Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Laura Walters

Danville,CA

Summary

I am a focused and dedicated primary school educator with 7 years of experience. Passionate about educating children age 6 to 8 years using various activities and organizational tools. I am an expert at developing lesson plans and creating an engaging learning environment. I am versatile and dynamic teacher. I excel in environments requiring adaptability and creativity. At Saint John of the Cross, I would use my skills in classroom organization and student-centered learning, to successfully collaborate, developed, and implement an innovative educational lesson to significantly enhance student engagement and learning.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Teacher, Grade 1

Glenview School District 34
08.2007 - 06.2014
  • Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised lesson plans to meet educational objectives/targets.
  • Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development, sharing best practices when creating lesson plans.
  • Collaborated with resource teachers and learning specialists to develop individualized educational plans for students with IEP's, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
  • Taught core subjects of reading, writing, math, science, technology, and social studies.
  • Adapted lesson plans to meet the needs of diverse learners, ensuring all students were challenged appropriately and supported in their academic growth.
  • Implemented project-based learning activities, encouraging critical thinking skills and fostering creativity among students.
  • Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
  • Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
  • Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
  • Utilized formative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly for optimal learning outcomes.
  • Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Provided a warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
  • Incorporated social-emotional learning into daily lessons, promoting empathy, self-awareness, and responsible decision-making among students.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents, maintaining open communication to support student success both inside and outside the classroom.
  • Increased parent involvement through regular communication channels such as newsletters, conferences, and volunteer opportunities within the classroom.
  • Served on school committees focused on improving instructional practices and overall school culture, contributing valuable insights as a seasoned educator.
  • Participated in district and whole school wide teacher development workshops, participated in daily or bi-weekly co-planning meetings with my grade level team, PLC's, and weekly building meetings.
  • Served on the schools staff social committee.


Director of Dance Education

Oak Lawn Park District
08.1998 - 07.2007
  • Led team of dance instructors in creating comprehensive training programs for various skill levels.
  • Collaborated with fellow instructors to develop cohesive curriculum and performance schedules.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to share ideas and resources to enhance student experience and success.
  • Planned, prepared, and delivered lesson plans introducing students to many dance techniques such as, ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance.
  • Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves.
  • Monitored student progress and provided individualized instruction to meet student needs and goals.
  • Covered safety and health guidelines to avoid injury and inform students fully on risks associated with dance.
  • Worked closely with students and parents to increase positive feedback from parents and boost overall student success.
  • Adhered to studio guidelines and legal requirements.
  • Conducted classes and workshops for students on special topics of interest.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment, encouraging students to express themselves through dance.
  • Recognized and adapted to different learning styles to productively communicate and teach materials to all students.
  • Promoted creative expression to encourage students to explore dance as art and self expression through movement.
  • Planned routines for recitals and performances.
  • Coordinated studio-wide events such as open houses, auditions, and competitions to showcase talent and build camaraderie among dancers.
  • Managed recital preparations, ensuring smooth execution and memorable performances for all participants.
  • Assisted in budget planning for studio expenses such as costumes, props, music licensing fees.

Costume Coordinator

NightBlue Theater Performing Arts Company
07.2002 - 02.2016
  • Conducted research on historical periods and styles as needed, ensuring authentic representation in costumes created for period pieces.
  • Collaborated closely with directors and designers to understand their vision, translating it into tangible costume pieces.
  • Developed cost-effective sourcing strategies for costume materials, maintaining high-quality standards within budget constraints.
  • Assisted in creation of custom accessories that complemented overall costume design.
  • Developed creative solutions for unique character looks using available resources while adhering to design concepts provided by the director or designer.
  • Collaborated with hair and makeup departments to align looks with specific image plans during events.
  • Coordinated fittings and alterations schedules, ensuring timely completion of all costume requirements.
  • Determined proper shoes, jewelry, head wear, and other accessories to complement costumes.
  • Implemented organization systems for storage of costumes, reducing time spent searching for specific items during productions.
  • Facilitated seamless transitions between scenes by prepping costumes backstage during performances.
  • Assisted actors with quick changes, enabling smooth scene transitions without disruption to the stage performance.
  • Participated in production meetings regularly to stay updated on script changes and potential impact on costume requirements.
  • Maintained cleanliness of costumes by implementing proper care instructions, prolonging their lifespan over multiple performances or productions.
  • Monitored ongoing wear-and-tear of costumes and proactively addressed any necessary repairs or replacements.
  • Managed costume inventory for easy access, resulting in efficient rehearsal and performance processes.
  • Addressed any last-minute wardrobe malfunctions or adjustments promptly, preventing delays in showtime or rehearsals.
  • Maintained positive, professional attitude during rehearsal and performance process when dealing with difficult people during stressful moments.
  • Responsible for proper inventory check and storage of all items after the close of a production.

Education

Master of Arts - Elementary Education

DePaul University
Chicago, IL
06.2007

Bachelor of Arts - Dance, Teaching And Performance Choreography

Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL
06.1998

Skills

  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Child Development
  • Classroom Management
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Patience and Persistence
  • Student-Centered Learning

Timeline

Teacher, Grade 1

Glenview School District 34
08.2007 - 06.2014

Costume Coordinator

NightBlue Theater Performing Arts Company
07.2002 - 02.2016

Director of Dance Education

Oak Lawn Park District
08.1998 - 07.2007

Master of Arts - Elementary Education

DePaul University

Bachelor of Arts - Dance, Teaching And Performance Choreography

Columbia College Chicago
Laura Walters