Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Karen McHugh

Pittsfield,MA

Summary

Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Pittsfield Public Schools, adept in differentiated instruction and fostering collaborative teamwork. Leveraged problem-solving skills and classroom management to enhance student learning outcomes and foster a safe, positive environment. Excelled in creating individualized learning plans, achieving significant progress in student engagement and assessment.

Overview

41
41
years of professional experience

Work History

Elementary School Teacher Substitute

Pittsfield Public Schools
Pittsfield, MA
11.2022 - Current

I work as a substitute in all classrooms, K-5. In addition, I have covered four short- and long-term leaves of absences in grades 1, 4, and 5.

Elementary School Teacher

Pittsfield Public Schools
Pittsfield, MA
09.2002 - 11.2022
  • Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
  • Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
  • Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
  • Established a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students.

Paraeducator, Special Education

Adams-Cheshire Regional School District
Adams, MA
12.2001 - 06.2002
  • Assisted teachers in adapting lesson plans and materials, ensuring accessibility for all students.
  • Promoted self-advocacy skills by teaching students how to express their needs effectively within the classroom setting.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and progress towards IEP goals.

Staff Assistant

Berkshire Community College
Pittsfield, MA
12.1983 - 12.2001
  • Supported daily operations with efficient task management, contributing to overall office productivity and organization.
  • Established strong working relationships with coworkers through excellent communication skills which led to improved teamwork capabilities.
  • Maintained accurate record-keeping systems to ensure easy access to vital information for staff members.
  • Maintained professional presence, handling incoming calls and delivering courteous and helpful service to students.
  • Served as a liaison between departments, facilitating effective collaboration on projects and initiatives.
  • Managed extensive calendar scheduling for department leaders, ensuring timely attendance to important engagements.
  • Organized travel arrangements for staff members, ensuring smooth transitions during business trips.
  • Boosted productivity by keeping office records current, well-organized and efficiently accessible for various needs.
  • Handled incoming phone calls professionally, directing callers to appropriate parties or addressing their inquiries directly when possible.
  • Prepared professional correspondence on behalf of supervisors, maintaining clear communication with external stakeholders.

Education

No Degree -

Wilson Reading System Level 1 Certification
Oxford, MA
06.2010

Master of Science - Education

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts
North Adams, MA
05.1993

Bachelor of Arts - History

Gordon College
Wenham, MA
05.1983

Associate of Science - Selected Studies

Berkshire Community College
Pittsfield, MA
06.1981

Skills

  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Progress Monitoring
  • Collaborative Teamwork
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Classroom Management
  • Relationship Building
  • Field Trip Organization
  • Student Records Management
  • Teacher Collaboration
  • Safe, Positive Learning Environment
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Multitasking and Organization
  • Patience and Persistence
  • Positive Reinforcement
  • Positive Behavior Techniques
  • Parental Communication
  • Student assessment
  • Progress Reporting
  • Individualized Learning Plans
  • Attention to Detail
  • Organizational Skills
  • Lesson Planning
  • Parent-Teacher Communication
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Technology Integration
  • Oral communication

Timeline

Elementary School Teacher Substitute

Pittsfield Public Schools
11.2022 - Current

Elementary School Teacher

Pittsfield Public Schools
09.2002 - 11.2022

Paraeducator, Special Education

Adams-Cheshire Regional School District
12.2001 - 06.2002

Staff Assistant

Berkshire Community College
12.1983 - 12.2001

No Degree -

Wilson Reading System Level 1 Certification

Master of Science - Education

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts

Bachelor of Arts - History

Gordon College

Associate of Science - Selected Studies

Berkshire Community College
Karen McHugh