Joan Donovan
West Branch
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at West Branch Community School District, specializing in customized learning strategies and outstanding classroom leadership. Successfully developed engaging, hands-on curricula aligned with state standards, fostering academic growth and collaboration with families. Passionate about childhood development and implementing game-based learning to enhance student engagement.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
West Branch Community School District
08.2017 - Current
- Promoted learning through hands on activities, personalized learning, age appropriate technology, and play based games and lessons.
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Created assessment system which allowed students to set goals, determine how to meet goals and monitor progress as part of their personalized learning plan.
- Collaborated with colleagues and administration to support students and teachers through my work with the Leader in Me Lighthouse Team, Building Leadership Team, and Lead Learning Committee.
- Exercised excellent classroom management focused on setting students up for success and teaching students how to work through unsuccessful behavior
- Assisted in curriculum development to align lessons with state standards and improve overall instructional quality.
Preschool Teacher
West Branch Community School District
08.2007 - 05.2017
- Designed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
- Established positive communication with parents through daily dialogue and weekly newsletters.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children learn.
- Attained NAEYC accreditation
- Evaluated student performance regularly through observation, assessment tools, and parent-teacher conferences to ensure academic growth was being achieved consistently across all areas of development.
Education
Master of Arts - Elementary Education, Emphasis: Early Childhood
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05-1989
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA05-1985
High School Diploma -
Regina High School
Iowa City, IA06-1981
Skills
- Customized learning strategies
- Collaboration with educators and parents
- Curriculum development
- Childhood development expertise
- Love and Logic based discipline strategies
- Outstanding classroom leadership
- Team-based faculty initiatives
- Designed curriculum based on Science of Reading principles
- Game-based learning strategies
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
West Branch Community School District
08.2017 - Current
Preschool Teacher
West Branch Community School District
08.2007 - 05.2017
Master of Arts - Elementary Education, Emphasis: Early Childhood
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Northern Iowa
High School Diploma -
Regina High School
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