LAURA EMERICK
Marietta,GA
Summary
Seasoned, talented education professional with a collaborative mentality and passion for improving instruction for students with learning differences. Effective at developing and implementing differentiated instructional strategies to best serve the individual needs of students. Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of evidence-based teaching methods and differentiated instruction for elementary students with learning differences. Esteemed Educator and communicator proficient in Orton-Gillingham instruction and supporting individual student needs while instilling confidence and self-esteem.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Support Specialist (Literacy and English/Language Arts)
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
Marietta , GA
2019.07 - Current
- Create and implement differentiated lesson plans across three grade levels to provide academic support to students in the areas of reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, writing, and grammar
- Assess students routinely to determine progress, areas of focus, and appropriate instructional modifications
- Use formative and summative assessment data to determine next steps with curriculum and skill areas of focus
- Maintain accurate records of student assessment results and instructional interventions used
- Develop and deepen successful relationships with teachers in order to provide optimal support
- Collaborate with teachers to develop strategies for differentiating instruction based on the needs of individual students
- Use the Orton-Gillingham method to provide direct phonics instruction to younger students, and reinforce phonics concepts to enhance spelling skills for older students
- Encourage self-advocacy among students by providing them with opportunities to better understand their individual learning profile and needs as a student
- Implement evidence-based teaching methods and programs to provide multi-sensory, engaging instruction
- Establish positive relationships with families by regularly communicating with feedback, progress updates, and recommended tools nd strategies to help students at home
- Advocate for accommodations, assistive technology, and other methods in the general education classroom to differentiate where possible and meet individual student needs
- Provide tutoring sessions to help students develop literacy skills in one-on-one setting
- Assess potential new students and provide feedback to administration regarding enrollment
Lower School Lead Teacher
The Howard School
Atlanta , GA
2013.11 - 2019.06
- Wrote and implemented lesson plans to create an engaging learning environment where students build confidence and self-esteem
- Developed differentiated curriculum for fourth/fifth grade aged students (2013-2018) and first grade aged students (2019-2020) to target specific learning needs and differences
- Supervised and advised support teacher in academic instruction and unstructured social times with students
- Provided students with the opportunity to process social and emotional situations as they may arise, and worked with students to apply helpful strategies to assist with appropriate social expectations and skills
- Organized field experiences and hands-on activities to enhance learning, create connections, and engage students
- Regularly documented student progress (Seesaw) and curricular activities and plans (Rubicon Atlas)
- Guided students to understand their individual learning needs, encouraging self-advocacy.
Reading Therapist
Children’s Therapy Services
Leawood , KS
2013.01 - 2013.11
- Taught and mentored children using individualized lessons to enhance reading skills with the Orton-Gillingham multi-sensory approach and methods
- Provided parents and guardians with accommodation suggestions and feedback.
Assistant Director
Primrose School
Leawood , KS
2011.07 - 2013.11
- Managed 25+ staff to ensure best practices were established and routinely executed
- Planned and coordinated school-wide special events, field trips, and parent-teacher functions
- Communicated regularly with parents of enrolled students, prospective parents, and current teachers to answer various questions, to grow enrollment, and to enhance classroom instruction
- Implemented state guidelines and regulations to ensure safety of children and teachers.
Lead Teacher (First/Second Grade)
Swift School
Roswell , GA
2010.08 - 2011.06
- Responsible for lesson planning, parent/teacher communication, and other classroom duties
- Utilized small classroom ratios for an optimal learning environment
- Served on Accreditation Steering Committee for SAIS/SACS Accreditation.
Education
Certified Level Coursework Completion -
Orton-Gillingham Academy of Practitioners And Educ
2011-01
Associate Level Practioner Certification -
Orton-Gillingham Academy of Practitioners And Educators
2010-01
Currently working towards EBLI Interventionist Certification -
EBLI (Evidence Based Literacy Instruction)
Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Studies -
Auburn University
Skills
- Effective Verbal and Written Communication
- Leadership
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Program Research and Development
- Determination
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Attentiveness
- Trustworthiness
- Training And Mentoring
- Literacy support
- Diagnostic Assessment
- Prescriptive and Diagnostic Teaching
- Data collection and Analysis
- Instructional Best Practices
- Progress Monitoring
- Student Engagement
- Intervention strategies
- Small Group, Individualized, and differentiated Instruction
- Self Motivation
- Professionalism
Proficient In
- Microsoft Office
- Read & Write Assistive Technology Software
- Bookshare
- SORA
- Seesaw
- Comic Life
- Story Board That
- Inspiration
- Kidspiration
- IMovie
- SketchUp
- Rubicon Atlas
- Learning Ally
- Singapore Math
- Smart Notebook Smart Board Software
- Google Drive, Docs, Slides, Sheets, Pages
- Canva
- Procreate
- Mindmup
- Schoology
- Blackbaud
- Amplify- Dibels Data System
Professional Development
- GA IDA- February 2014
- Children’s School- Executive Functioning and the Brain June 2014
- Howard Institute- June 2014
- GAETC- November 2014
- ASCD Connect21- August 2015
- Read and Write Gold Training- August 2015
- Framing Your Thoughts Training- August 2016
- Darkness to Light Training- August 2016
- Singapore Math Training- August 2016
- 6+1 Trait Writing Institute-June 2017
- Rubicon Atlas Training- 2017, 2018, 2019
- NAIS Annual Conference- March 2018
- SAIS Academic Support Conference- January 2020
- Reading Simplified- January-April 2021
- Sonday System Phonics Program Training- May-July 2021
- Phonics for Reading Training- July 2022
- DIBELS 8th Edition Administration and Scoring Training (UO) October 2022
- Taste of EBLI Introductory Course- October 2023
- Open Court Reading Curriculum Training 2024
- EBLI Certification Course and Practicum- October 2023- Current
Activities
- Auburn University Order of Omega Greek Honors Society
- Rho Lambda National Sorority Leadership Recognition Society
- Delta Gamma President
- Delta Gamma Vice President; Member Education
- Auburn University Crew Team Secretary / Parent Coordinator
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Support Specialist (Literacy and English/Language Arts)
Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
2019.07 - Current
Lower School Lead Teacher
The Howard School
2013.11 - 2019.06
Reading Therapist
Children’s Therapy Services
2013.01 - 2013.11
Assistant Director
Primrose School
2011.07 - 2013.11
Lead Teacher (First/Second Grade)
Swift School
2010.08 - 2011.06
Certified Level Coursework Completion -
Orton-Gillingham Academy of Practitioners And Educ
Associate Level Practioner Certification -
Orton-Gillingham Academy of Practitioners And Educators
Currently working towards EBLI Interventionist Certification -
EBLI (Evidence Based Literacy Instruction)
Bachelor of Science in Human Development & Family Studies -
Auburn University
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