Jennifer Richards
Allen,TX
Summary
Educator, reading interventionist in mCLASS, trainer, leader with 18 years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. Friendly, supportive and motivated with a strong desire to promote student success and a passion for building strong rapport with faculty, students and caregivers, with solid understanding of the importance of early learning. Highly effective presenter and teacher/trainer and coaching expertise in training and designing a professional workshop for those learning and utilizing mCLASS. My areas of strength are: certified teacher, project manager, data analytics, and team leadership. At this time, I seek to maintain a full-time position that utilizes interpersonal skills,, excellent time management, problem solving skills, and creating lessons that help young students successful at early literacy.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Reading Interventionist
Allen ISD
02.2022 - Current
- Enhanced reading comprehension by implementing targeted intervention strategies for struggling students.
- Piloted mCLASS Intervention to address learning gaps for grades K-2.
- Increased student literacy rates by utilizing research-based instructional methods and materials.
- Analyzed district data to determine strengths and needs of campuses.
- Monitored and assessed student progress through data-driven analysis, adjusting instruction as necessary for optimal results.
- Developed and delivered professional development for district teachers.
- Conducted one-on-one and small group sessions to provide targeted support, fostering a positive learning environment and boosting confidence in reading abilities.
- Supported the development of phonemic awareness and decoding skills through targeted activities, promoting fluent reading in struggling learners.
- Coordinated with Special Education staff to identify appropriate accommodations and modifications for students with disabilities, ensuring equal access to successful learning experiences.
- Strengthened vocabulary acquisition among students by incorporating word study activities into daily lessons.
- Tracked student achievements using standardized assessments and informal observations, providing valuable insights for future instructional planning.
- Collaborated with school leadership to develop and implement comprehensive reading intervention programs, continuously refining the curriculum for maximum effectiveness.
- Served as a mentor for new Reading Interventionists, providing guidance and support to ensure their success in meeting student needs.
- Assessed and documented student progress with established goals.
- Interpreted student assessment data to ascertain best intervention methods.
- Gathered, organized and analyzed data on student needs and progress.
- Collaborated with teachers to assess needs, set objectives and discuss strategies.
- Supervised small reading groups of students.
- Taught mCLASS lessons to individual and small groups.
- Affirmatively communicated and promoted positive attitude with each and every student.
Teacher SSI
Allen ISD
08.2021 - 01.2022
- Planned and implemented integrated lessons to meet national standards.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that addressed general students as well as those with individualized 504 plans as part of integrated classroom.
- Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
- Instructed students in core educational principles, concepts and in-depth subject matter.
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Designed dynamic lesson plans based on student interests to increase overall student GPA.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Promoted physical, mental and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Increased student literacy rates by implementing targeted reading strategies in individualized instruction plans.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
4's Preschool Teacher
GEM Express Preschool And Kindergarten
08.2011 - 05.2021
- Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Used classroom observations to create written assessments of student performance.
- Assisted and supervised [Number] children through entire school day.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Identified signs of emotional and developmental problems in children and reported to parents.
- Fostered reasoning and problem solving through active exploration games and activities.
- Applied play-based strategies, including crafts and games, to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Monitored students' academic, social and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Taught average of 14 children per school year.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
First Grade Teacher
Boyd Elementary School
08.2002 - 05.2003
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings and meet learning needs.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Chaperoned field trips to maintain safety and encourage learning.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Stayed abreast of changes to school and district policies as well as new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies and discipline.
Fifth Grade Teacher
Dover Elementary School
08.2001 - 05.2002
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover all requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
- Chaperoned field trips to maintain safety and encourage learning.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Stayed abreast of changes to school and district policies as well as new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
Fourth Grade Teacher and Kindergarten Teacher
Southridge Elementary School
08.1999 - 05.2001
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Stayed abreast of changes to school and district policies as well as new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings and meet learning needs.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies and discipline.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
Spanish Teacher
Wylie High School
01.1998 - 06.1999
- Conducted foreign language exams to determine fluency and comprehension.
- Developed and wrote curricula in both Spanish and English, often sharing curriculum with other teachers.
- Employed diverse teaching approaches to help students of all abilities understand material.
- Immersed students in unfamiliar cultures by devising hands-on activities.
- Expanded student understanding of texts by spearheading in-depth discussions and assigning exploratory essays to help students articulate knowledge.
- Used written exercises to test and develop ability to read and write foreign languages.
- Facilitated positive learning environment by using enthusiastic and energetic instructional strategies and consistent classroom management.
French and Spanish Teacher
Williams High School
08.1996 - 06.1997
- Collaborated on and implemented innovative pedagogical initiatives that focused on student-first, hands-on and experiential learning to foster French and Spanish instruction.
- Built cultural literacy by organizing lesson plans focused on French and Spanish-speaking countries.
- Expanded student understanding of texts by spearheading in-depth discussions and assigning exploratory essays to help students articulate knowledge.
- Sourced optimal curricula and developed lesson plans to fully cover target material for each course.
- Immersed students in unfamiliar cultures by devising hands-on activities.
- Designed curriculum to meet learning institution requirements and instill comprehensive knowledge of French and Spanish language and culture in students.
- Employed diverse teaching approaches to help students of all abilities understand material.
- Facilitated learning of French and Spanish language using variety of instructional methods, resources and technological tools.
Education
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of North Texas
Denton, TXSkills
- Teaching, Tutoring, Counseling
- Public Speaking
- Standardized Testing Techniques
- Experience with Diverse Student Populations
- School Policy and Rules Enforcement
- Organizational and Planning Skills
- Flexible/Adaptive
- Multitasking
- Relationship Building
- Reporting and Documentation
- Interdisciplinary Teaching
- Enthusiasm for Students and Teaching
- Behavioral/Cognitive skills development
- Creating a Safe Learning Environment
- Supervising Classroom Activities
- Innovative Lesson Planning
- Time and Classroom Management
- Exploratory Learning
- Imaginative Play Promotion
- Communicating with Parents and Teachers
- Social Skills Development
- Student Engagement and Development
- Student Assessment and Achievement
- Organizational Management
Timeline
Reading Interventionist
Allen ISD
02.2022 - Current
Teacher SSI
Allen ISD
08.2021 - 01.2022
4's Preschool Teacher
GEM Express Preschool And Kindergarten
08.2011 - 05.2021
First Grade Teacher
Boyd Elementary School
08.2002 - 05.2003
Fifth Grade Teacher
Dover Elementary School
08.2001 - 05.2002
Fourth Grade Teacher and Kindergarten Teacher
Southridge Elementary School
08.1999 - 05.2001
Spanish Teacher
Wylie High School
01.1998 - 06.1999
French and Spanish Teacher
Williams High School
08.1996 - 06.1997
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of North Texas