Mary Leanne Walstra
Nesbit,USA
Summary
Dedicated educator with 15 years of experience in curriculum design and classroom management. Achieved second-highest science scores in the state while building strong partnerships with students, parents, and colleagues. Focused on enhancing student learning through innovative teaching methods and collaborative efforts.
Overview
39
39
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Teacher 5th Grade Math
Center Hill Elementary
08.2022 - Current
Developed and implemented standards-aligned math lessons to enhance student learning.
- Led collaboration between 5th grade teachers and administration to enhance curriculum design.
- Created standards-aligned objectives for lessons and projects, ensuring educational consistency.
- Adjusted teaching methods and materials to meet diverse student needs and interests.
- Exhibited professionalism in interactions with employees, administrators, teachers, parents, and students.
5th Grade Math, Science & Social Studies Teacher
Pleasant Hill Elementary
08.2008 - 07.2022
- Computer Lab Teacher (Aug 2008 – Aug 2011)
- Developed engaging lesson plans that enhanced student understanding of state standards and curriculum goals.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that fostered critical thinking and increased student participation.
- Implemented diverse instructional strategies that improved accessibility for various learning styles.
Science Instructional Coach
Southaven Intermediate School/Lake Cormorant Elementary School
08.2019 - 07.2020
- Coached fifth grade science teachers at two district schools, enhancing instructional effectiveness.
- Developed comprehensive lesson plans and materials to support science curriculum implementation.
Senior Financial Analyst
International Paper Company
01.1994 - 12.1995
- Analyzed financial data to support operational decision-making processes.
- Developed comprehensive reports for management review and strategic planning.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance budgeting accuracy and efficiency.
- Oversaw financial records and reports to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Trained new accountants on DDS procedures and best practices
Auditor
Ernst & Whinney, Coopers & Lybrand
01.1987 - 12.1989
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
Belhaven University
Jackson, MS08-2016
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN08-1987
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Teaching management
- Organizational and multitasking abilities
- Detail-oriented team building
- Communication scheduling
- Creative problem solving
- Interpersonal relations expertise
Other Relevant Experience
- International Paper Company, 1989 - 1995, Senior Financial Analyst, 1994 - 1995, Senior Accountant, 1993 - 1994, Accountant & DDS Certified Trainer, 1989 - 1991
- Ernst & Whinney, Coopers & Lybrand, 1987 - 1989, Auditor
Community Affiliations
- Member, Mississippi Professional Educators
- Alumni Advisory Committee Member, Pi Beta Phi Sorority, University of Memphis, 2017-2019
- Lifetime Member, University of Memphis Alumni Association
- PTO President, Pleasant Hill Elementary School PTO, 2005-2006
Awards
National Award Winner on Praxis II Elementary Education, scored in top 15%, 2010
Teaching Career History
- Center Hill Elementary, Lead Teacher 5th Grade Math, 08/2022 - present
- Pleasant Hill Elementary, 5th Grade Math, Science & Social Studies Teacher, 08/2008 - 07/2022
- Pleasant Hill Elementary, Computer Lab Teacher, 08/2008 - 08/2011
- Southaven Intermediate School/Lake Cormorant Elementary School, Science Instructional Coach, 08/2019 - 07/2020
Notable Highlights
- Lead CHES 5th Grade Math to highest scores in Desoto County on Math State Test, 05/2025
- Served as 5th Grade Math Chair for CHES, 08/2022 - present
- Served on District Math Team, 2025-2026
- Lead PHES to first or second in Desoto County on 5th Grade State Science scores, 2011 - 2020
- Lead PHES to second highest scale score in the State of Mississippi on State Science Test, 2019
- Completed PLC Training, 2020
- Completed Project Lead the Way Teacher Credential, 2019
- Appointed to the 2017-2018 Desoto County School District Science Committee to adopt new state science STEM standards, set pacing guides and set new curriculum, 2017-2018
- Lead PHES to first in Desoto County State Science Test scores, and Top 10 in Mississippi, 2017
Timeline
Lead Teacher 5th Grade Math
Center Hill Elementary
08.2022 - Current
Science Instructional Coach
Southaven Intermediate School/Lake Cormorant Elementary School
08.2019 - 07.2020
5th Grade Math, Science & Social Studies Teacher
Pleasant Hill Elementary
08.2008 - 07.2022
Senior Financial Analyst
International Paper Company
01.1994 - 12.1995
Auditor
Ernst & Whinney, Coopers & Lybrand
01.1987 - 12.1989
Master of Arts - Teaching
Belhaven University
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
University of Memphis