Lauren Sanford
Portsmouth,VA
Summary
Dynamic education professional with a strong work ethic and proven reliability at Small Voices' Academy. Expert in student engagement and classroom management, I successfully implemented innovative lesson plans that enhanced cognitive and social development. Committed to fostering collaboration and a positive learning environment, I adapt strategies to meet diverse student needs.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Assistant Academy Director
Small Voices' Academy
Chesapeake, VA
08.2021 - Current
- Assisted in curriculum implementation for academic programs
- Supported daily operations of academic activities and events
- Coordinated communication between staff, students, and parents
- Learned educational technologies to enhance learning experiences (Brightwheel)
- Administrative duties that keep files organized and current
- Participated in planning meetings to improve program quality
Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
Portsmouth Public Schools
Westhaven Elementary School Portsmouth Virginia
09.2017 - 09.2021
- Supported classroom instruction by assisting with lesson implementation and student engagement activities.
- Facilitated small group activities, fostering communication skills and collaborative learning among students.
- Assisted in classroom management, implementing strategies to maintain an orderly and conducive learning atmosphere.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance instructional strategies and improve educational outcomes.
- Collaborated with teachers to create a positive learning environment, enhancing student participation and motivation.
- Monitored student progress and behavior, providing timely feedback to teachers for tailored instructional adjustments.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
Lead Preschool Teacher
Small Voices' Academy
Chesapeake, VA And Portsmouth, Va
09.2013 - 09.2017
- Designed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans fostering cognitive and social development.
- Led classroom activities promoting creativity, collaboration, and emotional growth among students.
- Utilized books, songs and games to engage students.
- Evaluated student progress through observations and assessments, adapting teaching methods as needed.
- Established a safe, nurturing environment that encouraged exploration and positive behavior in children.
Floater Teacher
Norfolk Naval Shipyard New Gosport CDC
Portsmouth, VA
08.2010 - 09.2013
- Developed and maintained a positive, inclusive environment fostering social-emotional development.
- Implemented activities that promoted physical, cognitive, and artistic skills among students.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Supervised classroom and recess activities.
- Exercised great adaptability in transitioning between assigned classrooms and various governmental child development locations.
Retention Specialist
Sprint / Nextel
Hampton, Va
02.2009 - 08.2010
- Handled escalated customer complaints professionally, de-escalating situations while finding mutually beneficial resolutions.
- Reviewed customer data to identify trends, providing insights for retention initiatives.
- Participated in team meetings designed to enhance customer retention rates at a swift pace
- Responded to customer requests, offering excellent support and tailored recommendations to address needs.
- Followed up with customers about resolved issues to maintain high standards of customer service.
Customer Service /Sales Associate
Cellular Solutions
Portsmouth, VA
09.2008 - 02.2009
- Delivered exceptional customer service, enhancing client satisfaction and loyalty.
- Assisted customers in product selection, improving overall shopping experience.
- Performing new activations
- Processed transactions accurately and efficiently, minimizing wait times.
- Responsible for inventory and restocking of merchandise
- Opening and Closing of Retail Store
Lead Teacher / Floater
Christian Antioch Learning Center
Portsmouth, VA
01.2008 - 08.2008
- Administering daily lesson plan for children's cognitive, fine and gross motor development
- Worked with all age groups including before and aftercare / Summer Camp
Customer Service Representative/Technical Support
Alltel Wireless
Virginia Beach, VA
11.2004 - 11.2007
- Resolved customer inquiries efficiently through inbound calls.
- Managed customer accounts, ensuring accurate data entry and updates.
- Conducted follow-up communications to ensure customer satisfaction post-interaction.
- Managed high-stress situations effectively, maintaining professionalism under pressure while resolving disputes or conflicts.
- Escalated complex issues to appropriate departments for timely resolution.
Cake Decorator/Cashier/Customer Service Representative
Walmart Supercenter
Suffolk, VA
08.2000 - 11.2003
- Designed and executed intricate cake decorations using various techniques and tools.
- Assisted customers with selecting suitable cake designs based on their preferences, demonstrating excellent listening skills and attention to detail.
- Handled phone calls regarding inquiries, cancelled orders, and ordering conflicts.
- Maintained a clean and sanitary workspace, adhering to strict food safety guidelines and ensuring overall quality control.
- Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
- worked on a special team to reorganize store setup and end caps.
- Provided backup support for other departments when needed, showcasing versatility within the retail environment.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Tidewater Community College
Norfolk, VA12-2019
High School Diploma -
I.C Norcom High School
Portsmouth, VA06-2000
Skills
- Student engagement
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Classroom management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Strong work ethic
Certification
- Preschool CDA, Tidewater Community College - December 2017
- Associates of Applied Science Early Childhood Development December 2019
Timeline
Assistant Academy Director
Small Voices' Academy
08.2021 - Current
Kindergarten Instructional Assistant
Portsmouth Public Schools
09.2017 - 09.2021
Lead Preschool Teacher
Small Voices' Academy
09.2013 - 09.2017
Floater Teacher
Norfolk Naval Shipyard New Gosport CDC
08.2010 - 09.2013
Retention Specialist
Sprint / Nextel
02.2009 - 08.2010
Customer Service /Sales Associate
Cellular Solutions
09.2008 - 02.2009
Lead Teacher / Floater
Christian Antioch Learning Center
01.2008 - 08.2008
Customer Service Representative/Technical Support
Alltel Wireless
11.2004 - 11.2007
Cake Decorator/Cashier/Customer Service Representative
Walmart Supercenter
08.2000 - 11.2003
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Tidewater Community College
High School Diploma -
I.C Norcom High School