Leslie Handy
Kissimmee,FL
Summary
Mentor Montessori Teacher, curriculum guide, and instructional coach working with primary Montessori guides to support strong Montessori curriculum and instruction, lesson planning, classroom management, and early childhood best practices. Strong education professional with an extensive background in early childhood and elementary education, the Montessori Method, and special education. Currently working in the non-profit early education/childcare field as a member of school leadership to coach teachers, support classrooms, and assist the Head of School in day-to-day operations of an eight-classroom Montessori primary preschool. Prior experience teaching in the public, private, and non-profit sectors of primary and lower elementary Montessori education, as well as traditional preschool and childcare. Credentials include a Master of Education - MEd focused in early childhood education from Towson University and a Master of Education -MEd in general education (K-6th) and special education (k-12th) from Relay Graduate School of Education, as well as an AMS primary (3-6) Montessori certification from the Montgomery Montessori Institute and a MACTE-accredited elementary (6-12) Montessori certification from UDMTR/NCMPS.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mentor Montessori Teacher
Bezos Academy
07.2022 - Current
- Supported 13 lead and assistant teachers throughout their PMI training program (presented lessons, discussed pedagogy, observed lesson practice and offered feedback, created presentations, led discussions on Montessori theory and its fusion with other early childhood models and best practice, etc.)
- Collaborated with and mentored a staff of over thirty people through mentorship, observations, 1:1, small, and large group meetings, etc. to implement a Montessori-inspired curriculum with fidelity and equity, with a focus on deep respect for and commitment to each child and their family
- Worked with teachers to develop and implement individualized Montessori learning plans, group lesson plans and classroom activities consistent with instructional guidelines, utilizing BA resources and the MRT (Montessori Recordkeeping Tool)
- Collaborated with teachers and fellow administrators to align Montessori lessons to benchmarks and Common Core standards
- Planned, created, and presented both in-person and virtual meetings and presentations for staff and families, with a focus on Montessori curriculum and its practical implementation in the classroom
- Created schedules and agendas for small and large group meetings, including Powerpoint presentations on topics such as Montessori at home, Montessori 101, behavior management in the classroom, and the Prepared Environment and Guide
- Documented student behaviors, interventions and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address the strengths and needs of each child and their classroom as a whole
- Partnered with the the Head of School, Inclusion Specialist, and teaching staff to meet the individual needs - both academic and social/emotional - of all children in our care
- Maintained inclusive learning environment to enable students to gain maximum benefit from lessons
- Built and maintained positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, such as parents, school volunteers and outside agencies
- Partnered with Head of School to administer school program in alignment with vision and goals, providing positive, high-expectation academic environment
- Helped teachers prepare classroom environments and materials according to Montessori pedagogy and the specific needs of children
- Contributed positively to school community and fully supported school mission and goals
- Coordinated with other teachers to develop lesson plans focused on intellectual, emotional and social development
- Adhered to licensing policies and procedures to help classrooms run smoothly, working to pair DCF regulations and ECE best practice with the Montessori pedagogy
Elementary Lead Guide/K and 1st Grade Level Lead
Sussex Montessori Public Charter School
08.2020 - 06.2022
- Created and presented Montessori primary and elementary lessons to engage a class of up to 28 students and focus on core subjects necessary for personal and academic growth
- Instructed according to the Montessori curriculum and Common Core Standards as part of federal funding mandates for education
- Fostered student curiosity and interest in learning through hands-on lessons, activities, and field trips
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social and emotional growth
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers and administrative staff through the use of Transparent Classroom, Seesaw, email, Zoom, and in-person meetings
- Met with parents to review and collaborate on Individualized Education Plans for students
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents (DIBELS, ACADIENCE, DDS, DRA, etc.)
- Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor and establish personalized learning plan for each student
- Applied evidence-based practices for classroom management to enhance learning results
- Led and facilitated weekly meetings with a team of kindergarten and first grade educators to discuss curriculum, assessments, lesson planning, and strategies for level and school-wide problem solving
Assistant/co-teacher
Beach Babies Child Care
12.2019 - 06.2020
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors
- Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies
- Fostered reasoning and problem solving through active exploration games and activities
- Applied play-based strategies, including crafts and games, to provide diverse approaches to learning
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time each day
- Planned curriculum and maintained a classroom within the framework of the Delaware STARS program
- Collaborated with a diverse staff of administration, lead teachers, assistants and aides
Lead Primary Teacher
Breakthrough Montessori Public Charter School
07.2016 - 06.2019
- Served as a founding member of staff, helping to shape the school community and build BMPCS from the ground up (planning curriculum, organizing and preparing the school/work environment, creating a statement of values, etc.)
