Laura Velez-O'Donnell
Cochecton,NY
Summary
Dedicated, certified educator with demonstrated ability to motivate and engage students in learning. Manages diverse classrooms virtually and in person, assessing student progress and developing positive relationships with students and parents. Focuses on building literacy awareness through all subject areas, Creates engaging curriculum using a variety of instructional resources and technology tools that are comprehensive and promotes independent student inquiry.
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, energetic and 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. Elementary School Teacher with expertise in differentiated learning. Experienced in developing lesson plans to meet district and state standards. Confidently offers classroom instruction and personalized student support using balance of traditional and modern approaches.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Virtual Elementary Teacher
Proximity Learning
08.2021 - Current
- Creates diverse, differentiated curriculum lessons that provides opportunities for students to learn content through multiple representations/activities, with effective, interactive technological tools and resources.
- encorporates 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.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement
Virtual Literacy Teacher
Wisdom Learning
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Online literacy teacher to grades 1st through 5th
- 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
First Grade Teacher
Corpus Christi School
01.2019 - 01.2020
- 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.
First/Second Multi-Grade Teacher
Corpus Christi School
01.2018 - 01.2019
- 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
First Grade Teacher
Corpus Christi School
01.2017 - 01.2018
- 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.
Lead Universal Pre-K Teacher
Corpus Christi School
01.2014 - 01.2017
- 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.
Education
Master of Science Literacy Education -
2013
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education and History
2004
Skills
- Curriculum Review and Lesson Preparation
- Technology Integration
- Instructional Planning
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Multimedia Instruction
- Innovative Teaching Methods
- Literacy Program Development
- Critical Thinking
- Interactive Learning
- Instructional Planning
- Language Skills Development
- Team Collaboration
- Educational Materials
- IEP Familiarity
Certification
- [Area of certification], [Company Name] - [Timeframe]
Timeline
Virtual Elementary Teacher - Proximity Learning
08.2021 - Current
Virtual Literacy Teacher - Wisdom Learning
01.2020 - 01.2021
First Grade Teacher - Corpus Christi School
01.2019 - 01.2020
First/Second Multi-Grade Teacher - Corpus Christi School
01.2018 - 01.2019
First Grade Teacher - Corpus Christi School
01.2017 - 01.2018
Lead Universal Pre-K Teacher - Corpus Christi School
01.2014 - 01.2017
Hunter College - Master of Science Literacy Education,
Hunter College - Bachelor of Arts, Elementary Education and History