JAMES FINNEGAN
KEESEVILLE,NY
Summary
Dynamic educator from PCSD with a proven track record in fostering student achievement through innovative lesson planning and differentiated instruction. Excels in classroom management and student engagement, enhancing learning outcomes. Demonstrated success in improving reading comprehension levels by 30%, utilizing data-driven techniques and fostering a positive learning environment. Skilled in technology integration and collaborative learning, embodying a growth mindset and cultural sensitivity. Passionate Teacher with experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering wide range of subjects. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social and learning skills.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
CCF
04.2024 - Current
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Implemented classroom management plan that reduced disruptions, creating more conducive learning environment.
- Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
- Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading programs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Evaluated students' understanding of course material through examinations and in-depth essay writing.
- Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
Teacher
PCSD
09.2021 - 06.2023
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting teaching strategies as needed for improved outcomes.
- Increased overall student achievement by utilizing differentiated instructional methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Developed strong relationships with students and their families through consistent communication and involvement in school events.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students'' understanding of multiple subjects.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Contributed to the improvement of school-wide curriculum by participating in professional development workshops and sharing insights with colleagues.
- Enhanced student motivation and participation through the development of diverse, hands-on learning experiences.
- Supported special education inclusion efforts by adapting lessons and working closely with specialists to meet individual student needs.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Led extracurricular activities such as after-school tutoring programs, enhancing student success beyond the classroom setting.
- Fostered critical thinking skills in students through inquiry-based instruction methods that challenged them to analyze complex ideas.
- Improved students'' reading comprehension levels by implementing interactive and engaging literacy activities.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Scheduled and directed field trips and hands-on activities to foster student learning and creativity.
- Incorporated multicultural perspectives into lesson plans, promoting diversity awareness among students.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
Education
Master of Science - Elementary Education
SUNY Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, NY05.2007
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
SUNY Plattsburgh
Plattsburgh, NY05.1998
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Clinton Community College
Plattsburgh, NY05.1992
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Critical Thinking
- Lesson Planning
- Motivating students
- Student Engagement
- Behavior Management
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Positive Role Model and Mentor
- Growth Mindset
- Public Speaking
- Classroom Instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Collaborative learning
- Student-Centered Learning
- Child Development
- Group and individual instruction
- Curriculum Implementation
- Student assessment
- Small Group Instruction
- Learning Strategies
- Innovative lesson planning
- Technology Integration
- Social-Emotional Learning training
- Project-based learning
- Student needs assessment
- Performance Assessments
- Student rapport
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Testing and grading
- Elementary Education
- Student Records Management
- Alternative Learning Methods
- Faculty Collaboration
- Special Needs Students
- Subject matter expertise
- Instructional Best Practices
- Assigning and Grading Work
- SMART Board aptitude
- Problem-Solving
- Team Collaboration
- Positive Learning Environment
- Relationship Building
- Student Motivation and Engagement
Timeline
Teacher
CCF
04.2024 - Current
Teacher
PCSD
09.2021 - 06.2023
Master of Science - Elementary Education
SUNY Plattsburgh
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
SUNY Plattsburgh
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts And Sciences
Clinton Community College
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