Michigan Elementary Teacher Professional Certification
Leah Smith
Brighton,MI
Summary
Accomplished educational leader with over 20 years in program development, instructional design, and cross-functional team training. Extensive experience in K–2 instruction, literacy, assessment, and curriculum alignment. Skilled in training instructional staff on effective practices, fostering collaboration among educators, and utilizing data-driven curriculum development. Commended for readily cultivating productive, trusting relationships with students, colleagues, and families.
Overview
30
30
12
12
Literacy Leader
1
1
Michigan School Readiness Program
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Livonia Public Schools
Livonia, Michigan
01.1998 - 06.2026
- - Utilized effective classroom management to teach kindergarten through third grade, building strong academic foundations.
- - Developed engaging lesson plans aligning with state education standards.
- - Implemented diverse teaching strategies to accommodate various learning styles.
- - Tracked student progress and delivered constructive feedback to improve academic performance.
- - Led classroom discussions to promote student participation and develop critical thinking skills.
- - Trained new teachers on best practices in classroom management and instruction.
- - Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development and instructional methods.
- - Coordinated school events to enhance community involvement and foster student engagement.
Literacy Leader
Randolph Elementary/Livonia Public Schools
08.2009 - 06.2021
- Facilitated professional development workshops for instructional staff on effective literacy practices.
- collaborated with colleagues to create integrated curriculum for second grade
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate literacy strategies in classroom instruction.
- Analyzed student assessment data to identify areas for targeted literacy intervention.
- Coordinated resources and materials to support diverse reading levels among students.
- Engaged with families to promote reading at home and school involvement.
- Collaborated with administrators, teachers, parents, and students to develop a school-wide literacy plan.
- Developed and implemented literacy initiatives to support student learning outcomes.
- Assisted in the selection of resources and materials for literacy instruction.
- Facilitated professional development sessions to support teachers in developing instructional strategies for reading and writing.
- Participated in district-level committees focused on improving standards-based literacy assessment practices.
- Coached teachers on research-based best practices to improve literacy instruction.
Preschool/MSRP Teacher
Farmington Public Schools
08.1996 - 06.1997
- Developed engaging, hands-on activities in literacy, math, and science.
- Created developmentally appropriate learning environments that increased student engagement and participation.
- Cultivated a positive classroom climate to encourage student participation and growth.
- Collaborated with paraprofessional teacher to develop tailored support strategies for students with learning challenges.
- Established strong parent-teacher communication to build trust and support children's learning journeys.
- Conducted home visits to assess needs and tailor individualized development plans.
Education
Masters - Art of Teaching
Marygrove College
Detroit, MIBachelor of Science - Elementary Education: K-8 Self Contained-Science (DX), Social Science, Early Childhood(ZA)Rl
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI 06.1992 - 12.2025
Skills
- Literacy Leader
- Orton-Gillingham training
- Reading interventions
- Curriculum development
- Instructional best practices
- Literacy instruction
- Classroom management
- Testing and scoring
- I-Ready analysis
- Emotional development
- Differentiated Instruction
Certification
- Elementary K-5 all subjects (K-8 All Subjects Self Contained Classroom)
- SCIENCE (DX) 6-8
- EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION (ZA)
Timeline
Literacy Leader
Randolph Elementary/Livonia Public Schools
08.2009 - 06.2021
Teacher
Livonia Public Schools
01.1998 - 06.2026
Preschool/MSRP Teacher
Farmington Public Schools
08.1996 - 06.1997
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education: K-8 Self Contained-Science (DX), Social Science, Early Childhood(ZA)Rl
Eastern Michigan University
06.1992 - 12.2025
Masters - Art of Teaching
Marygrove College