Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Additional Work Places
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Joy Pelkey

Plymouth,MI

Summary

Dedicated and passionate educator with 10 + years of experience fostering student learning and academic success in diverse classroom settings. Skilled in developing engaging lesson plans, integrating technology into instruction, and supporting differentiated learning needs. Proven ability to build strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to create a positive and inclusive educational environment. Committed to continuous professional growth and enhancing student outcomes through innovative teaching practices and data-driven instruction.

Innovative Teacher eager to develop and deliver engaging lessons and activities to diverse student populations. Experienced in using creative and innovative approaches to foster student understanding and comprehension.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Plymouth Canton School District

Early Childhood Teacher

Plymouth Canton Community Schools
01.2021 - Current
  • Proficient in MISTAR, GOLD, Teaching Strategies, and Creative Curriculum for assessment, planning, and documentation of student progress.
  • Skilled in Differentiation to meet the diverse developmental and learning needs of all students.
  • Built and maintained strong family connections, fostering communication and engagement to support child development.
  • Experienced in both GSRP (Great Start Readiness Program) and tuition-based program implementation, understanding regulatory and pedagogical expectations.
  • Known for adaptability, professionalism, and collaborative approach within multidisciplinary teams.
  • Passionate about early childhood development with a proven record of supporting high-quality, child-centered learning environments
  • Facilitated hands-on activities that promoted social, emotional, and cognitive growth in young children.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Assessed student progress through observation and documentation, adjusting instruction as needed.
  • Participated in professional development workshops to stay current with best practices in early childhood education.
  • Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
  • Mentored new teachers, sharing effective teaching strategies and providing support as they acclimated to the school culture.
  • Promoted early literacy skills by implementing engaging reading activities and fostering a love for books in young learners.
  • Established a positive classroom environment by setting clear expectations and promoting respect among students.
  • Facilitated successful parent-teacher conferences, addressing concerns and discussing strategies for supporting student growth at home.
  • Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.

Early Childhood Director and Teacher

St. Johns Elementary School
01.2018 - 01.2021
  • Attended board meetings (education and church) to present financial data, program updates, and school improvement plans.
  • Created and launched a waitlisted early childhood program using an approved, developmentally appropriate curriculum.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive policies for hiring, staff conduct, family engagement, classroom routines, and overall program operations.
  • Adapted to COVID-19 by implementing safety protocols aligned with state guidelines, ensuring a safe environment for students, staff, and families.
  • Maintained compliance with state licensing requirements; successfully renewed license and built positive relationships with State Licensing Representatives.
  • Oversaw and executed state-required emergency drills to ensure the ongoing safety of children and staff.
  • Secured funding and created engaging family and community events, including school-wide fundraisers and grant writing for educational resources.
  • Designed, maintained, and supervised the construction of an early childhood playground, ensuring safety and developmental appropriateness.
  • Provided CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogen training to staff from Pre-K through 8th grade.
  • Facilitated professional development workshops and ongoing training for early childhood educators.
  • Taught a 3-year-old preschool program, designing diverse, engaging, and play-based learning activities focused on the whole child.
  • Fostered a warm, inclusive classroom culture that supported social-emotional growth, early literacy, math, science, and fine/gross motor skills.
  • Utilized differentiated instruction to meet the varied needs of learners
  • Built strong partnerships with families through regular communication, conferences, and family events.
  • Led classroom routines and transitions with consistency, promoting self-regulation and independence in young children
  • Conducted classroom observations and provided coaching and modeling to improve teaching practices and promote child-centered learning.
  • Facilitated collaborative planning sessions with 4-year-old teacher team to ensure consistency, developmental appropriateness, and curriculum integration.
  • Monitored child assessment data and supported staff in using data to inform instruction and differentiate learning.

Early Childhood Teacher

St. Johns Elementary School
01.2015 - 01.2018

Education

Master of Urban Education - ZO Endorsement

Davenport University – College of Urban Education

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts

University of Michigan – College of Literature, Science, and the Arts

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Martin Luther College

Associate Degree - General Education

Schoolcraft College

Skills

  • Positive reinforcement
  • Cultural awareness
  • Relationship building and management
  • Behavior management
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Adaptable
  • Classroom management
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Classroom organization
  • Lesson plan implementation
  • Behavior modeling
  • Safety awareness
  • Motivation techniques
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Multi-subject instruction
  • Adept at using software

Certification

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Certification

Women Studies Certificate

CPR First Aid Certified

Additional Work Places

  • Livingston County Health Dept - County School Hearing and Vision Technician
  • Monroe Country Health Dept - County School Hearing and Vision Technician
  • Quicken Loans - Morgage Banker
  • Killarney Camp - Health Officer

Interests

  • DIY and Home Improvement
  • Youth Development Programs
  • Gardening
  • Rock Climbing
  • Volunteering for community initiatives to give back to local communities and make a positive impact
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Auto Repair/Restoration
  • Woodworking
  • Crafting and DIY Projects
  • I participate in a variety of outdoor recreational activities
  • I like working with my hands and fixing things
  • Drawing and Painting
  • Camping

Timeline

Early Childhood Teacher

Plymouth Canton Community Schools
01.2021 - Current

Early Childhood Director and Teacher

St. Johns Elementary School
01.2018 - 01.2021

Early Childhood Teacher

St. Johns Elementary School
01.2015 - 01.2018

Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Arts

University of Michigan – College of Literature, Science, and the Arts

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Martin Luther College

Plymouth Canton School District

Master of Urban Education - ZO Endorsement

Davenport University – College of Urban Education

Associate Degree - General Education

Schoolcraft College

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