Kourtney Kraus
Kindergarten Teacher
Virginia Beach,Virginia
Summary
Knowledgeable Kindergarten Teacher with proven track record in early childhood education. Developed engaging lesson plans and fostered nurturing classroom environment, enhancing student learning and development. Demonstrated strong communication and classroom management skills. Committed to loving and molding young minds with 10+ years of experience working with large groups of children ages ranging from Infancy-18.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
06.2022 - Current
- Implemented and adapted teaching methodologies for inclusive classrooms to support diverse learning needs over a three-year period.
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans to foster early childhood development.
- Cultivated a nurturing classroom environment promoting social, emotional, and academic growth.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student learning and address behavioral challenges.
- Assessed student progress through observations and assessments to tailor instructional strategies.
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Engaged with instructional specialists to evaluate assessment data, ensuring alignment with students' educational requirements.
Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Assisted lead teacher in developing and implementing engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Supported classroom management by fostering positive behavior and encouraging student participation.
- Provided individualized attention to students, enhancing their learning experience and academic progress.
- Collaborated with teachers to assess student needs and adapt instructional materials accordingly.
- Led small group sessions to reinforce learning concepts and improve literacy and numeracy skills among students.
Virtual Kindergarten Substitute
11.2020 - 06.2021
- Knowledge and use of Google Slides, Seesaw, Schoology, Smarty Ants, and other virtual presentation technology
- Responsible for implementing curriculum to teach up-to-date technology to 27 students
- Development and implementation experience with differentiating small groups
- Work closely with family to keep home to school communication transparent and productive
- Reported to parents and administration on student progress
- Observed students to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Introduced both fiction and non-fiction read aloud literature to stimulate imagination and build comprehension and vocabulary.
- Delivered structured lessons on readiness skills by emphasizing phonics, language skills, literature, and handwriting.
- Cultivated community and encouraged interpersonal relationships between students to build social and emotional skills
IT Specialist | Director
Brilliant Beginnings Learning Center
09.2017 - 07.2020
- Responsible for creating a welcoming and safe environment for families and staff.
- Weekly Facebook updates with activities for parents.
- Proficient in Virginia State Licensing Standards
- Assisted in the development of trainings for teachers.
- Organized files, documents, and the center’s food program.
- Recorded and Entered data weekly (enrollment, menus, etc.)
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents.
- Conducted New Enrollment Parent Tours and Orientations
- Networked with other Organizations.
- Website Design and Maintenance
- Online curriculum production
- Online education integration
Assistant Director
Brilliant Beginnings Learning Center
12.2015 - 09.2017
- Lead Three Year Old and Pre-K Teacher
- Prepare four year olds for kindergarten based on the kindergarten assessment test
- Encourage the discussion of faith and the exploration of God
- Prepare lesson plans that encourage independent learning and development in phonics, math, science, and social studies
Lead Two Year Old Teacher
Appletree Learning Center
08.2012 - 03.2013
- Worked in a team environment to love and care for 24 children
- Created innovative and age appropriate lesson plans and participated in various trainings
- Encouraged hands on learning and development
Education
Pk-6 Teaching Certificate - Elementary Education
University of Virginia At Wise
Wise, VA12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Child Psychology
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA08-2013
Skills
- Counseling: Served as student mentor and counselor for students at Coastal Community Church and Young Life When personal adjustments arose, met with guardians to reach solutions
- Material Development: Created daily lesson plans and month-long series targeting preschool and high school students to create an engaging educational experience Created and facilitated trainings for staff Created documents for programming
- Communication: Frequent parent and teacher meetings Age appropriate communication with children Proficient in communicating policies and state licensing regulations Frequent Collaboration with colleagues and instructional coaches
- Leadership: Brilliant Beginnings 2019 Director of the Year, High Level Volunteer at Coastal Community Church, Fundraiser Coordinator, IT Specialist, and Event Planner for Brilliant Beginnings, Avid Action Team, PTA Staff Representative, Sunshine Committee Member, Math in Movement, United Way Champion
- Creative lesson plan development
- Experience with instructional design
- Teaching, tutoring and counseling
- Curriculum planning
- Strong ability to collaborate
- Passionately Motivational
- Interactive teaching/learning
- Positive reinforcement
- Classroom management
Certification
LETRS certified
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
06.2022 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher Assistant
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2021 - 06.2022
Virtual Kindergarten Substitute
11.2020 - 06.2021
IT Specialist | Director
Brilliant Beginnings Learning Center
09.2017 - 07.2020
Assistant Director
Brilliant Beginnings Learning Center
12.2015 - 09.2017
Lead Two Year Old Teacher
Appletree Learning Center
08.2012 - 03.2013
Pk-6 Teaching Certificate - Elementary Education
University of Virginia At Wise
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Child Psychology
Regent University