Mary Akers
Summary
Caring teacher with strong communication skills and drive to excite students about learning. Specializing in creating stimulating environments that help students achieve full potential and enjoy learning. Communicates effectively and maintains strong relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Support Aide
Kanawha County Schools
Charleston, WV
10.2025 - Current
- Assisted teachers in implementing individualized education plans for students with disabilities.
- Provided individualized instruction to students based on their IEPs.
- Assisted in the development of educational plans for students with disabilities.
- Conducted assessments of student abilities in order to inform IEP goals and objectives.
- Created learning activities tailored to each student's individualized needs to support academic growth.
- Worked collaboratively with general education teachers in order to ensure successful inclusion of students into mainstream classrooms.
- Supported teachers by providing instructional support, classroom management, and behavior modification strategies.
- Assisted students with special needs in completing assigned tasks and activities.
- Supported classroom management by monitoring student behavior and engagement.
- Facilitated communication between students, teachers, and parents to enhance understanding of educational progress.
- Facilitated restroom visits for disabled students to promote independence and comfort.
- Supervised students during lunch, physical education, and after-school activities to promote a safe and engaging environment.
- Monitored students' use of personal medical equipment to encourage proper use and prevent injury.
- Supervised students awaiting after-school transportation and assisted students boarding and exiting school bus daily.
- Provided disabled students with assistive devices and supportive technology.
Preschool Parent Assistant
Kanawha County Schools
Charleston, WV
08.2024 - 10.2025
- Organized materials and resources for classroom activities and events to facilitate engaging learning experiences
- Cultivated positive relationships with students through effective communication techniques, fostering trust and engagement
- Maintained cleanliness of interactive areas to create a safe and inviting environment for children
- Preparing meals and snacks for the children
- Collaborated with teams to enhance school operations and student engagement.
- Welcomed visitors and guests at the front desk with a friendly demeanor.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
Teacher
Momma Bears Childcare
Elkview, WV
01.2020 - 05.2024
- Organizing activities and developing curriculum for older children
- Maintained detailed records of each child's progress, interests, and any concerns to support individualized development.
- Facilitated ongoing contact with parents to ensure timely updates, especially in emergencies.
- Developed visually appealing decorations and bulletin boards to enhance classroom engagement.
- Cleaned interactive areas daily to create a safe and engaging environment for play.
- Prepared nutritious meals and snacks for children during meal times.
- Developing a schedule for the children to maintain throughout the day
- Ensured children maintained good hygiene and changed diapers.
Assistant Teacher
Momma Bears Childcare
Elkview, WV
01.2018 - 12.2019
- Experience in creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans
- Supported children’s emotional and social development through targeted activities and interactions, promoting well-being and confidence
- Communicated with children’s parents or guardians regarding daily activities, behaviors, and any related concerns to foster collaboration
- Ensured a safe play environment by regularly inspecting equipment and monitoring children's activities.
- Assisted in preparing and serving meals and snacks to children, ensuring adherence to nutritional guidelines and fostering healthy eating habits
Assistant Teacher
Come Grow With Me
Elkview, WV
09.2016 - 12.2017
- Experience in creating developmentally appropriate lesson plans
- Supported children’s emotional and social development through targeted activities and individual attention
- Communicated with children’s parents or guardians about daily activities, behaviors, and related issues to foster collaborative relationships
- Maintained a safe play environment by regularly inspecting equipment and supervising children during activities.
- Assisted in preparing and serving meals and snacks to children, promoting healthy eating habits
Customer Service Representative
Kmartcorp
, WV
09.2015 - 08.2016
- Delivered exceptional customer service to enhance patron satisfaction
- Interacted with diverse populations to foster inclusive customer experiences
- Processed cash and credit transactions efficiently at cash register
Custodial Operations Specialist
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
Blacksburg, Virginia
03.2010 - 07.2015
- Performed environmental duties to maintain safe and sanitary conditions
- Demonstrated customer service skills and facilitated process improvements to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction while engaging with diverse populations
- Assisted Event Operations Staff with event setup and logistics
- Demonstrated strong administrative skills in various office settings.
- Provided computer assistance and answered phones in a professional manner
- Experience with handling cash, using cash register, and credit card machine
Education
Childcare Development Specialist -
WVU Extension Service
Charleston, WVHigh School Diploma -
James Monroe High School
Lindside, WVSkills
- First Aid and CPR Certification
- Completed ACDS Program
- WV STARS Level 2
- Special needs instruction
- Assistive technology
- Behavior management
- Student engagement
- Effective communication
- Time management
- Visual supports
Timeline
Instructional Support Aide
Kanawha County Schools
10.2025 - Current
Preschool Parent Assistant
Kanawha County Schools
08.2024 - 10.2025
Teacher
Momma Bears Childcare
01.2020 - 05.2024
Assistant Teacher
Momma Bears Childcare
01.2018 - 12.2019
Assistant Teacher
Come Grow With Me
09.2016 - 12.2017
Customer Service Representative
Kmartcorp
09.2015 - 08.2016
Custodial Operations Specialist
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
03.2010 - 07.2015
Childcare Development Specialist -
WVU Extension Service
High School Diploma -
James Monroe High School