Laura Crowder
Lexington,VA
Summary
Compassionate Reading Teacher with an astute understanding of evidence based literacy lesson planning and individualized literacy strategies. Looking to bring further success to our school district by positively engaging students both in small groups and individually based upon student needs through appropriate reading interventions.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
4th Grade Reading Teacher
Augusta County Public Schools
08.2015 - Current
- Improved student reading comprehension, phonological and phonemic awareness by implementing evidence-based instructional strategies and differentiated instruction (Heggerty, OG Morphology, PAST resource, etc).
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular units, enhancing students' understanding of the relationship between subjects.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students and maintaining clear expectations for behavior and academic performance.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative assessments, providing timely feedback and adjusting instruction as needed.
- Supported English Language Learners by modifying lesson plans, providing targeted support during small group instruction, and collaborating with ESL teachers to address individual needs.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to the needs of special education students.
- Collaborated with teachers, therapists, guidance counselors and Special Education teachers to develop individualized educational plans for identified students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through morning meetings and collaborative learning experiences.
- Increased parent involvement in their child's education by maintaining open communication lines and hosting regular parent-teacher conferences.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers as well as a Clinical Faculty-trained cooperating teacher for student teachers, sharing expertise and providing guidance on effective classroom management techniques and instructional strategies.
- Contributed to school improvement initiatives by actively participating in professional development opportunities such as OG Morphology, OG Comprehensive, LETRS Volume 1 and currently taking LETRS Volume 2.
- As grade level team leader, led and participated in grade-level team meetings focused on data analysis of student performance, allowing teachers to identify areas of strength and weakness within their classrooms.
- Collaborated with Reading teachers in other grade levels to enable vertical alignment of standards taught.
5th Grade Teacher
Buena Vista City Public Schools
08.2014 - 07.2015
- Improved classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and setting clear expectations for behavior.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods, including visual aids, group activities, and hands-on experiences.
- Planned and implemented cross-curricular project based learning
- Planned and implemented field trips
- Planned and implemented units based on Table of Specification assessments
- Coached cheerleading at the middle school level.
3rd Grade Teacher
Buena Vista City Public Schools
08.2013 - 08.2014
- Held parent/teacher conferences
- Communicated with parents weekly
- Planned and implemented aligned lesson plans driven by formative and summative assessment data
- Planned and implemented intervention and enrichment lesson plans driven by formative and summative assessment data.
- School Improvement Team member
Lead Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist
Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center
08.2009 - 08.2011
- Provided intense one-on-one therapy in a private day school setting as well as the local public school system
- Implemented applied behavior analysis utilizing methods such as discrete trial therapy, verbal behavior, task analyses and a variety of behavior protocols
- Executed specialized services for children in their homes as well as in-home training for parents
- Utilized communication systems such as Picture Exchange Communication System and American Sign Language
- Incorporated visual schedules, activity schedules, play skills, social skills, transition planning, and community outings into daily routine
- Administered ABLLS (Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills) testing and VAAP (Virginia Alternate Assessment Program) goals
- Coached ABA therapists during implementation of behavior protocols
- Supervised ABA therapists during implementation of programs, summation of data, daily upkeep of program books, and following a student's Individualized Education Program.
Education
Master of Arts in Teaching -
Mary Baldwin College
Staunton, VA05.2013
Youth Ministry and Bible and Religion -
King College
Bristol, TN01.2009
Skills
- Evidence-based Literacy Instruction and Resource Implementation
- IEP Understanding
- Individualized and Small Group Support
- Orton Gillingham Expertise
- Student Remediation and Intervention Strategies
- Assessment Tools
- Parent-Teacher Collaboration
- Progress Monitoring
- Phonics Instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Collaborating with Colleagues
- Professional Development
Training
LETRS Volume 1, LETRS Volume 2, Orton Gillingham Comprehensive, Orton Gillingham Morphology
Additional References
- Patti Cook, (540) 319-3543, Administrative Director at Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center
- Beverly Taylor, (540) 292-3951, former 4th grade teacher, Stump Elementary
- Cathleen Holdsworth, (540) 943-4759, former 4th grade teacher, Stump Elementary
Timeline
4th Grade Reading Teacher
Augusta County Public Schools
08.2015 - Current
5th Grade Teacher
Buena Vista City Public Schools
08.2014 - 07.2015
3rd Grade Teacher
Buena Vista City Public Schools
08.2013 - 08.2014
Lead Applied Behavioral Analysis Therapist
Blue Ridge Autism and Achievement Center
08.2009 - 08.2011
Master of Arts in Teaching -
Mary Baldwin College
Youth Ministry and Bible and Religion -
King College