Successful English Teacher with two decades of experience and expertise in building engaging lesson plans and communicating ideas to foster student comprehension in public education. Expert in adapting course materials to meet established standards and individual academic capabilities. Well-versed in motivating students to meet learning objectives through the creating, implementing and assessing of instruction. Avid reader and writer who is passionate about improving youth literacy dedicated to creating curriculum across all genres with a focus on multicultural and diverse texts to provide varied cultural perspectives of human experiences. Energetic and hardworking individual with excellent communication and organizational abilities. Proficient in utilizing data and current educational studies to design high interest reading materials for maximum engagement, educational growth, and lifelong learning.
Hi, I’m
LAURA JEAN WHITTAKER
English Language Arts Teacher
West Bridgewater,MA
Summary
Overview
19
years of professional experience
6
years of post-secondary education
2
Certifications
Work History
Dr. Robert G. O'Donnell Middle SchoolStoughton, MA
English Language Arts Teacher
09.2005 - Current
Job overview
- Enhanced classroom instruction with multimedia presentations.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments to foster positive classrooms that support student growth and learning.
- Communicated with parents to maintain regular communication about student progress and any concerns.
- Adapted instruction to meet individual student needs to differentiate instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Managed classroom behavior to establish and maintain clear classroom behavior and discipline expectations.
- Evaluated and graded students' class work, performances, projects, assignments and papers.
- Provided feedback and grades to provide regular feedback on student progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Incorporated student interests and experiences to make learning relevant and meaningful.
- Gathered display materials and distributed programs for shows and performances.
- Inspired students and assisted in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media.
- Developed and implemented various thematic lesson plans, utilizing age-appropriate material and focusing on relevant topics.
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Created and implemented activities to foster critical thinking skills of students.
- Worked with other teachers to support struggling students and provide thorough help to rectify comprehension issues.
- Coordinated activities to encourage interest in reading.
- Supported student skill development in alignment with personal and academic goals.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on teaching best practices and enhance educator skills.
- Designed and implemented assessments to measure student progress in English language learning.
- Attended department meetings to develop and update course curricula.
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Designed and facilitated group projects to foster teamwork and problem-solving skills.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
- Employed visual and auditory approaches to make lessons more interesting and interactive for students.
- Led classroom discussions to encourage students to analyze literature critically.
- Tutored students struggling with course material.
- Incorporated current events into lesson plans to promote student engagement.
- Participated in professional development activities to stay current with literature trends.
- Evaluated and graded students' essays, projects and exams.
- Developed online resources to supplement traditional course materials.
- Created and administered interactive activities for students.
Dr. Robert G. O'Donnell Middle SchoolSTOUGHTON, United States
National Junior Honor Society Advisor
09.2016 - Current
Job overview
- Coordinated program dedicated to raise awareness of need and team leadership to enhance success.
- Created an environment for high achieving students to provide service for the community
Stoughton High SchoolSTOUGHTON, United States
Head Varsity/Junior Varsity Softball Coach
03.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Provided guidance to athletes in overcoming challenges and identifying opportunities.
- Facilitated team building activities to improve communication, collaboration and productivity.
- Utilized various coaching models and techniques to maximize athlete success.
- Worked collaboratively with coaching team to plan practices and manage in-game lineups and decisions
- Established relationships with opposing coaches and officials
- Collaborated with local leagues to run clinics for youth players and coaches
- Assisted with program fundraisers
- Communicated with all players and families within program
- Promoted proper stretching, warmups and conditioning exercises to prevent sports injuries.
- Established clear benchmarks for performance and monitored individual and team progress.
- Assisted athletes in setting and achieving personal and team goals.
Stoughton High SchoolStoughton, MA
Head Junior Varsity/Freshman Field Hockey Coach
08.2018 - Current
Job overview
- Managed in-game lineups and decisions
- Taught players fundamental skills for team and individual success
- Provided performance feedback to players
- Delegated responsibilities to volunteer coach
- Coordinated with varsity coach for combined practices
- Assisted in development of fall clinics
Dr. Robert G. O'Donnell Middle SchoolSTOUGHTON, United States
SNAPP Mentor for Troubled Teens
09.2004 - 06.2019
Job overview
- Provided guidance and recommended coping mechanisms for youth dealing with difficult issues.
- Maintained strict confidentiality in all situations unless abuse, neglect, or threats identified.
- Planned, developed, and implemented strategies to convey information with key decision makers.
- Assisted youth with homework assignments, extracurricular activities, and literacy.
Stoughton Public SchoolsStoughton, MA
Grades 6-9 Remedial Review Teacher
06.2005 - 11.2011
Job overview
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Developed and administered tests for students to measure academic proficiency and understanding.
Education
University of New EnglandBiddeford, ME
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Inclusion Special Education And ELL Literacy
10.2017 - 12.2018
University Overview
- 4.0 GPA
- Relevant Coursework: Literacy Assessment as Teaching Tools; Literacy for English Language Learners; Teaching and Learning in Inclusion Settings; Literacy for Inclusion Settings; Using Technology within Inclusion Settings; Special Education Assessment in Inclusion Settings; Collaboration within Inclusion Settings; Connecting Reading with Writing for Success; Meeting Student Literacy Challenges; Professional Learning and Literacy Leadership
Bridgewater State UniversityBridgewater, MA
Master of Arts in Teaching from Secondary English
01.2010 - 08.2011
University Overview
Additional Course for early graduation of MAT
- University of Massachusetts-Boston (Boston, MA): Teaching Secondary English
4.0 GPA
Providence CollegeProvidence, RI
Bachelor of Arts from English
09.1998 - 05.2002
University Overview
- Dean's List, Spring 2002 and Fall 2001
- Extracurricular Activities: Lady Friars Softball Player
Skills
Writing coursework
undefinedCertification
NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching
Academic: Teacher, English, 5-8, Professional License with SEI Endorsement
Academic: Teacher, English, 5-8, Professional License with SEI Endorsement
In order to hold this license, I had to possess a Massachusetts Initial license in the same field, been employed with that license for three years, and completed an induction/mentoring program. I also had to complete a Master's degree in an accredited college with credits in subject matter and pedagogy. Additionally, I had to pass the state assessment demonstrating understanding of best practices and theories to support the education of English Language Learners in the regular education setting.
Timeline
NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching
08-2022
NFHS National Credential: Coaching Level 1
08-2022
Head Varsity/Junior Varsity Softball Coach
Stoughton High School
03.2019 - Current
Head Junior Varsity/Freshman Field Hockey Coach
Stoughton High School
08.2018 - Current
University of New England
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Inclusion Special Education And ELL Literacy
10.2017 - 12.2018
National Junior Honor Society Advisor
Dr. Robert G. O'Donnell Middle School
09.2016 - Current
Bridgewater State University
Master of Arts in Teaching from Secondary English
01.2010 - 08.2011
English Language Arts Teacher
Dr. Robert G. O'Donnell Middle School
09.2005 - Current
Grades 6-9 Remedial Review Teacher
Stoughton Public Schools
06.2005 - 11.2011
SNAPP Mentor for Troubled Teens
Dr. Robert G. O'Donnell Middle School
09.2004 - 06.2019
Providence College
Bachelor of Arts from English
09.1998 - 05.2002
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