Laurie Woods
Washington,DC
Summary
Experienced and dedicated Elementary Reading Specialist with a proven track record of 6 years in supporting diverse student needs. Skilled in implementing targeted reading interventions and literacy development programs. Passionate about fostering a love for reading and helping students reach their full potential. Expertise lies in delivering effective literacy instruction and creating engaging learning environments that promote positive student growth outcomes. Eager to contribute knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact on students' educational journeys.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary Reading Interventionist
Bridges Public Charter School
08.2024 - Current
- Develop and implement differentiated reading instruction for students K-5, addressing individual literacy needs through one-on-one tutoring and small group instruction
- Administer and analyze student assessments, including standardized reading tests and informal diagnostic tools, to determine areas of improvement and track progress.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to design and deliver targeted interventions for struggling readers, supporting them in building fluency, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, including English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with special needs.
- Monitor and document student progress, adjusting interventions as needed to ensure academic growth.
Freelance Literacy Specialist
08.2023 - 08.2024
- As a freelance reading tutor, I worked with students from five to fifteen years old. I've helped younger students learn to read and older students improve their vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Many of the students have challenges such as ADHD and dyslexia. I've used techniques of Lindamood Bell and Orton-Gillingham to help students overcome difficulties.
English Teacher/Reading Specialist
Fusion Academy
01.2019 - 07.2023
- Adapted Lindamood-Bell methods to tutor dyslexic students, improved their decoding, fluency and comprehension
- Mentored and tutored individual middle- and high-school students, creating differentiated lesson plans and developing summative and formative assessments to meet Common Core standards
Teacher and Tutor
Kaplan Test-Prep and Admissions
01.2007 - 08.2024
- Helped students develop strategies for logical reasoning, making deductions and reading comprehension and recall
- Taught classes and tutored students on the LSAT, GRE, GMAT, SAT and ACT tests
- Using the Kaplan curriculum, helped students achieve score increases and school acceptance
Reading Clinician
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
06.2018 - 12.2018
- Using Lindamood-Bell programs, tutored individual students in strategies, boosting their phonemic awareness, decoding and comprehension skills
- Improved automaticity and fluency while tutoring groups of five students at Washington DC charter schools
Teaching Assistant
Broad Branch Children's House
08.2016 - 06.2018
- Observed, assessed and instructed students in early reading skills
- Maintained classroom order by redirecting disruptive behavior
- Supported lead teacher in a Montessori classroom of students from age 2 to 6
Teaching Assistant
Magnolia Montessori School
08.2014 - 05.2015
- Developed and administered weekly spelling and math assessments in the elementary classroom, discussing the results with the lead teacher
- Coordinated with lead teacher in a classroom of students from age 6 to 12
Interim Elementary Teacher
Plein Air Montessori School
08.2013 - 06.2014
- Created daily lesson plans for lower-elementary students in Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Geometry, Biology, Geography and History, using Montessori materials and curricula
- Worked one-on-one with students to strengthen reading, writing and reasoning skills
- Communicated regularly with parents about student progress
Education
M.A. - Curriculum and Instruction, with a concentration in Literacy and Reading Education
George Washington University
Washington, DC05.2018
M.A. - Teaching, with a concentration in Elementary Education
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA05.2011
Ph.D. - Linguistics
New York University
New York, NY01.2009
B.A. - English Literature and Psychology
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT10.1991
Skills
- Phonological Awareness intruction
- Phonics instruction
- Vocabulary building
- Fluency building
Certification
Certificate in Lindamood-Bell Seeing Stars, An intervention that helps developing phonemic awareness and symbol imagery in struggling readers.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
French
Professional Working
Timeline
Elementary Reading Interventionist
Bridges Public Charter School
08.2024 - Current
Freelance Literacy Specialist
08.2023 - 08.2024
English Teacher/Reading Specialist
Fusion Academy
01.2019 - 07.2023
Reading Clinician
Lindamood-Bell Learning Processes
06.2018 - 12.2018
Teaching Assistant
Broad Branch Children's House
08.2016 - 06.2018
Teaching Assistant
Magnolia Montessori School
08.2014 - 05.2015
Interim Elementary Teacher
Plein Air Montessori School
08.2013 - 06.2014
Teacher and Tutor
Kaplan Test-Prep and Admissions
01.2007 - 08.2024
M.A. - Teaching, with a concentration in Elementary Education
University of Southern California
Ph.D. - Linguistics
New York University
B.A. - English Literature and Psychology
Wesleyan University
M.A. - Curriculum and Instruction, with a concentration in Literacy and Reading Education
George Washington University
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