Kelly Leja
South Lyon,Michigan
Summary
Dedicated Educator with 18 years of success creating positive, inviting and safe learning environments. Fosters strong relationships within the classroom, with families, and colleagues. Caters curriculum to meet diverse needs and individualizes lesson plans to address differentiated learning. Skillfully selects classroom materials to foster exploration of developmentally appropriate concepts and skills.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Teacher
South Lyon Community Schools
2017.08 - Current
- Taught 1st, 2nd, and 2nd/3rd split grade level classrooms
- Training: SeeSaw, Google Classroom, Literacy FootPrints Guided Reading, Cereal City Science, Eureka Squared Math
- Leadership Positions: Building Leadership committee member (PBIS), Social Studies Subject Area Committee member, SLEA district delegate, and district elementary teacher representative for the Snapshot Of Our Learners Development Committee
- 2021-2022 Salem Elementary Teacher of the Year
- Implemented district-approved curriculum, materials and instructional methods to support academic achievement and student personal development
- Documented student progress, attendance and behavior to retain records per district policies
- Tracked student data with M-STEP, NWEA, DRA, and individual reading plans
- Delivered small group and individual instruction to allocate attention and build rapport with students.
Elementary and Middle School Teacher
LAMPHERE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2009.08 - 2017.06
- Taught 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade, as well as 6th grade Language Arts
- Training: Visible Thinking, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: The Leader in Me
- Leadership roles in implementing restorative practices within our building, developing school-wide multiaged meetings, and integrating non-fiction writing across the content areas
- Track data and assess students using the M-STEP, NWEA, Fountas & Pinnell, and STAR testing assessments.
Middle School English Teacher
ST. FABIAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
2006.08 - 2009.06
- Taught sixth grade English and Literature and seventh grade Literature
- Further developed fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary skills
- Taught the writing process throughout various genres of writing
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
METRO CHARTER ACADEMY
2006.01 - 2006.06
- Taught 7th and 8th grade Language Arts and 3rd grade
- Kept accurate records of student achievement while classroom teachers were on leave
Student Teacher
BRIGHTON AREA SCHOOLS
2005.08 - 2005.12
- Taught daily lessons in all content areas according to the district's 4th grade curriculum
- Designed and taught a three week unit on the literary genre of legends
- Participated in staff meetings and professional development opportunities through Brighton Area Schools.
Student Teacher
HOLLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, HOLLAND HEIGHTS FOCUS SCHOOL
2005.01 - 2005.04
- Assisted 3rd grade teacher while working with students in small groups, whole-class, and individually
- Interacted with students ranging from high learning levels to at-risk students.
Substitute Teacher
OTTAWA AREA ISD AND WAYNE COUNTY RESA
2004.09 - 2005.06
- Worked in K-12 classrooms including split grade level classrooms, art, music, computers, and special education
- Worked in the following districts: Melvindale-Northern Allen Park, Taylor, Allendale, Coopersville, Grand Haven, Hudsonville, and Jenison.
Education
Master of Arts -
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN DEARBORN
Dearborn, Michigan12.2007
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Allendale, Michigan12.2005
High School Diploma - undefined
DEARBORN HIGH SCHOOL
Dearborn, Michigan06.2002
Skills
- Creating engaging curriculum
- Fostering a safe environment
- Utilizing daily restorative circles
- Teaching small groups
- Differentiating instruction
- Team collaboration
- Family communication
Certification
Michigan State Professional Education Certificate, K-5 All Subjects (K-8 SCC), Language Arts (grades 6-8), Reading Specialist (K-12)
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Elementary Teacher
South Lyon Community Schools
2017.08 - Current
Elementary and Middle School Teacher
LAMPHERE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
2009.08 - 2017.06
Middle School English Teacher
ST. FABIAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
2006.08 - 2009.06
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
METRO CHARTER ACADEMY
2006.01 - 2006.06
Student Teacher
BRIGHTON AREA SCHOOLS
2005.08 - 2005.12
Student Teacher
HOLLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, HOLLAND HEIGHTS FOCUS SCHOOL
2005.01 - 2005.04
Substitute Teacher
OTTAWA AREA ISD AND WAYNE COUNTY RESA
2004.09 - 2005.06
Master of Arts -
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN DEARBORN
Bachelor of Arts - undefined
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
High School Diploma - undefined
DEARBORN HIGH SCHOOL
Michigan State Professional Education Certificate, K-5 All Subjects (K-8 SCC), Language Arts (grades 6-8), Reading Specialist (K-12)
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