Jackie Ferensic
Jacksonville,FL
Summary
Dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience in educational and faith-based settings, specializing in the holistic development of children. As a Certified Level 1 Catechist, demonstrates a strong commitment to nurturing academic growth and moral development while fostering a positive and enriching learning environment. Proficient in classroom management and lesson planning, consistently creating respectful and engaging learning experiences that inspire students to reach their full potential. Passionate about cultivating a love for learning and instilling core values that guide students both inside and outside the classroom.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead VPK Teacher
Assumption Catholic ECLC
Jacksonville, FL
07.2023 - Current
- Enhanced student engagement with hands-on projects that fostered critical thinking skills.
- Improved literacy rates by implementing phonics-based instruction and interactive activities.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on teaching methods and early childhood education research findings.
- Boosted parent involvement through regular communication regarding student progress and upcoming events.
- Evaluated student performance using various assessment tools, providing targeted feedback for improvement.
- Reduced disciplinary issues by establishing clear expectations and consistent consequences for behavior.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by promoting collaboration and open communication among students.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
Lead VPK Teacher
Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Early Learning
Saint Augustine, FL
08.2017 - 08.2023
- Enhanced student engagement with hands-on projects that fostered critical thinking skills.
- Improved literacy rates by implementing phonics-based instruction and interactive activities.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on teaching methods and early childhood education research findings.
- Evaluated student performance using various assessment tools, providing targeted feedback for improvement.
- Reduced disciplinary issues by establishing clear expectations and consistent consequences for behavior.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by promoting collaboration and open communication among students.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
Preschool Aide
DuBow Preschool
Jacksonville, FL
07.2016 - 08.2017
- Organized classroom materials efficiently, ensuring smooth transitions between activities.
- Maintained a safe and nurturing environment for preschoolers, fostering their growth and wellbeing.
- Contributed to a positive classroom culture by modeling respect, empathy, and cooperation among students.
- Promoted language development through storytelling, songs, and engaging conversations with children.
- Supported children''s social and emotional development through positive reinforcement and individualized attention.
- Facilitated outdoor playtime safely while encouraging physical activity and teamwork among students.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, health information, and incident reports to ensure adherence to school policies and regulations.
- Engaged and entertained children through recreational and educational activities.
- Interacted with children one-on-one and in small groups to enhance and support learning activities.
- Encouraged children to interact with each other and participate in group activities.
- Prepared for lessons by gathering educational materials and setting up equipment.
- Stepped into non-classroom environments such as libraries to help staff manage demand.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
Teacher
Gymboree Play and Music
Jacksonville, FL
08.2004 - 07.2016
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Encouraged student participation to boost confidence and self-expression.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of North Florida
Jacksonville, FL05-2026
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Florida State College
Jacksonville, FL07-2016
Skills
- Parent-teacher communication
- Student engagement
- Special needs support
- Collaborative and Team-oriented
- Strong work ethic and dependable
- Excellent classroom management
- Child development expertise
- Creative teaching strategies
- Cultural sensitivity
- Differentiated instruction
- Lesson planning
Certification
12-1900
Timeline
Lead VPK Teacher
Assumption Catholic ECLC
07.2023 - Current
Lead VPK Teacher
Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Early Learning
08.2017 - 08.2023
Preschool Aide
DuBow Preschool
07.2016 - 08.2017
Teacher
Gymboree Play and Music
08.2004 - 07.2016
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Florida State College
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of North Florida