Kristina Zellner
Lead Preschool Teacher
Omaha,NE
Summary
Experienced early childhood educator with strong focus on creating engaging, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning environments. Skilled in classroom management, and fostering positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues. Committed to supporting emotional, social and the academic development of young children. Conducts activities and lessons designed to stimulate learning and creativity while fostering supportive and inclusive classroom environment. Attends professional development trainings, faculty meetings and parent-teacher conferences to remain connected to the needs of children and parents.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Teacher
Nelson Mandela ECDC
08.2020 - Current
- Lead teacher
- I supervise and teach 16 4/5 yr olds
- Responsible for preparing and executing weekly lesson plans
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Responsible for creating an inclusive classroom environment
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
Family Support Specialist
NOVA
04.2020 - 08.2020
- I transported children to and from their visits with their families
- Documented how the visit went and provided assistance and referrals to families
Assistant Director
Elg Childcare Ltd
Omaha, NE
08.2018 - 10.2019
- Supervised 8 staff made sure program ran smoothly
- Catered to both child and families
- Worked with children ages 6 weeks to 13 yrs
- Implemented lesson plans that supported social and emotional support, math and science and art
- Provided a safe, healthy and loving environment for all we served
- Implemented effective conflict resolution strategies for resolving issues among faculty members or between students.
- Fostered a positive school culture by promoting open communication among staff members and celebrating successes together as a team.
Associate Teacher
Educare of Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
08.2006 - 08.2018
- Used Creative Curriculum as tool to teach the children
- Took daily observations on the children as a assessment tool
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Helped lead teacher set up and manage classroom and outdoor activities.
- Supported lead teacher in managing classroom behavior by implementing effective discipline strategies, maintaining a focused learning environment for all students.
- Built and maintained productive relationships between students, teachers and parents.
- Assisted lead teacher in designing engaging lesson plans that catered to diverse learners'' needs and abilities.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents through consistent communication about their child''s progress, addressing concerns proactively and working together towards shared goals for student success.
- Maintained consistent classroom schedule with wide range of experiences.
Teacher's Assistant
CFDC (Headstart)
Omaha, NE
01.1998 - 01.2006
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
- Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
- Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lecture plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.
- Encouraged small groups to discuss topics and explore concepts through hands-on activities.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education K-8
Midland University
Omaha, NE 06.2025 - Current
Skills
- Childcare
Positive role model and mentor
Relationship building
Team building
Lesson planning
Student engagement
Classroom instruction
Curriculum implementation
- Experience with Children
- Early Childhood Education
- Classroom Management
- Classroom Management
- Teaching
Certification
CPR Certification
Timeline
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education K-8
Midland University
06.2025 - Current
Teacher
Nelson Mandela ECDC
08.2020 - Current
Family Support Specialist
NOVA
04.2020 - 08.2020
Assistant Director
Elg Childcare Ltd
08.2018 - 10.2019
Associate Teacher
Educare of Omaha
08.2006 - 08.2018
Teacher's Assistant
CFDC (Headstart)
01.1998 - 01.2006
CPR Certification
First Aid Certification
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