Jennifer Spengler
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Children's Home And Aid of Southern Illinois, excelling in lesson planning and reflective practice. Expert in fostering academic curiosity through hands-on activities and interactive learning, significantly enhancing classroom management. Demonstrated success in mentoring staff and improving program quality, embodying leadership and innovation in early childhood education.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Teacher
Riverbend Head Start & Family Services
01.2023 - Current
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
- Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
Tuition Preschool Teacher
O'Fallon District 90
08.2022 - 01.2023
- Designed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for all students, adhering to health and safety guidelines in the classroom.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
Assistant to the Director of Early Learning
O'Fallon District 90
09.2016 - 08.2022
- Assisted the Director of Early Learning in day to day operations of all early learning programs in the school district which included Preschool for All, Early Childhood Special Education, Tuition preschool, and Birth-3.
- Oversaw the processing of applications for the Child Care Assistance Program (Illinois subsidy for child care programs).
- Served as a resource for staff members by answering questions and addressing concerns, fostering a positive work environment where employees felt supported and empowered.
- Coordinated training requirements for the tuition preschool staff as well as the before and after care staff.
- Collected and recorded payments for the before and after care program
Quality Specialist
Children's Home And Aid of Southern Illinois
06.2013 - 09.2016
- Coached and mentored child care center staff and licensed family child care providers on improving the quality of their programming.
- Participated in reflective practice with child care staff and licensed family child care providers
- Implemented ExceleRate Illinois (Quality Rating System) standards and requirements.
- Observed teaching staff using the Environment Rating Scale-Revised, the Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale-Revised, and the School Age Environment Rating Scale and formed quality improvement plans with directors based upon those observations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville
Edwardsville, ILMaster of Science - Psychology
Capella University
MinneapolisSkills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Activity planning
- Conflict resolution
- Reflective Practice
- Group and individual instruction
Certification
Professional Educator's License in birth-age 8 through state of Illinois
Timeline
Lead Teacher
Riverbend Head Start & Family Services
01.2023 - Current
Tuition Preschool Teacher
O'Fallon District 90
08.2022 - 01.2023
Assistant to the Director of Early Learning
O'Fallon District 90
09.2016 - 08.2022
Quality Specialist
Children's Home And Aid of Southern Illinois
06.2013 - 09.2016
Professional Educator's License in birth-age 8 through state of Illinois
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville
Master of Science - Psychology
Capella University
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