Maria Farinas
Kennebunk
Summary
Educational professional well-versed in developing and delivering curriculum to diverse student groups. Proven ability to adapt quickly to different classroom settings and maintain high educational standards. Strong focus on team collaboration and delivering results, ensuring reliable and flexible teaching approach.
Professional educator with strong classroom management and curriculum development skills. Adept at fostering collaborative learning environment and adapting to diverse student needs. Known for reliability, flexibility, and results-driven approach. Proficient in lesson planning, student assessment, and integrating technology into education.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
SPED PreK Long Term Substitute Teacher
Kennebunk Elementary School/RSU 21
Kennebunk, ME
11.2025 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Adapted instructional strategies to meet diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Fostered positive classroom environment to encourage student participation and collaboration.
- Assessed student progress through formative evaluations and provided constructive feedback.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively using established school policies and procedures.
- Participated in professional development workshops to refine teaching practices and methodologies.
- Addressed diverse learning styles through the incorporation of hands-on activities and visual aids in lesson plans, resulting in improved comprehension for all students.
- Enhanced student achievement by implementing differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Conferred with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
Pre K Long Term Substitute Teacher
Kennebunk Elementary School/RSU21
Kennebunk, ME
09.2025 - 11.2025
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered positive classroom environments that encouraged student participation and collaboration.
- Assessed student progress regularly, providing feedback to support individual learning needs.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, promoting respectful interactions among students.
- Collaborated with teachers and staff to support diverse instructional strategies and programs.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance and attendance for reporting purposes.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching practices and skills.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lessons, providing a more cohesive educational experience for students.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by enforcing consistent discipline policies and utilizing positive reinforcement strategies, ensuring a safe and productive learning environment.
- Established a positive classroom culture by setting clear expectations and promoting mutual respect among students.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment.
Owner
Bone and Bark Inn
Wilton, CT
07.2019 - 01.2025
- Managed the daily operations related to customer service, inventory management, and marketing.
- Maintained a high standard of customer service through quality assurance checks.
- Negotiated contracts and agreements with business partners, vendors, and customers.
- Cared for 40 plus dogs on a daily basis, for both boarding and daycare.
- Fostered and Rescued dogs.
- Utilized effective problem-solving techniques to resolve conflicts quickly and efficiently.
Head Teacher
WPS Aftercare Program
Wilton, Ct
01.2017 - 10.2019
- Supervised staff in accordance with district policies and procedures while providing guidance on classroom management techniques.
- Cultivated relationships with parents, students, staff and community leaders to ensure the success of the program.
- Fostered an inclusive culture by promoting diversity initiatives throughout the school community.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as field trips, and clubs to enhance student engagement.
- Implemented effective disciplinary measures when necessary to maintain a safe learning environment for all students.
- Managed student behavioral issues to optimize classroom learning environment.
- Attended and participated in professional development activities and conferences to enhance skill and job knowledge.
- Differentiated instruction using hands-on, active learning techniques.
- Practiced positive, consistent discipline in classroom management.
- Adapted instructional strategies to meet student needs.
Kindergarten Teacher
King Street School
Port Chester, NY
09.2000 - 01.2006
- Taught kindergarten students in a variety of subjects, including math, science, language arts, and social studies.
- Promoted an inclusive learning environment that respected diversity among students.
- Prepared materials to help children explore environment through learning activities and active play.
- Established relationships with families from diverse backgrounds through open communication.
- Used appropriate behavior management techniques to enhance student learning.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on best practices in early childhood education.
- Implemented positive reinforcement strategies when addressing disciplinary issues.
- Developed and implemented creative lesson plans to engage students in learning activities.
- Modeled behavioral and social skills to help students learn, respect and enforce proper boundaries.
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Elementary Education
Manhattanville University
Purchase, NY01.1996
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Fashion Merchandising
Marymount College of Fordham University
Tarrytown, NY, US05.1993
Skills
- Small business operations
- Customer relations
- Relationship building
- Client service
- Marketing
- Staff management
- Classroom management
- Behavior management
- Conflict resolution
- Elementary education
- Special education
- Creative problem solving
- Lesson plan implementation
- Behavior modeling
- IEP documentation
- Adaptability and flexibility
Certification
State of Maine Teaching Certification grades prek -6
NY State Teaching Certification grades prek-6
Timeline
SPED PreK Long Term Substitute Teacher
Kennebunk Elementary School/RSU 21
11.2025 - Current
Pre K Long Term Substitute Teacher
Kennebunk Elementary School/RSU21
09.2025 - 11.2025
Owner
Bone and Bark Inn
07.2019 - 01.2025
Head Teacher
WPS Aftercare Program
01.2017 - 10.2019
Kindergarten Teacher
King Street School
09.2000 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) - Fashion Merchandising
Marymount College of Fordham University
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Elementary Education
Manhattanville University