grades and progress reports to evaluate student learning needs.
- Coordinated activities to encourage interest in reading.
- Designed and implemented assessments to measure student progress in English language learning.
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
Co-Lead Kindergarten Teacher
Sheridan School
Washington, District Of Columbia
08.2019 - 08.2022
- Collaborated with co-teacher to design kindergarten curriculum incorporating math, language arts, social studies, and social-emotional learning
- Supported 26 students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Identified warning signs of emotional or developmental problems and reported to parents.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Relieved classroom teacher during breaks and maintained order and structure in classroom.
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Maintained detailed records of student attendance, assignments, and assessment data for accurate reporting purposes.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Created lesson materials, visuals, and digital presentations to supplement lesson plans.
- Organized activities to promote students' social, physical and emotional development.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
Lead Kindergarten Teacher
Marin Preparatory School
San Francisco, CA
08.2016 - 03.2019
- Designed Project Based Learning units inspired by students' interests while incorporating academic goals and standards
- Wrote detailed, narrative reports for 22 students' progress based on informal observation, formal assessment, and regular student interviews
- Wrote monthly parent newsletters and op-ed articles highlighting student exploration and development
- Member of Vision and Mission Committee
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and implement instruction for academic, intellectual, and social development in Spanish
- Supervised teacher assistants and school volunteers who attended daily to help with academic and play-based centers.
- Mentored new teachers in effective instructional strategies, fostering professional growth within school community.
- Arranged parent-teacher conferences to address student progress and collaboratively set goals for areas of improvement.
- Inspired students to take ownership of learning and become autonomous thinkers.
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Expanded cultural awareness in classroom by incorporating diverse learning materials and celebrating various holidays throughout the year.
- Applied evidence-based practices for classroom management to enhance learning results.
- Monitored use of technology, enhancing student learning and technological skills.
- Assisted students by serving as advocate for children in school and community.
Founding Teacher
Gamboa Discovery School
Gamboa, Panama, Central America
01.2015 - 05.2016
- Lead teacher at start-up, multi-age, project-based learning model school
- Designed lesson plans for cross-age and multidisciplinary curriculum aligned with country standards
- Guided daily and weekly excursions in Gamboa accompanied by scientific researchers from other countries
- Wrote detailed, narrative student reports and assessments for 6 students
- Published monthly article highlighting class explorations and adventures.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to achieve student participation and hands-on learning.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom setting.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
Lead Kindergarten Teacher
The daVinci School
Dallas, TX
06.2011 - 08.2014
- Lead kindergarten teacher of 12 students in 'capstone year'
- Created child-centered learning environment characterized by consistent application of sound mental health and educational psychology practices.
- Developed and implemented behavior management strategies for creation of ideal learning environment.
- Increased individualized attention for each student by utilizing small group instruction strategies during class time.
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Maintained stimulating learning environments through original, interactive classroom layouts and displays.
- Advanced learning techniques by using differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate student needs.
- Established and maintained consistent classroom rules and expectations for obedience.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Collaborated with other faculty and staff to promote rigorous learning opportunities, general well-being of school and collective interest of staff and student body.
- Collaborated in planning, organizing and implementing instructional programs to facilitate academic, intellectual and social development.
- Initiated and organized weekly school-wide story time and sing-along to foster community
- Wrote detailed recommendation letters for students applying to first grade at competitive Dallas independent and private schools
- Prepared students for independent reading via systematic, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills
- Assessed comprehensive student growth in academic, social, and personal skills.
- Arranged parent-teacher conferences to address student progress and collaboratively set goals for areas of improvement.
- Developed strong relationships with parents through regular communication about their child's progress and upcoming events.
- Exercised good classroom management focused on positive behavior support by clearly articulating fair and consistent expectations along with appropriate natural consequences.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Developed strong organizational and communication skills through coursework and volunteer activities.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Carter Teaching Fellow (Paid)
Greenhill School
Dallas, TX
08.2010 - 06.2011
- Recipient of Carter Teaching Fellowship from Greenhill School
- Collaborated with mentor teacher and former Carter Fellow Recipient to develop cross-curricular projects for 16 children.
- Provided individual and group instruction to tailor teaching approaches to different student needs.
- Improved student comprehension by implementing creative teaching strategies and real-world examples in lessons.
- Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
- Collaborated with other faculty and staff to improve teaching and learning by sharing resources and best practices.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication and conferences, fostering supportive educational networks for students.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
- Demonstrated high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Lead Teacher
Sámara Pacific School
Playa Sámara, Costa Rica, Central America
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Created positive learning environments through energetic instructional strategies and consistent classroom management for 12 children.
- Created lesson plans based on course objectives set by Ministry of Education
- Developed lessons on children's books, poems, movies, and themes to promote interest in Children's Literature study.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
Education
B.A. Spanish, Child Psychology -
University of Maine Orono
Orono, MaineSkills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Cross-cultural parent communication
- Problem Identification
- Classroom Management
- Project-based learning
- Child Development
- Interpersonal Communication
- Group and individual instruction
- Individualized Learning Plans
- Discussion Facilitation
- English and Spanish Language Fluency
- Student-Centered Learning
Professional Development
- Project Based Learning Santa Rosa, CA June 2016
- Teachers College Reading and Writing Institutes (Advanced Courses) July/August 2020, 2021
- FUNdations and Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Programs San Francisco, CA U.S.A. July 2016, 2017
- CPR and First Aid Certified (renewed every two years)
- Hatha Yoga 200 RYT, Tree Yoga Certification
- Stand Up Paddleboard / SUP Yoga Certification San Diego CA U.S.A. September 2019
References
- Kassidi Dittrich-English Teacher 5th and 6th Grade, Hermosa Valley School kassidiseymour@gmail.com, (619) 665-4440
- Kelly Nelson, Former Head of Lower School, Sheridan School, Washington D.C., knelson@sheridanschool.org, (202) 362-7900
- Jeff Escabar, Former Head of School, Marin Preparatory School, San Francisco, CA, jeffescabar@gmail.com
- María Pia Baretto, Co-Teacher, Former Head of School, Gamboa Discovery School, Gamboa, Panama, mapibvv@hotmail.com
Certification
- Project Based Learning Training - 2016
- Reading and Writing Instruction, Teachers College Reading and Writing Institutes (Advanced Courses) - July/August '20, '22
- FUNdations and Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Programs July '16, '17
- CPR/First Aid Certified (Renewed every 2 years)
- Certified Hatha Yoga, Tree Yoga Instructor - July 2017
- Stand Up Paddleboard Certification - September 2019
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Lead English Teacher
Hermosa Valley School
08.2022 - 06.2023
Co-Lead Kindergarten Teacher
Sheridan School
08.2019 - 08.2022
Lead Kindergarten Teacher
Marin Preparatory School
08.2016 - 03.2019
Founding Teacher
Gamboa Discovery School
01.2015 - 05.2016
Lead Kindergarten Teacher
The daVinci School
06.2011 - 08.2014
Carter Teaching Fellow (Paid)
Greenhill School
08.2010 - 06.2011
Lead Teacher
Sámara Pacific School
01.2009 - 01.2010
B.A. Spanish, Child Psychology -
University of Maine Orono