Lesley Dennis
Pampa,TX
Summary
Dedicated education professional with history of meeting school district goals, utilizing consistent and organized practices. Skilled in working under pressure and adapting to new situations and challenges to best enhance the environment of the classroom. Passionate and versatile individual about education and meeting the needs of students. Possessing unique teaching experience in a small school district that was K-6. Taught 3rd and 4th grade dually all content areas for fourteen years and had one year teaching three grade levels (2nd, 3rd, 4th). This past school year has provided new roles and responsibilities. Head of Special Education, Dyslexia as well as the physical education teacher, and fine arts teacher. Several years writing and directing school plays. Program director over music, and awards/gradation ceremonies.
I am interested in seeking full time employment within the educational sector. I am also looking forward to new horizons full of challenges and growth,
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Teacher
Grandview-Hopkins ISD
Groom, TX
08.2021 - Current
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
Fine Arts Teacher
Grandview-Hopkins ISD
Groom , TX
08.2021 - Current
- Created learning environment that encouraged fine arts appreciation.
- Gathered display materials and distributed programs for shows and performances.
- Scheduled shows and performances in accordance with school calendar.
- Evaluated and graded students' class work, performances, projects, assignments and papers.
- Quickly learned new skills and applied them to daily tasks, improving efficiency and productivity.
- Performed duties in accordance with applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
Physical Education Teacher
Grandview-Hopkins ISD
Groom , TX
08.2021 - Current
- Taught physical education classes covering exercise strategies, sports and safety.
- Assessed student physical fitness levels and adjusted objectives according to successes.
- Managed and maintained school equipment and facility grounds.
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Conveyed health and well-being concepts beyond physical fitness.
3rd and 4th Grade Teacher
Grandview-Hopkins ISD
Groom, TX
08.2007 - 08.2021
- Designed lessons that provided opportunities for problem-solving, creativity and communication skills.
- Monitored and evaluated students' progress in relation to district or school curriculum policies and other planned goals and objectives.
- Established and maintained standards for behavior that fostered student self-discipline and positive relationships among students.
- Planned learning activities to address individual differences among students.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Stayed abreast of changes to school and district policies as well as new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings and meet learning needs.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
Daycare Worker
Pampa Community Day Care
Pampa , TX
08.1999 - 07.2001
- Taught children to organize toys, wash hands and share by leading by example.
- Encouraged good behaviors using positive reinforcement methods.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Meticulously sanitized toys and play equipment.
- Observed play activities to identify positive behaviors and areas in need of improvement, implementing behavior redirection where appropriate.
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Maintained effective schedule balance between rest periods, active play and instruction.
- Maintained child-friendly environment with access to outdoor activities.
Elementary RT Interventionist (Grant Based) K-5
Lamar Elementary-Pampa ISD
Pampa , TX
01.2007 - 05.2007
- Collaborated with team members, school personnel and family members to develop individual plans of care for students.
- Consulted with the teaching staff to drive program efficacy.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to schedule.
- Kept records and data analysis of each individual student.
- Conducted benchmark assessments on students to show growth and areas that need more intervention.
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Amarillo ISD
Amarillo , TX
08.2003 - 01.2005
- Leveraged classroom discussion strategies to engage students, promote topics and boost learning opportunities.
- Administered and graded tests and quizzes and reported performance to primary teacher.
- Provided instruction for students in core subject areas.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Took notes and prepared reports on school day activities to provide to primary teacher.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Diversified classroom instruction and group activities to successfully support students with unique strengths and learning styles.
Early Preschool Teacher
In His Hands Childcare
Canyon , TX
08.2001 - 05.2003
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
- Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
- Identified signs of emotional and developmental problems in children and reported to parents.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies Generalist EC-4
West Texas A&M University
Canyon, TX05.2005
Skills
- De-Escalation Techniques
- Classroom Management
- Lesson Planning
- Data Management
- Student Records Management
- Behavior Modification
- Conflict Resolution Techniques
- Instructional Strategies
- Curriculum Adjustments
- Material Selection
- Learning Style Assessment
- Faculty Coordination
- Progress Evaluations
- Job Readiness Training
- Competent in Smart Board Technology
- Parent Communication
- Admission, Review and Dismissal Process
- Individual Education Plans IEPs
- Motivating Students
- Educational Opportunities
- Information Confidentiality
- Positive Role Model
- Interactive Media
- Different Learning Styles
- Self-Contained Classrooms
- Special Assignments
- Positive Learning Environment
- Classroom Observation
- Google Applications
- Interventions Understanding
- District Standards
- Project Requirements
- Behavior Redirection
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- Understanding of Content
Timeline
Special Education Teacher
Grandview-Hopkins ISD
08.2021 - Current
Fine Arts Teacher
Grandview-Hopkins ISD
08.2021 - Current
Physical Education Teacher
Grandview-Hopkins ISD
08.2021 - Current
3rd and 4th Grade Teacher
Grandview-Hopkins ISD
08.2007 - 08.2021
Elementary RT Interventionist (Grant Based) K-5
Lamar Elementary-Pampa ISD
01.2007 - 05.2007
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Amarillo ISD
08.2003 - 01.2005
Early Preschool Teacher
In His Hands Childcare
08.2001 - 05.2003
Daycare Worker
Pampa Community Day Care
08.1999 - 07.2001
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies Generalist EC-4
West Texas A&M University
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