Megan Sowers
Valparaiso,IN
Summary
I’m not just looking for a job, I’m looking for a career. I’m the type of person who gives their all and more to a job. Working with children is all that I have ever wanted to do. Recently, I obtained my CDA and would like to continue on from there. With 3 years of experience in a school setting, plus 9 years teaching Sunday School, Children’s Church, as well as directing VBS, my desire is to change children’s lives, to better them, to make them know how special they are. Highly motivated employee with a desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Front Desk/ Before and After School Teacher
Learning Tree Academy
South Haven, IN
05.2024 - Current
- Planned team-building activities designed to promote respect among peers.
- Organized and facilitated field trips to local museums and other educational sites.
- Provided guidance on how to apply critical thinking skills when solving problems.
- Instructed students on proper use of technology including tablets.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design creative curriculum units that met the needs of all learners.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that incorporated fun, hands-on activities for students.
- Provided emotional support to children struggling with social or academic difficulties.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, behavior.
- Participated in professional development sessions related to best practices in education.
- Created lesson plans based on curriculum standards set forth by the school district.
Kindergarten Teacher's Assistant
Portage Township Schools
Portage, IN
08.2023 - Current
- Assisted in managing transitions between different activities throughout the day.
- Encouraged students to interact positively with each other during group activities.
- Contributed ideas for new teaching methods based on observations of how children learn best.
- Accompanied teachers on field trips as an extra set of hands when needed.
- Monitored student progress and reported any issues to lead teacher.
- Helped maintain a safe and secure environment in the classroom by monitoring student behavior.
- Intervened when necessary to help resolve conflicts between students.
- Lead enrichment classes such as physical education or arts and crafts projects that supplement core curriculum objectives.
- Organized and supervised learning centers, including literacy, math, science, art, blocks, dramatic play, music and outdoor activities.
TITLE 1 ASSISTANT
PORTAGE TOWNSHIPSCHOOLS
05.2018 - 05.2025
- Working with and assisting all grades in extra math and english help.
- Worked closely with school counselors to provide resources and services for students needing special attention.
- Researched best practices related to teaching strategies used in Title 1 classrooms.
- Conducted classroom observations and assessments to measure effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Developed individualized education plans for students in need of additional academic support.
- Reviewed student work samples and made recommendations for improving achievement levels.
- Provided assistance to teachers by helping them develop lesson plans to support Title 1 program goals.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance at each tutoring session.
SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM COORDINATOR/ SUMMER CAMP COORDINATOR
DUNELAND FAMILY YMCA
10.2015 - 05.2018
- Creating and developing Before and After School programs. Managing 5 Elementary School Sites. Creating schedules. Creating curriculum. Implementing curriculum. Keeping 205 children safe, using the YMCA's safety and monitoring procedures. Summer camp counselor. CIT program developer. CIT counselor.
- Drafted communications about upcoming events or changes in policy and procedures for internal distribution.
- Organized special events related to the promotion or awareness of the program's mission or purpose.
- Assisted in developing training materials and providing instruction on how to use them effectively.
- Identified areas where improvements can be made in order to increase efficiency or effectiveness.
- Participated in the development of new programs or modifications to existing programs.
- Provided guidance and support to program participants in navigating resources, services, and opportunities.
- Collaborated with other departments within the organization to coordinate efforts that support overall organizational objectives.
SERVICE DESK/CASHIER
MEIJER
04.2013 - 10.2015
- Accepted payment from customers, and made change as necessary. Answered telephone calls and responded to inquiries Assisted co-workers. Customer Service.
- Reconciled discrepancies between sales receipts, store inventory, and cash balances at the end of each shift.
- Assisted with stocking shelves and keeping merchandise organized.
- Adhered to safety regulations when handling money or operating machinery.
- Stayed informed about current promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
- Verified age requirements for certain products such as tobacco and alcohol items.
- Resolved customer complaints in a timely fashion while adhering to company policies and procedures.
SHIFT MANAGER
PILOT TRAVEL CENTER
03.2009 - 04.2013
- Accepted payment from customers, and made change as necessary. Answered telephone calls and responded to inquiries Assisted co-workers. Checked temperatures of freezers, refrigerators, and heating equipment to ensure proper functioning. Trained kitchen staff on proper use of equipment, food handling, and portion sizing. Trained, coached and mentored staff to ensure smooth adoption of new program. Served as mentor to junior team members. Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover. Hired and trained staff. Serv-Safe Certified
Education
Associates degree - Teaching
Eastern Gateway Community College
06-2022
Academic Honors Diploma -
PORTAGE HIGH SCHOOL
01.2007
Elementary Education
PURDUE NORTH CENTRAL
Westville, INSkills
- Staff training/development
- Employee scheduling
- Policy/program development
- Consistently meet goals
- Food cost control
- Special event catering
- Back of house operations
- Ability to build strong customer relationships
- Ability to communicate clearly
- Staff development
- Food and beverage handling
- Restaurant experience
- Kitchen staff training
- Supply ordering
- Meal preparation
- Kitchen management
- Kitchen productivity
- Ability to perform basic math calculations
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Student assessment
- Technology integration
- Educational leadership
- Conflict resolution
- Team collaboration
- Program implementation
- Child development
- Student engagement
Timeline
Front Desk/ Before and After School Teacher
Learning Tree Academy
05.2024 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher's Assistant
Portage Township Schools
08.2023 - Current
TITLE 1 ASSISTANT
PORTAGE TOWNSHIPSCHOOLS
05.2018 - 05.2025
SCHOOL AGE PROGRAM COORDINATOR/ SUMMER CAMP COORDINATOR
DUNELAND FAMILY YMCA
10.2015 - 05.2018
SERVICE DESK/CASHIER
MEIJER
04.2013 - 10.2015
SHIFT MANAGER
PILOT TRAVEL CENTER
03.2009 - 04.2013
Associates degree - Teaching
Eastern Gateway Community College
Academic Honors Diploma -
PORTAGE HIGH SCHOOL
Elementary Education
PURDUE NORTH CENTRAL
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