Jennifer Altgilbers
Ursa
Summary
Highly motivated candidate well-versed in teaching and leading preschool-aged children. Possesses an innate ability to establish strong connections with students and create an inviting learning environment. Dedicated to helping children develop the skills they need to become successful in the future. Energetic education professional with extensive experience developing age-appropriate lesson plans and activities to stimulate learning. Proven ability to foster a safe and positive classroom environment, while encouraging students to express their ideas and explore their creativity. Skilled in developing effective communication with parents and administrators. Enthusiastic individual with experience in teaching young children. Proven track record of delivering exceptional educational experiences through a variety of engaging activities. Dedicated to fostering a positive learning environment and providing students with the tools needed to excel. Creative professional with experience in developing fun and educational activities for preschool-aged children. Proven ability to plan and implement innovative activities to engage children in the learning process. Highly organized and detail-oriented with a strong commitment to cultivating a safe and supportive learning environment.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
2005
2005
years of post-secondary education
Work History
PREK TEACHER
St James Lutheran School
Quincy
08.2014 - 07.2025
- Managed student behavioral issues to optimize classroom learning environment.
- Motivated and engaged students, developing skills and knowledge for academic foundation.
- Developed and maintained classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for social and emotional development of students.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
- Developed lesson plans to meet the individual needs of students with different learning styles and abilities.
- Facilitated small group activities while engaging each student in meaningful tasks.
- Collaborated with other teachers on planning field trips or special events.
- Utilized various instructional strategies to engage students in meaningful learning experiences.
- Employed technology tools such as computers, tablets, and interactive whiteboards to enhance instruction.
- Assisted in developing age-appropriate activities that promoted physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
- Conducted assessments to measure student understanding of concepts taught.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of best practices related to early childhood education.
- Integrated art, music, literature, science, math, history into daily lessons.
- Incorporated hands-on projects into curriculum to promote creativity and critical thinking skills.
- Created a safe and positive learning environment for children ages 4-5.
- Supported the implementation of school policies related to discipline issues.
- Monitored playgrounds during recess periods for safety purposes.
- Demonstrated strong organizational skills in managing student records, attendance, and behavior.
- Adapted instruction based on student feedback and assessment results.
- Established effective communication with parents and guardians regarding their child's academic progress and behavior.
- Helped children develop cognitive skills through reading books and fingerplay.
- Engaged students in problem solving activities as part of the lessons taught.
- Worked collaboratively with colleagues and support staff to ensure student success.
- Maintained awareness and supervision of children's needs to foster physical health and safety.
- Implemented lesson plans and daily classroom schedules in accordance with curriculum and programming.
- Applied patience and understanding when dealing with challenging student behavior.
- Set up and organized classrooms that encouraged children to create, explore, and make decisions with confidence.
- Demonstrated ability to create a safe and nurturing learning environment for young students.
- Developed lesson plans with goals, activities, and outcomes that represented state early learning standards.
- Attended and participated in staff meetings and required training.
- Communicated and developed effective partnerships with parents and families, encouraging parent involvement.
- Observed children to assess social, emotional, physical and intellectual development.
- Documented observations and maintained child portfolios to aid in assessments.
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles.
- Fostered a nurturing classroom environment promoting social and emotional growth.
- Implemented age-appropriate educational activities to enhance cognitive skills.
- Collaborated with parents to support children's development and learning goals.
- Conducted assessments to monitor student progress and adjust teaching methods.
- Organized classroom materials and resources for effective learning experiences.
- Guided students in building positive relationships with peers through group activities.
- Maintained open communication with staff to ensure a cohesive educational approach.
- Created a positive, nurturing classroom environment that encourages children's exploration and curiosity.
- Promoted good behaviors by using positive reinforcement methods with children.
- Planned and implemented developmentally appropriate activities to engage Pre-K students in learning.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Supervised recesses and lunch periods while ensuring safety of all students.
- Identified children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related or developmental concerns and conceived improvement strategies.
- Instructed students in basic literacy, math, science, social studies, health, art, music, physical education, and other related areas.
- Established and enforced rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order in the classroom.
- Provided guidance when needed to help children develop problem-solving skills.
- Participated in professional development activities to stay abreast of current trends in early childhood education.
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children.
- Assessed student progress through observation, documentation, and portfolio review.
- Administered and documented results of student assessments.
- Managed classroom materials and resources effectively to maximize instructional time.
- Utilized technology tools such as smart boards or tablets for teaching purposes.
- Enhanced sensory abilities by giving children access to numerous textures and shapes.
- Implemented strategies for managing challenging behaviors among students.
- Encouraged parent involvement by providing feedback on student achievement at conferences or meetings.
- Maintained records of student attendance and performance according to school policies.
