Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Lara Pendergast

Clinton Corners,NY

Summary

Educator at heart who has been blessed to take a leave of absence and raise three amazing children. I have spent 14 years in the classroom, in an elementary and middle school setting.

During their younger years, I was fortunate to start and build a stationery business that allowed me to work from home and be the primary caregiver for our family. As the years have passed and our children have grown, I am dreaming about entering the education field again. Kindergarten has always been where I have wanted to be.

I am a nurturing educator with extensive classroom management and curriculum development experience. Proven ability to enhance student learning through innovative teaching techniques and individualized attention. Demonstrated skills in fostering a positive learning environment and effectively communicating with students, parents, and colleagues.

Organization and structure come naturally to me which helps to create a wonderful learning environment. My children attend Rhinebeck Schools and I have been happy to be a part of their education through the years, working closely with each of their teachers to offer assistance in planning/trips/events.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Owner

Sweet Bella Stationery
10.2008 - Current
  • Designed and launched unique stationery products to enhance brand offerings.
  • Managed end-to-end operations, ensuring high-quality standards in product creation.
  • Developed strategic marketing campaigns to increase customer engagement and sales.
  • Oversaw financial management, including budgeting and expense tracking for profitability.
  • Managed day-to-day business operations.

Sixth Grade Middle School Teacher

Haldane Middle School
09.2003 - 06.2013
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
  • Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation and collaboration.
  • Utilized diverse instructional strategies to accommodate varying learning styles and abilities.
  • Assessed student progress through regular evaluations, providing targeted feedback for improvement.
  • Collaborated with staff to enhance interdisciplinary projects, promoting holistic student learning experiences.
  • Organized extracurricular activities that enriched students' social skills and community involvement.
  • Analyzed student performance data to identify trends and drive instructional adjustments for enhanced outcomes.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities into lessons.
  • Developed strong rapport with students, fostering a supportive classroom environment where all learners felt comfortable and confident.
  • Contributed to a positive school culture by participating in faculty committees and supporting school-wide initiatives.
  • Organized field trips that connected classroom content to real-world experiences, deepening student understanding of subject matter.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, enriching the overall learning experience for students.
  • Nurtured a love for reading among students by creating an inviting classroom library with diverse literature selections.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, tailoring lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning needs and styles.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with educational trends, enhancing instructional techniques and curriculum planning.
  • Established clear expectations for behavior, promoting a respectful learning environment conducive to academic success.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.

Academic Support Teacher

Putnam Valley Middle School
09.2000 - 06.2003
  • Led curriculum development to enhance student learning outcomes and engagement.
  • Mentored junior staff in instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
  • Implemented innovative teaching methods to improve academic support services.
  • Coordinated educational programs to align with institutional goals and standards.
  • Analyzed student performance data to drive targeted intervention plans.
  • Developed individualized learning plans catering to diverse student needs.
  • Collaborated with faculty to integrate technology into academic support initiatives.
  • Boosted student engagement and motivation through interactive and collaborative learning experiences.
  • Developed individualized learning plans for diverse learners, ensuring all students had access to appropriate resources and support.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lesson plans according to each student''s unique needs, leading to greater success in the classroom.
  • Strengthened parent-teacher communication by conducting regular meetings and providing timely feedback on student progress.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Bachelor in Elementary Education

Pace University
Pleasantville, NY
05-2020

Master of Science - Master's Degree in Special Education K-12

Mercy University
Yorktown Heights, NY
05-2004

High School Diploma -

Walter Panas High School
Cortlandt Manor, NY
06-1995

Skills

  • Classroom management
  • Relationship building
  • Lesson planning
  • Motivating students
  • Student engagement
  • Behavior management
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Positive role model and mentor
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Collaborative learning

Accomplishments

Certified Elementary Education Teacher Preschool - 6th Grade


Certified Special Education Teacher Preschool-12th Grade


Minor in Mathematics from Pace University


Implemented and led students through St Jude's Mathathon for 12 years (raising money for the hospital)


Team leader for our 6th grade team for 5 consecutive years.


Planned and organized trips on the Hudson River to piggyback with our curriculum.


Led STEM workshops after school, including bridge design and building.



Certification

New York State Teacher Certification Preschool-Sixth Grade

Special Education Certification Preschool-12th Grade

Timeline

Owner

Sweet Bella Stationery
10.2008 - Current

Sixth Grade Middle School Teacher

Haldane Middle School
09.2003 - 06.2013

Academic Support Teacher

Putnam Valley Middle School
09.2000 - 06.2003

Bachelor of Science - Bachelor in Elementary Education

Pace University

Master of Science - Master's Degree in Special Education K-12

Mercy University

High School Diploma -

Walter Panas High School

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