Holly Lillis
Social Studies Teacher
Newport Center,VT
Summary
Middle school educator with nearly 6 years of experience teaching English, Humanities, and Social Studies. Skilled in project-based, discovery-based, and Responsive Classroom instruction to engage students and foster critical thinking. Proven ability to create inclusive, student-centered learning environments and build strong relationships to support academic and social-emotional growth. Proponent of high standards
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Social Studies Teacher - Grades 6-8
Albany Community School
Albany, VT
08.2021 - Current
- Social Studies Teacher (2023–Present) | Humanities Teacher (2021–2023) | English Teacher (2020–2021)
- Designed and implemented curricula and corresponding instructional materials that engaged students and enhanced student learning
- Contributed to cross-team efforts to achieve student growth goals and promote well-being
- Improved student performance on assessments through targeted instruction and skill-building strategies
- Utilized Responsive Classroom strategies to foster a respectful classroom culture, strengthen student relationships, and support consistent behavior expectations
- Co-designed and implemented systems that enhanced middle school operations, PBIS structures, and student support, creating a positive learning environment
- Collaborated with 8th-grade students to fundraise and plan their 8th grade trip
Math Teacher - Grades 6-8
Coventry Village School
Coventry, Vermont
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Stepped into emergency teaching role outside licensure area, maintaining student learning continuity during staffing shortages
- Collaborated with an interdisciplinary team to align instruction and support student learning across subjects
- Established positive relationships with students to promote engagement and accountability
- Coordinated with team members to guide the 8th-grade class during their transition to high school
- Collaborated with 8th-grade students and parents to plan the annual 8th-grade trip
Student Teacher – Humanities
Coventry Village School
Coventry, Vermont
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Designed and delivered interdisciplinary lessons integrating English and social studies content
- Facilitated student discussions that enhanced critical thinking, reading, and writing skills
- Collaborated with mentor teacher to plan instruction and assess student progress
- Continued student teaching remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting lessons for virtual learning and maintaining student engagement online
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education - English
Northern Vermont University
Lyndon05-2020
Notable Achievements
- Served as Principal Designee, supporting school operations and administrative responsibilities as needed
- Founded the school’s first student leadership team and collaborated with the team to reconfigure the school's PBIS system
- Selected as a member of the school leadership team, contributing to school-wide decision-making and initiatives
- Nominated for the Life Changer of the Year Award for contributions to students and the school community
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance, support, and instructional coaching
- Selected by the STERN Center to have a video of my instruction featured as a model of effective teaching for one of their instructional protocols
- Directed and produced the school’s first student play, increasing student engagement and participation in the arts
Timeline
Social Studies Teacher - Grades 6-8
Albany Community School
08.2021 - Current
Math Teacher - Grades 6-8
Coventry Village School
08.2020 - 06.2021
Student Teacher – Humanities
Coventry Village School
01.2020 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education - English
Northern Vermont University