Holly Duthler
Saint Joseph,MI
Summary
Dynamic and dedicated elementary educator with over 20 years of experience in first-grade and kindergarten classrooms. Expertise in leveraging data-driven instruction and the Science of Reading to significantly boost student achievement. Recognized for exceptional classroom management skills, fostering strong relationships, and collaborating with colleagues and families to create a supportive learning environment. Committed to nurturing a love for learning and empowering students to reach their full potential.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Teacher (K–1)
Lakeshore Public Schools
Stevensville, MI
08.2021 - Current
- Attain consistently high evaluations for instructional quality and professionalism.
- Create innovative lesson plans to enhance student engagement through the integration of literacy differentiation, technology, and practical learning activities.
- Served as Kindergarten Team Chair and participate in school improvement committees (CIP) to support instructional growth.
- Analyze NWEA, Acadience, and Wonders data to track student progress and optimize instructional effectiveness.
- Piloted and evaluated curriculum initiatives to inform district-wide instructional decisions.
- Create and enforce classroom management frameworks that support a positive learning environment and drive student engagement.
- Facilitate effective partnerships with students, families, and staff by prioritizing open communication and collaborative efforts.
- Mentor new teachers and shared best practices in instruction and classroom management.
- Engage with specialists to develop and apply accommodations that support diverse learning needs.
- Actively participate in school events, extracurricular activities, and community engagement opportunities.
- Maintain ongoing professional development through workshops, training, and summer learning programs.
- Monitor student performance and adapted teaching methods to foster ongoing educational advancement.
- Promote the integration of the 7 Habits through the Leader in Me framework to enhance student goal-setting and positive behavior systems.
Elementary Teacher (K–1)
Buchanan Community Schools
Buchanan, MI
08.2006 - 08.2021
- Created comprehensive lesson plans aligned with district objectives to foster student achievement and engagement.
- Delivered instruction and facilitated classroom activities, resulting in consistently high effectiveness ratings.
- Assessed individual learning styles and adapted teaching methods to enhance overall student performance.
- Served as Kindergarten Team Chair and mentored colleagues to strengthen instructional practices.
- Analyzed student data (KRA, NWEA, DIBELS) to guide instruction, intervention groupings, and student support.
- Designed and implemented effective classroom management systems, including PBIS strategies, to promote positive behavior and engagement.
- Collaborated with grade-level teams and science vertical teams to develop interdisciplinary and NGSS-aligned curriculum.
- Created data systems to support targeted interventions and strengthen student advocacy efforts.
- Fostered a respectful, collaborative classroom environment that promotes student engagement and success.
- Engaged in school events and initiatives to foster a positive school culture.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching and Learning
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI01-2010
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI01-2004
Skills
- Creative Lesson Planning & Curriculum Development
- Instructional Best Practices & Science of Reading
- Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring (NWEA, Acadience, Wonders)
- LETRS, UFLI, and Acadience Trained
- Collaborative PLC engagement
- Strong Organization & Leadership (Team Chair Experience)
- Technology Integration
- Growth Mindset
- Nurturing Educational Space
- Expectation Management
- Summer School Instruction
- Literacy Tutoring for Elementary Students
Accomplishments
- Led IRIP training to support teachers in effectively using PowerSchool to track literacy interventions and student progress.
- Partnered with administration to improve data systems and developed a user-friendly guide to ensure accurate and consistent IRIP implementation across classrooms.
Certification
- Michigan Professional Teaching Certificate
- Elementary K–5 (All Subjects, Self-Contained K–8)
- Endorsements: Math, Science, Integrative Creative Arts
- Science (DX) 6–8
Timeline
Elementary Teacher (K–1)
Lakeshore Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
Elementary Teacher (K–1)
Buchanan Community Schools
08.2006 - 08.2021
Master of Arts - Teaching and Learning
Western Michigan University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Western Michigan University