- Distributed quarterly progress assessments and milestone reports to each parent.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Developed professional relationships with parents, teachers, directors and therapists.
- Maintained student records according to rigorous confidentiality and privacy regulations.
- Incorporated music, art and theater into lesson planning.
- Encouraged children to be understanding of others, show good manners and instructed in other social development behaviors.
- Directed and supervised children during field trips and special activities.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Organized creative and fun activities, enhancing children's physical, emotional and social well-being.
- Monitored student progress to ensure cooperation and growth.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Observed children to record development.
- Read stories to children and taught painting, drawing, and crafts.
- Integrated technology into lesson plans.
COMPUTER TEACHER
St James Lutheran School
Quincy
08.2020 - 06.2024
- Created innovative lesson plans to engage students in learning about computer science concepts.
- Demonstrated concern for student retention by employing best practice strategies.
- Instructed students on proper online safety practices, password protection, and avoiding scams and fraudulent websites.
- Taught assigned computer courses and labs to foster experienced learning.
- Assisted other teachers in integrating technology into lessons.
- Conducted classroom activities to encourage critical thinking skills and problem-solving techniques.
- Evaluated student growth in computer knowledge and concepts taught in course using tests and quizzes.
- Maintained safe and secure learning environment for students.
TEACHER'S ASSISTANT
St James Lutheran School
Quincy
08.2010 - 06.2014
- Assisted teachers in developing effective lesson plans and instructional materials to meet the needs of all students.
- Supervised students during lunch periods, recesses, assemblies, and other special events.
- Took attendance and kept track of evaluations and paperwork.
- Identified student challenges and discussed corrective actions with lead teacher.
- Provided individualized instruction to small groups of students within a classroom setting, reinforcing concepts taught by the teacher.
- Participated in in-service training, staff meetings and other activities to facilitate professional development.
- Used appropriate behavior management strategies and techniques.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents, administrators, and other staff members to ensure that each student's educational goals were met.
- Assured that safety rules were observed and guarded against accidental injury.
- Helped to explain assignments and test instructions to boost student comprehension.
- Displayed student work and accomplishments to improve morale.
- Supported the lead teacher in delivering instruction.
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
St James Lutheran School
Quincy
08.2008 - 06.2014
- Maintained discipline and classroom control, fostering safe and positive learning environment.
- Provided classroom teacher with written feedback on results of lessons and student behavior issues.
- Managed classroom environment, helping students learn in absence of regular teachers.
- Followed existing lesson plans to provide consistent instruction to assigned students.
Home Daycare Provider
Self-employeed
Quincy
08.2003 - 07.2010
- Provided nurturing care and supervision to children in a home environment.
- Developed age-appropriate educational activities and learning materials for children.
- Maintained a safe and clean play area, ensuring child safety at all times.
- Prepared nutritious meals and snacks catering to children's dietary needs.
- Communicated regularly with parents about children's progress and daily activities.
- Organized playdates and social activities to promote social interaction among children.
- Assisted with potty training when needed.
- Managed daily schedules, balancing playtime, learning, and rest effectively.
- Implemented routines to help children develop strong habits and schedules.
- Managed daily activities and routines for up to 10 children in a home daycare setting.
- Observed children's behavior and development, reported any concerns to parents or guardians.
Education
Quincy Senior High School
Quincy, ILBACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) - EDUCATION
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ12.2024
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
John Wood Community College
Quincy, IL 07.2001 - 07.2003
Skills
- Training in food handling preparation
- School Policy and Rules Enforcement
- Time Management
- District Standards
- Positive Reinforcement
- Early Childhood Education
- Progress Reporting
- Child development expertise
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Team building
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Numbers and alphabet lessons
- Child CPR and First Aid
- Child Development
- Promoting Social and Emotional Development
- Child Supervision
- Student Behavior and Progress Reporting
- Classroom Management Techniques
- Lesson Planning
- Reliability
- Classroom management
- Technology integration
- Student assessment
- Lesson planning
- Safety protocols
- Parent communication
- Child development
- Team collaboration
- Creative problem solving
- Positive reinforcement
- Conflict resolution
- Organizational skills
- Calm and patient
References
References available upon request
Timeline
COMPUTER TEACHER
St James Lutheran School
08.2020 - 06.2024
PREK TEACHER
St James Lutheran School
08.2014 - 07.2025
TEACHER'S ASSISTANT
St James Lutheran School
08.2010 - 06.2014
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
St James Lutheran School
08.2008 - 06.2014
Home Daycare Provider
Self-employeed
08.2003 - 07.2010
Some College (No Degree) - General Studies
John Wood Community College
07.2001 - 07.2003
Quincy Senior High School
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.S.) - EDUCATION
Grand Canyon University