Laura Whitson
Marion,IA
Summary
Positive and trustworthy leader as a Student Support Associate at Linn Mar Community Schools for the last 9 years providing care and instruction for students of different learning levels and backgrounds. Hardworking and passionate person with strong organizational and management skills. Eager to secure a School Administration Manager position that offers professional challenges that utilizes current interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills. A readiness to help students, staff and community achieve and maintain school goals. A sub for the previous School Facilitator. Responsibilities included planning and staff management. Demonstrated expertise in conflict resolution, interpersonal communication and fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Support Associate
Linn Mar Community Schools (Novak Elementary)
08.2015 - Current
- Managed positive relations with team members and staff through communication and helpful interactions.
- Promoted positive behavior by implementing consistent reinforcement strategies and setting clear expectations.
- Served as liaison between general education teachers and special education staff to facilitate collaboration on student support plans.
- Developed strong rapport with students by providing empathetic listening and authentic encouragement.
- Contributed to a supportive learning environment by actively participating in staff professional development initiatives.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Enhanced student support by effectively managing caseloads and addressing individual needs.
Substitute for School Facilitator
Linn Mar Community Schools (Novak Elementary)
10.2023 - 05.2024
- Conducted interviews with individuals for hiring of Student Support Associate positions.
- Addressed and resolved problems/issues in a timely manner.
- Treated students, staff, community members, and all other contacts fairly, equitably, and with dignity and respect.
- Assisted the principal with the safety and security of the building and maintained a safe environment for all students, staff, and the public.
- Kept the building principal informed of the building's activities and events as well as activities of an unusual nature.
- Maintained a positive rapport with students, staff, and community.
- Assumed responsibility for management of the school in the absence of the building principal.
- Maintained confidentiality in school operations.
- Ordered inventory and placed work orders.
- Attended court hearings to help parents with student attendance and provide a plan.
- Cooperated with and worked in a courteous manner with central office, co-workers and other personnel.
- Effectively communicate, collaborate, and cooperate with administration, colleagues, supervisors, and students.
- Participated in team meetings and activities as directed.
- Regular and reliable attendance.
Kitchen Supervisor/Lead Cook
All Saints School
08.2010 - 08.2015
- Trained new team members on kitchen procedures, safety protocols, and company standards.
- Responsible for computer generated reports, charts, schedules and managing inventory.
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering open communication and resolving conflicts in a timely manner.
- Elevated staff morale by fostering a supportive work atmosphere, recognizing achievements, and addressing performance concerns in a constructive manner.
Before and After School Care Supervisor/Preschool Assistant
College Community School District
01.1994 - 01.2004
- Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
- Enhanced communication within the team by holding regular meetings and encouraging open dialogue among all members.
- Created successful work schedules for each team member to maintain deadlines and fully staff shifts.
- Gathered, organized and input information into digital database.
Education
Clerical Administrative Degree
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IASkills
- Staff Management
- Organizational and Planning Skills
- Conflict resolution skills
- Document Preparation
- Leadership Qualities
- Collaborative and Team-Oriented
- Computer Skills and Resourcefulness
- Behavior Management
- Strong Student, Staff and Parent Relationships
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Certification
- Medication Administration in Iowa Schools Certificate
- Mandatory Reporter: Child Abuse
- CPR/First Aid
- Mandatory Reporter: Dependant Adult Abuse
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- CPI ( Seclusion and Restraint)
- ACES (Childhood Experiences: From Toxic Environmental Stresses to Success)
- Suicide Prevention and Postvention
- Scribes Training
Volunteer
Co-President of All Saints APT (PTO)
Honors
Linn Mar Lion Pride Award (2023)
Timeline
Substitute for School Facilitator
Linn Mar Community Schools (Novak Elementary)
10.2023 - 05.2024
Student Support Associate
Linn Mar Community Schools (Novak Elementary)
08.2015 - Current
Kitchen Supervisor/Lead Cook
All Saints School
08.2010 - 08.2015
Before and After School Care Supervisor/Preschool Assistant
College Community School District
01.1994 - 01.2004
Clerical Administrative Degree
Kirkwood Community College
- Medication Administration in Iowa Schools Certificate
- Mandatory Reporter: Child Abuse
- CPR/First Aid
- Mandatory Reporter: Dependant Adult Abuse
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- CPI ( Seclusion and Restraint)
- ACES (Childhood Experiences: From Toxic Environmental Stresses to Success)
- Suicide Prevention and Postvention
- Scribes Training
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