- Collaborated with a diverse team of educators to create a tight knit community committed to equity and inclusion
- Prepared and maintained a primary Montessori classroom according to MACTE standards (following the tradition of the three year cycle and instruction based on consistent observation)
- Supervised and taught classes of up to 28 children ranging in age from two to six-years-old, including kindergarten students
- Created and maintained a high fidelity Montessori environment with a focus on community, kindness, and respect for all children and staff
- Administered district-mandated assessments such as the MAP test and TS Gold Pre-K assessment tools
- Worked in tandem with the BMPCS special education team to teach and support multiple children with IEPs and special needs
- Served on the BMPCS search committee to interview and select an executive director
- Collaborated with students, parents, and families from many diverse backgrounds on a daily basis to build a strong school-home relationship
Lead Primary Teacher
Green Valley Montessori School
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Prepared the learning environment according to MACTE standards and in accordance with AMS training
- Planned and implemented a three year cycle Montessori curriculum including extension lessons in all areas (practical life, sensorial, math, language, science, and geography)
- Presented Montessori lessons in accordance with American Montessori Society standards and practices
- Planned and implemented lessons involving specials such as music, movement, literature, and yoga
- Managed a primary classroom with students ranging in age from three-to-six-year-old children including seven kindergarten students in a state-certified kindergarten program
- Guided students within the constructs of freedom within limits, redirection, and conflict resolution through conversation, use of the Peace Rose, grace and courtesy, and peaceful self-expression
- Worked in conjunction with and in lead of a dynamic staff of assistant teachers and aids
- Kept a consistent record of student progress in terms of lesson presentation, practice, and mastery, as well as fine and gross motor development
- Planned and coordinated special lessons, field trips, and activities relevant to Montessori and extension curriculum
- Communicated with parents on a daily basis in person, via e-mail, and in weekly notes
Assistant/Co- Primary Teacher
Green Valley Montessori School
08.2012 - 08.2015
- Prepared and maintained the Montessori environment (created lessons, stocked supplies, maintained order and cleanliness)
- Took direction from and collaborated with a seasoned Montessori directress while completing a practicum year and as a first year co-lead
- Learned, practiced, and presented Montessori lessons with the guidance of both MMI supervisors and the directress during the practicum year
- Collaborated with administration and colleagues to create and implement a school wide, three-year Montessori curriculum
- Collaborated with co-teachers to implement classroom management (positive discipline and redirection, managing transition periods, interacting with students, helping students with conflict resolution in peer situations, etc.)
- Assisted with specials and circle lessons (Spanish, Yoga, special curriculum topics, etc.)
- Planned, implemented, and helped oversee a Montessori- inspired summer camp curriculum program connected to various learning topics (earth science and outer space, transportation, cultures of the world, etc.)
Preschool Teacher
The Goddard School
08.2011 - 03.2012
ABA Teacher
The Ivymount School
09.2010 - 03.2011
Education
Elementary Montessori Teaching Certificate - Lower And Upper Elementary (ages 6-12)
University of Delaware (UDMTR)
Wilmington, DE06.2023
Master of Arts - Education (Gen. Ed. K-6th, Spec. Ed. K-12th)
Relay Graduate School of Education
New York06.2022
Master's Degree - Early Childhood Education
Towson University
Towson, MD12.2015
AMS Montessori Certificate - Primary Education
Montgomery Montessori Institute
Rockville, MD06.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
Baltimore, MD12.2009
Skills
- Educational Support
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management
- Student Records Management
- Lesson Planning
- Role Modeling
- Skill Development
- Progress Monitoring
- Child Development
- Instructional Presentations
- Instructional Coaching
- Curriculum Design
Certification
Initial License in Elementary Education K-6th (Delaware)
Initial License in Special Education K-12th (Delaware)
Delaware First Early Childhood Administrator Certification
Administration of Medication Certification
CPR/First Aid Certification
Positive Discipline in the Montessori Classroom 8-week workshop certification
Timeline
Mentor Montessori Teacher
Bezos Academy
07.2022 - Current
Elementary Lead Guide/K and 1st Grade Level Lead
Sussex Montessori Public Charter School
08.2020 - 06.2022
Assistant/co-teacher
Beach Babies Child Care
12.2019 - 06.2020
Lead Primary Teacher
Breakthrough Montessori Public Charter School
07.2016 - 06.2019
Lead Primary Teacher
Green Valley Montessori School
08.2015 - 06.2016
Assistant/Co- Primary Teacher
Green Valley Montessori School
08.2012 - 08.2015
Preschool Teacher
The Goddard School
08.2011 - 03.2012
ABA Teacher
The Ivymount School
09.2010 - 03.2011
Elementary Montessori Teaching Certificate - Lower And Upper Elementary (ages 6-12)
University of Delaware (UDMTR)
Master of Arts - Education (Gen. Ed. K-6th, Spec. Ed. K-12th)
Relay Graduate School of Education
Master's Degree - Early Childhood Education
Towson University
AMS Montessori Certificate - Primary Education
Montgomery Montessori Institute
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Maryland - Baltimore County
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