Kara Harlan
Minneapolis,MN
Summary
Compassionate preschool teacher with background in creating engaging, educational, and nurturing environments for early childhood development. Skilled in lesson planning, classroom management, fostering growth and learning among diverse student groups. Implemented innovative teaching strategies that enhance children's social and intellectual growth, contributing to improved classroom dynamics. Continue to receive positive feedback from parents and staff alike as a valued veteran teacher. Skilled in developing age-appropriate curriculum, implementing inclusive classroom management strategies, and fostering emotional intelligence in preschoolers. Excel at communication, patience, and empathy. Ensure effective and compassionate interactions with children, parents, and colleagues for an optimal learning environment for everyone! I continue to advocate for students in my care and am passionate about being a teacher!
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Preschool Teacher
The International School of Minnesota
Eden Prairie, MINNESOTA
08.2000 - Current
- Develop and implement theme based lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs and unique learning styles.
- Adapt instructional methods based on individual student needs.
- Provide a safe, secure, and empathetic environment for children.
- Use strong behavior management techniques to create a classroom environment with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement.
- Conduct stimulating classroom activities promoting the physical, mental, and social development of preschool students.
- Create interesting child-based, hands-on, interest center and sensory activities to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Implement play-based strategies with behavior role modeling while practicing social emotional skills during daily routines.
- Teach Phonological awareness and foundational literacy skills by using the Letterland Literacy Program.
- Incorporate the arts into daily instruction utilizing my creative skills in Music, Art, and Theater.
- Guide children in eating, self care, and resting to help develop healthy personal habits.
- Monitor students in a variety of educational environments; Dining Hall, playground, STEAM Room, Large Motor Room, Performing Arts Center, field trips outside of school environment, etc.
- Meet with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Identify children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related or developmental concerns documenting improvement strategies.
- Meet with parents to discuss child behavior and academic progress.
- Collaborated with colleagues on designing new early childhood wing including STEAM Room, Motor Room, Classrooms, in our school using scientifically based design elements to help children.
- Develop professional relationships and collaborate with parents, teachers, directors, specialists and supervisors.
- Participate in professional growth workshops, trainings and conferences to keep learning new skills in my profession.
- Maintain records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps using brightwheel app to communicate this daily.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Education
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA08-1997
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Student Engagement and Development
- Communicating with Parents and Teachers
- Experience with Diverse Student Populations
- Adaptability
- Interactive Teaching
- Arts and crafts aptitude
- Differentiated Instruction
- Calm and patient
- Special Needs Support
Affiliations
- Gardening
- Photography
- Crafts
Accomplishments
- The International School of Minnesota has recently been rated as Minnesota's number one Private School Preschool.
Certification
- First Aid Certification 2024
- CPR Trained Certification 2024
Timeline
Preschool Teacher
The International School of Minnesota
08.2000 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Education
University of Northern Iowa
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