MARY SCHAEFFER
Honolulu,HI
Summary
Classroom educator focused on differentiated instruction, student engagement, and academic progress in elementary settings. Designs standards-aligned lessons, supports diverse learners through small groups and hands-on activities, and communicates regularly with parents to strengthen learning and behavior support.
Overview
1
1
Certification
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
5th Grade Math and Science Teacher
Punahou
Honolulu, Hawaii
08.2026 - Current
- Designed inquiry-based math and science lessons aligned with Punahou curriculum
- Delivered differentiated instruction for diverse fifth grade learners
- Explored foundational learning concepts with students through hands-on activities, videos, and class discussions.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Conducted assessments of student progress in math and science courses.
- Collaborated with grade-level team on lesson planning and student support
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts, and phone calls.
4th Grade Assistant Teacher
Punahou
Honolulu, Hawaii
09.2025 - Current
- Delivered individualized instruction to students needing extra support, enhancing their understanding and engagement.
- Supported small-group activities, reading practice, and learning centers.
- Reinforced classroom routines and behavior expectations to foster a positive learning environment.
- Assisted lead teachers in Punahou classrooms with lesson prep and classroom instruction.
- Monitored students during lunch recess and campus transitions to promote safety and social interaction.
- Implemented safety protocols to ensure a secure classroom setting.
- Interacted positively with children to encourage development and involvement in activities, treating each child with dignity and respect.
Substitute Teacher
Kamali'i Elementary School
Kihei, HI
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed classroom environment to support student learning in the absence of regular teachers.
- Maintained discipline and control to ensure a safe and positive learning environment.
- Followed existing lesson plans to provide consistent instruction to assigned students.
- Provided written feedback to the classroom teacher on lesson outcomes and student behavior.
- Fostered positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Worked with special education teachers to address the needs of special education students.
- Maintained confidentiality of privileged information by respecting personal privacy.
5th Grade Teacher
Kihei Elementary
Kihei, HI
08.2020 - 05.2022
- Developed and implemented differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all students in the classroom.
- Conducted small group instruction tailored to individual student needs, fostering personalized learning.
- Assessed student performance using formative assessments, such as quizzes, tests, observations, in order to inform instructional decisions.
- Integrated technology into curriculum, increasing student engagement and deepening understanding of content.
- Established clear expectations for behavior while promoting respect for self and others in the classroom setting.
- Built positive relationships with students, parents, and school personnel, enhancing communication and collaboration.
- Administered standardized ability and achievement tests and interpreted results to determine student strengths and areas of need.
Preschool Music Teacher
Grace Child Development Center
North Augusta, SC
07.2014 - 05.2016
- Developed and implemented creative music curriculum to engage preschoolers in learning musical concepts.
- Designed lesson plans integrating singing, movement, and rhythm instruments to enhance musical understanding.
- Led discussions with students about their favorite music to foster engagement and connection.
- Organized and facilitated group performances for parents at the end of each semester.
- Integrated technology into the classroom by using computers for interactive activities and multimedia presentations related to music topics.
- Applied behavior management strategies during classroom activities.
- Facilitated skill development activities focused on promoting academic, social, and emotional growth. to promote academic, social, and emotional growth.
Cross Country Coach
Prince of Peace Catholic School
Taylors, SC
08.2009 - 10.2012
- Developed and implemented cross country training programs for student athletes at all levels.
- Planned practice sessions emphasizing strength building, endurance, and speed to enhance athletes' performance.
- Planned and led structured practice sessions to develop specific skills and improve team performance.
- Maintained detailed records of team members' progress to monitor and support their development.
- Incorporated mental preparation into practices to build confidence among athletes.
- Encouraged athletes to strive for personal bests while maintaining an atmosphere of good sportsmanship.
- Coordinated all aspects of competitions, such as registration, scheduling, and travel arrangements, to ensure smooth execution.
Elementary Teacher
Prince of Peace Catholic School
Taylors, SC
07.2007 - 05.2012
- Designed lesson plans and implemented instructional materials to tailor learning for individual students and diverse group sizes.
- Diversified teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Assessed student understanding of material through exams, assessments, and informal conversations.
- Assigned and graded homework, tests, and quizzes to measure learning progress and achievement.
- Monitored student behavior and provided appropriate guidance to maintain a safe environment.
- Prepared objectives and outlined courses of study, following curriculum guidelines, and requirements of states and schools.
- Coordinated with other teachers to plan lessons and coordinate classroom activities.
- Integrated art projects into lessons to promote creativity and deeper understanding of core subjects.
- Coordinated educational field trips that enhanced student engagement and provided real-world learning experiences.
- Communicated regularly with families about their child's academic progress through conferences or emails.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and determine priorities for children and resource needs.
- Observed and evaluated students performance, behavior, social development, and physical health.
- Sponsored extracurricular activities, such as clubs, student organizations, and academic contests.
Education
Masters of Education - Classroom Leadership
Southern Wesleyan University
Central, SC05-2014
Bachelor's Degree - Elementary Education
St. Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure, NY, US05-2007
Skills
- Math content knowledge
- Differentiated Instruction
- Assessment Strategies
- State Standards Adherence
- Data-driven decision making
- Small group instruction
- Technology Integration
- Student Engagement
- Student Motivation
- Relationship Building
- Assigning and Grading Work
Personal Information
Title: ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER
Certification
- State of Hawaii Teaching License
- State of South Carolina Teacher License
AWARDS
- NCAA Scholar Athlete all 4 Years
- Division 1 Cross-Country Runner all 4 years, Team Captain 2 Years
Accomplishments
- Golden Apple Award Winner 2012
Affiliations
- Vice President Hahaʻione Elementary PTSA
- Prince of Peace Middle School Cross-Country Coach
Timeline
5th Grade Math and Science Teacher
Punahou
08.2026 - Current
4th Grade Assistant Teacher
Punahou
09.2025 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Kamali'i Elementary School
08.2022 - 05.2023
5th Grade Teacher
Kihei Elementary
08.2020 - 05.2022
Preschool Music Teacher
Grace Child Development Center
07.2014 - 05.2016
Cross Country Coach
Prince of Peace Catholic School
08.2009 - 10.2012
Elementary Teacher
Prince of Peace Catholic School
07.2007 - 05.2012
Masters of Education - Classroom Leadership
Southern Wesleyan University
Bachelor's Degree - Elementary Education
St. Bonaventure University