Kara Tolles
Flint,MI
Summary
Dedicated early educator skilled in early literacy instruction, classroom management, and fostering family engagement. Committed to culturally responsive teaching practices that support student growth and development.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer
Indian Hill Elementary
Grand Blanc, Michigan
01.2021 - Current
- Collaborated with teachers to enhance literacy development for students.
- Facilitated small group literacy interventions to boost student engagement.
- Coordinated event planning for school functions and community outreach programs.
Student Teacher, Kindergarten
Morrish Elementary School
Swartz Creek, Michigan
09.2025 - 04.2026
- Designed engaging lesson plans for kindergarten students aligning with curriculum standards.
- Collaborated with MTSS to enhance student growth and development.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Assessed student progress using observation and informal/formal evaluation methods
- Engaged in professional development workshops to refine teaching skills and strategies.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
- Maintained comprehensive records of student activities, achievements, and attendance to track progress.
- Observed teachers in classrooms to improve skills and communication.
Preschool Teacher's Assistant
A Touch of Home Childcare
Kalamazoo, Michigan
04.2016 - 12.2018
- Supported lead teacher in managing classroom of 18 children ages 3-4, maintaining 1:6 teacher-to-student ratio per state regulations
- Collaborated with lead teacher in planning and executing daily classroom activities, enhancing overall learning experience.
- Developed and organized educational materials and resources to support diverse learning activities.
- Documented developmental progress for 36 children across 2 academic years using anecdotal records and photo documentation
- Engaged with parents to discuss children's progress and daily activities, fostering communication and involvement.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Michigan-Flint
Flint, MI05-2026
Skills
- Early literacy instruction (phonemic awareness, print concepts)
- Being a Reader, Being a Writer, Heggerty, and UFLI curriculum implementation
- Lesson planning
- Student centered instruction
- Classroom management
- Family engagement and culturally responsive teaching practices
- Efficient in working with PowerSchool
- Reliability and punctuality
Certification
Michigan Educator License with ZO endorsement. Completion expected by July 2026
Timeline
Student Teacher, Kindergarten
Morrish Elementary School
09.2025 - 04.2026
Volunteer
Indian Hill Elementary
01.2021 - Current
Preschool Teacher's Assistant
A Touch of Home Childcare
04.2016 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Michigan-Flint