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, IL06.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Dance, Teaching And Performance Choreography
Columbia College Chicago
Chicago, IL06.1998
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
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