Laura Blackledge
McKinney,Texas
Summary
Accomplished teacher successful in classroom management, student evaluations and test preparation. Proven history of improving student learning outcomes by adapting lesson plans to student needs. Dedicated to promoting academic performance and fostering social skills and character development.
Upbeat teacher devoted to promoting student learning and enhancing individual potential. Skillful in directing classroom environments and enhancing student behavior through positive and forward-thinking approaches. Caring relationship-builder with analytical mindset and good decision-making skills.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
2nd Grade Teacher
Imagine International Academy Of North Texas
07.2022 - Current
- Participated in professional development workshops and conferences to stay current on best practices in education, applying new ideas within the classroom setting.
- Developed and implemented engaging hands-on activities to reinforce learning concepts and cater to diverse learning styles.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues, fostering a strong support network for academic success.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Stayed abreast of new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Implemented a variety of instructional strategies to accommodate diverse learners while maintaining high expectations for all students.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at promoting a positive school culture focused on academic excellence and social-emotional growth for all students.
- Promoted critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities and group projects that challenged students intellectually.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
Special Education Paraprofessional
McKinney Independent School District
09.2014 - 07.2022
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance, and assessments.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in special education instruction and support services.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Enhanced students'' learning experiences by implementing individualized educational plans and adapting teaching methods for special needs students.
- Partnered with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other related service providers to ensure comprehensive support for each individual student''s growth and progress.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Facilitated social skills development through targeted group activities, promoting positive peer relationships and increased self-confidence among special education students.
- Encouraged students to participate in school activities and programs to promote well-roundedness and increase confidence.
- Alerted instructor to student behavior or issues requiring intervention.
- Served as a liaison between general education teachers and special education professionals, fostering collaborative relationships that benefitted all students involved.
- Utilized assistive technology tools strategically in order to facilitate increased independence among students with diverse learning needs.
- Observed students' performance and recorded relevant data to assess progress.
- Communicated with teachers and other district personnel to assist in evaluating progress and implementing IEP objectives.
- Supported faculty in implementing behavioral intervention plans to address challenging student behaviors.
- Responded to emergency situations to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct appropriate personnel for resolution.
- Collaborated with teachers and specialists to assess student progress.
- Helped feeding and daily living skills to support physical and emotional well-being.
- Maintained classroom equipment and work area to promote safe learning environment and meet mandated requirements.
- Worked with students to promote learning and pro-social development.
- Observed individuals or groups of students in variety of settings to maintain safe and positive learning environment.
- Delivered efficient instruction by assisting with lesson planning and materials preparation.
K-12 Substitute Teacher
McKinney Independent School District
02.2014 - 09.2014
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
After-School Care Provider
McKinney Independent School District
08.2012 - 02.2014
- Provided homework assistance, resulting in better understanding of subject material and increased confidence in students.
- Created a clean, organized environment that encouraged learning by keeping materials accessible to students at all times.
- Ensured timely pick-up of children from their classrooms at dismissal time, maintaining punctuality across the program schedule.
- Provided emotional support when needed, helping students navigate through challenging personal issues while fostering resilience and coping skills development.
After-School Teacher
Primrose Of East Allen
08.2008 - 05.2012
- Observed and monitored children's play activities to promote healthy, safe environment.
- Organized and supervised games and [Type] recreational activities to promote physical, mental and social development in children.
- Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a positive classroom environment conducive to learning.
- Prepared after-school enrichment activities for children to encourage student participation.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Tutored and assisted children in small groups of individuals to help master assignments and reinforce learning concepts.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying up-to-date on best practices in education and refining teaching skills.
- Enhanced student engagement by incorporating interactive activities and group projects into lesson plans.
- Organized extracurricular events and field trips, further enhancing the educational experience for students outside of the classroom setting.
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques, maintaining an orderly and focused learning environment.
- Organized and stored toys and classroom materials to maintain order in activity areas.
- Contributed positively to school culture by participating in committees and volunteering for various school events, promoting a sense of community among staff members and students.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
Education
No Degree - Alt-Certification Program
Texas Teachers
Houston, TXBachelor of Science - Psychology
Iowa State University
Ames, IA05.1999
Skills
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Problem-solving skills
- Relationship Building
- Reading Strategies
- Project-based learning
- Organizational Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Classroom Management
- Individualized Learning
- Math Instruction
- Literacy development
- Writing instruction
- Field Trip Organization
- Science Instruction
- Lesson Planning
- Differentiated Instruction
- Child Development
- Student-Centered Learning
- Patience and Persistence
- Safe, Positive Learning Environment
- Positive Behavior Techniques
- Multitasking and Organization
- Class Management
Certification
History 7-12
Social Studies 7-12 Training - the program will be complete with internship during 2024-2025 school year.
Timeline
2nd Grade Teacher
Imagine International Academy Of North Texas
07.2022 - Current
Special Education Paraprofessional
McKinney Independent School District
09.2014 - 07.2022
K-12 Substitute Teacher
McKinney Independent School District
02.2014 - 09.2014
After-School Care Provider
McKinney Independent School District
08.2012 - 02.2014
After-School Teacher
Primrose Of East Allen
08.2008 - 05.2012
No Degree - Alt-Certification Program
Texas Teachers
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Iowa State University
History 7-12
Social Studies 7-12 Training - the program will be complete with internship during 2024-2025 school year.
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