Jessica Hopkins
La Grange Park,IL
Summary
Experienced educator of students from a variety of backgrounds, with skills in classroom management and student engagement. Developed effective lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards and utilized assessment data to drive student mastery. Committed to fostering a collaborative learning environment for students and building a strong sense of community within the school.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary Teacher
Cisneros Elementary - Acero Charter Schools
Chicago, Illinois
10.2016 - Current
- Served as a 4th, 5th, and 6th grade teacher, with most years spent in 5th.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards that pushed students to think critically.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a positive environment, and build a strong sense of community in my classroom.
- Utilized various teaching techniques, such as projects, games, debates, and allowed students flexibility in showing their achievements.
- Deployed assessment data to drive instruction and student mastery of standards.
- Attended IEP meetings with parents, administrators, counselors, and specialists.
- Participated in collaboration meetings with special education staff, ELPT, case managers, apprentices, and co-teachers weekly.
- Established positive relationships with families from diverse backgrounds and communicated weekly.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on best practices and classroom management.
- Helped create a House Council system
- Served on the Problem-Solution Committee alongside administration.
Instructional Assistant
Downers Grove District 58
Downers Grove, Illinois
08.2013 - 08.2016
- Conducted targeted reading interventions for small groups in grades 3-6 in a reading interventionist role.
- Transitioned to a split class to support two grade levels in one classroom, alongside the classroom teacher. Collaborated on lesson plans, small groups, curriculum, and day-to-day plans for all students.
- Spent one year in a preschool classroom that supported students with special needs by providing language support, early interventions, and core curriculum.
Kindergarten Teacher
Tutor Time Learning Center
Downers Grove, Illinois
08.2010 - 08.2013
- Guided students in basic literacy, mathematics, and motor skills development.
- Planned and implemented engaging lessons to meet the individual needs of each student.
- Provided a safe learning environment where children could explore their creativity.
Education
Endorsement - LBS1 - Special Education
Midwest Technical Institute
IL01-2025
Endorsement - English-as-a-Second-Language Education
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL01-2019
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Illinois State University
Normal, IL01-2010
Skills
- Endorsements in Reading Interventionist, Language Arts, Social Science, ESL, and LBS1
- Mentorship training
- Differentiated instruction for a variety of ability levels and language levels
- Data-driven instruction and small group planning - Familiar with a plethora of assessment platforms
- Strong in classroom/behavior management and SEL practices
- Family and community outreach
Timeline
Elementary Teacher
Cisneros Elementary - Acero Charter Schools
10.2016 - Current
Instructional Assistant
Downers Grove District 58
08.2013 - 08.2016
Kindergarten Teacher
Tutor Time Learning Center
08.2010 - 08.2013
Endorsement - LBS1 - Special Education
Midwest Technical Institute
Endorsement - English-as-a-Second-Language Education
University of St. Francis
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Illinois State University
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