Kiara Haywood
132 Larkspur Drive, Albany,GA
Summary
Experienced elementary school teacher with a strong background in early childhood education, child development, and collaborative teaching methods. Equipped with LETRS/Science of Reading training, well-versed in the latest research-based strategies for teaching literacy. Skilled in developing comprehensive lesson plans that align with district and state standards, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education. Employs a balanced blend of traditional and modern approaches to confidently deliver engaging classroom instruction while providing personalized support to each student.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
West Town Elementary School
06.2024 - Current
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
- Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
- Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
- Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
- Developed strong relationships with families to address any concerns or issues impacting student success.
- Recognized children's physical, emotional and social needs for personalized support.
- Monitored and evaluated student progress through regular assessments and observations.
- Exercised good classroom management focused on positive behavior support by clearly articulating fair and consistent expectations along with appropriate natural consequences.
- Collaborated with other faculty and staff to promote rigorous learning opportunities, general well-being of school and collective interest of staff and student body.
- Fostered safe and welcoming classroom atmosphere, enabling students to feel valued and heard.
- Provided regular feedback to parents on their child's progress and areas for improvement through detailed report cards and parent-teacher conferences.
- Boosted students' understanding of basic math concepts with use of hands-on learning tools and activities.
- Implemented technology in classroom to aid learning, using educational apps and interactive whiteboards.
First Grade Teacher
West Town Elementary School
07.2023 - 06.2024
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Served on the PBIS Committee and aided with brainstorming ideas to enhance the current positive behavior system.
- Served on the school's Writing Committee. We highlighted our young authors with an "Author's Tea" and an Oratorical.
- Established strong relationships with parents through effective communication about their child''s academic progress and social-emotional development.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Developed students'' critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning activities and group projects.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
- Improved student reading comprehension by incorporating engaging phonics activities and guided reading sessions.
Kindergarten Teacher
SOUTH SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Collaborated with team members to plan engaging lessons
- Implemented Science of Reading (SOR) strategies
- Implemented developmentally appropriate lessons and activities
- Integrated literacy play into the curriculum
- Tracked RTI data and moved students from performing below grade level to at or above grade level.
- Fostered social-emotional growth in students through daily morning meetings, conflict resolution strategies, and character education lessons.
- Utilized various assessment strategies to evaluate student performance.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
First Grade Teacher
WESTVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.2019 - 07.2021
- Collaborated with team members to plan engaging lessons
- Implemented technology throughout content areas
- Integrated content areas to optimize instruction and student learning
- Effectively communicated with stakeholders and school leaders to assess student learning
- Piloted district's "Being a Writer" curriculum and tracked students' success.
- Taught Remote and Hybrid Learning during COVID.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
Kindergarten Teacher
MOUNT OLIVE PRIMARY SCHOOL
08.2012 - 07.2019
- Developed lesson plans by incorporating district curriculum guidelines and tailoring them to meet the needs of each student
- Works with a variety of students of diverse learning abilities and ethnic backgrounds
- Effectively communicates with school officials and parents regarding each students' progression or lack thereof
- Effectively asses students to gauge their learning progress, and implement research based strategies to help students reach their optimal learning ability
- Collaborates with a team of teachers across the district to develop district wide assessments and analyze previous testing data to develop more effective assessments
- Experience teaching ESL students
- Served on the district's curriculum team to help develop the district's pacing guide
- Served as a teacher mentor
- Mount Olive Primary's Teacher of the Year (204-2015)
- Member of the Early Leadership Institute- The team consisted of educators in their first five years of their teaching career
- This team worked with the RCEA (Russell County Education Association) to target issues new teachers faced, develop solutions, and help implement changes
- Implemented changes included developing a more effective orientation for new teacher and creating a better mentoring program.
Introduction to Center Life Instructor
Turner Job Corps Center
03.2011 - 07.2012
- Delivered classroom instruction to "at risk" students between the ages of 16-24
- Achieved and maintained design capacity of the center by participating in the pre-arrival call process to prospective students as assigned
- Welcomed students and assisted them in acclimating to center life
- Developed and implemented a course design that included Introduction to Center Life, student assessment (academics, interests, and abilities), career planning, navigating the labor market, career success standards, personal development skills, and health, safety, and permit training
- Managed a classroom using techniques demonstrating modeling, mentoring and monitoring of students' standards of conduct and promoting learning
- Creating, as well as maintaining a classroom environment that ensures that students acquire basic skills that will enhance job readiness and job search competencies while embracing career success standards, social skills, and complying with the standards of conduct
- Creating team building activities and enhanced students' awareness of multicultural diversity as well as strengthened their relationship as a team
- Responsible for introducing the concept as well as the importance of the Test of Adult Basic Education.
Education
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Troy State University
Online (Phenix City, AL)03.2024
Bachelor of Science - Childhood Education (P-6)
Auburn University Montgomery
Montgomery, AL05.2009
Judson College
Marion, AL08.2007
Skills
- Positive Behavior Techniques
- Student Testing
- Cooperative Learning Experience
- Lesson Planning
- Behavior Management
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Teacher Collaboration
- Multitasking and Organization
- Student-Centered Learning
- Parental Communication
- Classroom Management
Professional References
- Larry Saulsberry, (706) 527-808, Larry.saulsberry@lcsk12.org
- Sheila Baker, (706) 464-2192, baker-s@harris.k12.ga.us
- Lisa Rushing, (706) 332-9500, rushingl@russellcsd.net
- Ashley Bledsoe, (334) 497-1353, bledsoe.ashley@lee.k12.al.us
- Theresa Phillips, (334) 707-5650, phillips.theresa@lee.k12.al.us
Student Teaching
- Drake Middle School, Auburn, AL, Mrs. Shealy McKinnon, Sixth Grade Language Arts/Reading, 08/2009, 10/2009, Lead students in whole group as well as small group instruction, Implemented a positive discipline plan which promoted student responsibility, problem solving skills, and student accountability, Actively implemented centers, review games, and small group tutoring sessions during lunch to meet the learning needs of each individual student, Developed lessons that allowed students to be active participants in their own leaning, Thoroughly presented curriculum in a variety of ways that fit each students' individual learning style
- Cary Woods Elementary School, Auburn, AL, Mrs. Ashley McHugh, Second Grade, 10/2009, 12/2009, Lead students in whole group as well as small group instruction, Developed and taught literature circles to students on varying reading levels, Taught according to the guidelines of the State of Alabama, but also adapted lessons so that the activities could be more meaningful and hands-on, Regularly communicated with parents via email and newsletters to keep them informed and aware of their child's present and future class assignments and daily homework assignments
- Auburn University at Montgomery's Early Childhood Center, Auburn, AL, Practicum Pre-School Aged Children, Summer 2009, Developed and implemented thematic units weekly, Implemented lessons that involved cooperative learning, encouraged reading skills, promoted fine motor and movement skills, hands-on/minds-on experience, and positive disciplinary teaching
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
West Town Elementary School
06.2024 - Current
First Grade Teacher
West Town Elementary School
07.2023 - 06.2024
Kindergarten Teacher
SOUTH SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.2021 - 06.2023
First Grade Teacher
WESTVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
08.2019 - 07.2021
Kindergarten Teacher
MOUNT OLIVE PRIMARY SCHOOL
08.2012 - 07.2019
Introduction to Center Life Instructor
Turner Job Corps Center
03.2011 - 07.2012
Judson College
Master of Science - Elementary Education
Troy State University
Bachelor of Science - Childhood Education (P-6)
Auburn University Montgomery
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