Kelli Ward
Theresa,USA
Summary
Accomplished educator with extensive experience at Indian River Central School, specializing in differentiated instruction and technology integration. Demonstrated success in enhancing student engagement and fostering academic growth through innovative lesson planning and collaborative teamwork. Expertise in building strong parent-teacher relationships and implementing effective classroom management strategies to drive student success. Committed to continuous professional development and improving educational outcomes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Third Grade Teacher
Indian River Central School
Evans Mills, NY
08.2025 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with parents to communicate student progress and address concerns.
- Integrated technology tools to enhance student learning experiences and engagement.
- Facilitated hands-on activities to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods and provided feedback.
- Maintained safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Improved student engagement by implementing student-centered classroom management techniques to foster academic curiosity.
- Administered and graded class tests to evaluate student progress and comprehension.
- Involved parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
Co-Coordinator
Youth Lacrosse Program
Philadelphia, NY
02.2014 - Current
- Co-coordinated a youth lacrosse program to provide opportunities for children to learn, play, and grow through the sport of lacrosse.
- Established a Board of Directors to oversee program operations and ensure long-term sustainability.
- Played a key role in organizing decision-making processes and securing financial support for program activities.
Kindergarten Teacher
Evans Mills Primary School
Evans Mills, NY
08.2021 - 06.2025
- Conduct small group and individualized classroom activities based on differentiated learning needs to support diverse learners.
- Collaborate with administrators, parents, and teachers to design and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
- Foster a classroom environment conducive to learning, promoting student engagement and academic growth.
- Develop and integrate learning strategies for students with learning disabilities to enhance their classroom success.
- Plan and implement curriculum-based instruction aligned with New York State Learning Standards.
Administrative Intern
Indian River Central School District
Evans Mills, NY
12.2024 - 06.2025
- Leadership Support: Assisted in developing and implementing school-wide programs and initiatives.
- Policy Implementation: Supported the enforcement of district policies and procedures.
- Program Coordination: Collaborated with staff to oversee special education, extracurricular, or integrated Pre-K programs.
- Data Management: Collected, analyzed, and presented data for decision-making and reporting purposes.
- Communication: Acted as a liaison between administration, staff, parents, and community members.
- Facility Management: Participated in reviewing and improving the use of school facilities.
- Professional Development: Supported staff training sessions and workshops.
- Student Support: Assisted in addressing student concerns, including discipline, academic progress, and well-being.
Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT)
Little Lukes Preschool Center
Watertown, NY
11.2019 - 03.2022
- Provided home-based support to preschool students with behavioral, social-emotional, speech, language, or developmental delays, equipping them with skills for classroom success.
- Delivered remote learning lessons tailored to individual student needs.
- Collaborated with administrators, parents, and therapists to create and implement IEPs, ensuring holistic support for student development.
Special Education Teacher
Theresa Primary School
Theresa, NY
08.2018 - 06.2021
- Partnered with administrators, parents, and educators to develop and implement IEPs, ensuring individualized support for student success.
- Designed and applied effective learning strategies for students with learning disabilities, fostering academic improvement.
- Conducted resource room lessons using Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI) to improve reading and comprehension skills.
- Facilitated small group and individualized classroom activities to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Led resource classes, ensuring targeted support for students requiring additional assistance.
Owner/Operator
Sweet Peas Daycare
Philadelphia, NY
01.2012 - 08.2018
- Provide a safe & happy place for children where they can learn & grow physically, emotionally, intellectually, & socially at their own pace.
- Establish positive, respectful and professional relationships with the children, parents, licensor's, and childcare community.
Education
Post-Master's Certificate - Educational Leadership
Stony Brook University
NY06.2025
Master of Science for Teachers - Childhood Education
SUNY Potsdam
NY01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
SUNY Cobleskill
NY01.2015
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Jefferson Community College
NY01.2013
Skills
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Individualized Education Plans
- Parent engagement
- Data analysis
- Student assessment
- Collaborative teamwork
- Diversified instruction
- Individualized learning
- Social-emotional learning
- Special education
- Problem-solving skills
- Parent-teacher communication
- Lesson planning
- Team collaboration
- Technology integration
- Relationship building
- Verbal and written communication
- Time management
- Positive reinforcement
Certification
- NYS Initial School Building Leader
- NYS Professional Teaching Certification
- Early Childhood Education (Grades Birth - Grade 2)
- Childhood Education (Grades 1-6)
- Advanced Certificate in Special Education, Grades 1-6, Birth - Grade 2
Volunteer Experience
Youth Lacrosse Program Co-Coordinator, Co-coordinated a youth lacrosse program to provide opportunities for children to learn, play, and grow through the sport of lacrosse., Established a Board of Directors to oversee program operations and ensure long-term sustainability., Played a key role in organizing decision-making processes and securing financial support for program activities.
Languages
English, Fluent
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Third Grade Teacher
Indian River Central School
08.2025 - Current
Administrative Intern
Indian River Central School District
12.2024 - 06.2025
Kindergarten Teacher
Evans Mills Primary School
08.2021 - 06.2025
Special Education Itinerant Teacher (SEIT)
Little Lukes Preschool Center
11.2019 - 03.2022
Special Education Teacher
Theresa Primary School
08.2018 - 06.2021
Co-Coordinator
Youth Lacrosse Program
02.2014 - Current
Owner/Operator
Sweet Peas Daycare
01.2012 - 08.2018
Post-Master's Certificate - Educational Leadership
Stony Brook University
Master of Science for Teachers - Childhood Education
SUNY Potsdam
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
SUNY Cobleskill
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Jefferson Community College
Similar Profiles
Laura K. CorrellLaura K. Correll
Childhood Education Substitute Teacher at Indian River School District, Indian River Central School DistrictChildhood Education Substitute Teacher at Indian River School District, Indian River Central School District
Tammy PutnamTammy Putnam
Reading Specialist at Indian River Central School DistrictReading Specialist at Indian River Central School District
Mariah RorickMariah Rorick
Volunteer Work at Indian River Central SchoolVolunteer Work at Indian River Central School
Jason HauserJason Hauser
Warehouse Associate at Border StatesWarehouse Associate at Border States
Dana HanniDana Hanni
Director at STARBASE Fort DrumDirector at STARBASE Fort Drum