Laura Velez-O'Donnell

Creates diverse, interesting lessons across all curricular subjects, that provide opportunities for students to learn content through multiple representations/activities, with effective technological tools and resources

• Advanced learning techniques by using differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate student needs.
• Expert at utilizing Canvas, Zoom, Nearpod, Easel, and many other digital learning platforms
• Creates an engaging, respectful learning environment, where students thrive in an encouraging, challenging environment.
• Monitors and evaluates student progress through regular assessments and observations.

• Online literacy teacher to grades 1st through 4th
• Utilized Zoom, Google Classroom, Google Meet, Reading A to Z, and other interactive internet resources, to teach reading and writing in conjunction with grade appropriate learning standards
• Created weekly interactive reading and writing curriculum, that encompassed literacy fluency, vocabulary, phonics, sentence/paragraph structure, parts of speech, fiction/ non-fiction/poetry reading and writing activities and interactive comprehension discussions
• Graded weekly assessments
• Weekly correspondence with parents about progress

• Planned and conducted inquiry based activities for a balanced curriculum of student driven instruction, demonstration, and work time, that provided students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate
• Developed differentiated lesson plans that ensured the attainment of state learning standards through connective, authentic learning opportunities
• Addressed individual needs of all students through long term and short term planning
• Collaborated with other staff members to plan and schedule meaningful learning opportunities following approved curricula
• Maintained a classroom atmosphere conducive to inquiry based learning
• Implemented a variety of instructional strategies to meet lesson goals and keep students interested in topics
• Used formal and informal assessments to evaluate progress of each student against course goals
• Connected regularly with parents via mobile applications, student nights, and one-on-one meetings to discuss their child's academic and social progression, to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs
• Adapted easily to changing directives and new technologies to give each student optimal educational opportunities and support
• Provided technological support to students and parents.

• Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
• Prepared students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks
• Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior, social development, and physical health
• Prepared, administered, and graded authentic tests and assignments to evaluate students' progress
• Implemented Map evaluations and used results to create differentiated, evolving, small groups in literacy and Math
• Helped my students foster creativity, collaboration, a sense of social responsibility and meaningful problem-solving skills by providing deep, interdisciplinary, sensory-rich learning experiences throughout all subject areas: English Language Arts, Math, Social
• Studies, and Science
• Maintained a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning
• Connected regularly with parents via mobile applications, student nights, and one-on-one meetings to discuss their child's academic and behavioral progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs
• Integrated technology as a tool for further explorations across curriculum subjects

• Planned and conducted activities for a balanced, inquiry based program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provided students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate
• Developed differentiated lesson plans that ensured the attainment of state learning standards through authentic learning ventures
• Addressed individual needs of all students through long term and short term planning
• Collaborated with other staff members to plan and schedule meaningful learning opportunities following approved curricula
• Administered standardized ability and achievement tests and interpreted results to determine student strengths and areas of need
• Maintained a classroom atmosphere conducive to inquiry based learning
• Implemented a variety of inquiry based, instructional strategies to foster students' interest and investigations
• Used formal and informal assessments to evaluate progress of each student's understanding and growth
• Connected regularly with parents via mobile applications, student nights, and one-on-one meetings to discuss their child's academic and behavioral progress and to determine priorities for their children and their resource needs.

• Planned and implemented emergent, creative, developmentally appropriate, and child- centered, multi-sensory curriculum addressing UPK learning standards
• Differentiated multi-sensory, centers based curriculum and teaching approaches, based on the needs, interests, behaviors and developmental levels of each individual child
• The arts were integrated throughout curriculum: music and movement, visual arts, etc
• Completed and oversaw Creative Curriculum, classroom documentation: portfolios, anecdotal observations, developmental checklists
• Students participated in hands-on, inquiry and natural explorations: visual arts, literacy, science, math, music and movement
• Collaborated with assistant teacher and other UPK teachers, exchanging ideas, best practices and support.