Melisa "Lisa" Howard
Pinson
Summary
Motivated Elementary/Special Education teacher with experience guiding students with proven teaching methods and positive interactions. Enthusiastic about helping students understand subject materials and educating in social and general learning skills. Passionate about encouraging students to develop a love for reading to open up new and exciting worlds for them.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
EX Education Teacher
Pinson Elementary
Pinson
10.2023 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans addressing diverse student needs and learning styles, enhancing classroom participation.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Participated in professional development workshops to improve teaching practice.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that were tailored to the individual needs of each student.
- Utilized technology in classroom to boost student engagement and deepen understanding of course material.
- Supervised students throughout the day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
- Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
- Built positive relationships with students and parents.
- Maintained regular communication with parents regarding students' progress, fostering strong home-school partnerships.
Volunteer Coordinator
Children's of Alabama
Birmingham
11.2010 - 10.2023
- Coordinated onboarding and education for new volunteers.
- Organize and conduct training programs for volunteers.
- Created service descriptions for volunteer roles.
- Manage database of volunteer information and steps in onboarding and education/training.
- Maintained records of volunteer hours worked by each individual.
- Resolved conflicts between staff and volunteers.
- Met with department heads to identify needs for department, patients and families and how to utilize the volunteers in this role.
- Conducted educational orientation/training for volunteers including HIPAA, Confidentiality, Infection Control, etc.
- Maintained confidential records of background check, drug screening and medical history of volunteers.
- Coordinated outreach with community organizations to provide meals, games and prizes for parents/patients.
Dental Assistant
Dr. Neal Rhea
Hoover
06.2009 - 11.2010
- Prepared treatment rooms and sterilized instruments for dental procedures.
- Managed patient records and ensured accurate documentation of treatments.
- Educated patients on oral hygiene and post-treatment care instructions.
- Operated dental radiography equipment to capture high-quality images.
- Provided chairside support during various dental procedures and surgeries.
- Maintained inventory of dental supplies and placed orders as needed.
- Greeted patients upon arrival at the office and escorted them to an examination room.
- Educated patients on treatment procedures and post-procedure home care.
- Gathered and reviewed patient records, data and health history to share with dentists for quick and accurate patient assessments, diagnoses and treatment.
Teacher
St. Aloysius Catholic Elementary School
Bessemer
08.2008 - 05.2009
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance educational practices and strategies.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress and behavior.
- Provided individualized support to students with diverse learning needs.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management.
- Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
- Instructed students in science using multiple techniques and hands on when possible.
- Brought in speakers to enhance subjects.
- Brought in purchased and donated materials to round out supplies for classroom activities/experiments.
- Tutored individual students after school hours as needed.
- Assisted with outside field trips to provide students with real world experiences.
Dental Receptionist/Assistant
Denture & Dental Services
Santa Rosa Beach
07.2007 - 05.2008
- Managed patient scheduling and appointment reminders efficiently.
- Coordinated patient intake and maintained accurate records.
- Assisted patients with insurance verification and billing inquiries.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the reception area.
- Collaborated with dental staff to streamline patient flow.
- Educated patients on treatment options and office policies.
- Greeted patients, provided them with necessary paperwork, and verified insurance information.
- Ensured that all HIPAA regulations were followed while handling confidential patient information.
- Collected payments from patients in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Processed referrals to specialists when required by the dentist.
- Performed administrative tasks such as filing documents, preparing reports, ordering supplies.
- Demonstrated proficiencies in telephone, e-mail, fax, and front-desk reception within a high-volume environment.
- Assisted dentists during dental treatments and procedures.
- Educated patients on proper oral health care instructions and preventive measures.
Kindergarten Teacher
Van R. Butler Elementary School
Santa Rosa Beach
08.2005 - 05.2006
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles.
- Created a nurturing environment of trust and respect for special needs and all other students in classroom setting.
- Implemented daily routines to promote student independence and responsibility.
- Collaborated with parents to support student learning and development.
- Designed lesson plans in alignment with state curriculum and standards.
- Offered hands on learning activities and centers.
- Attended and helped prepare for IEP meetings.
- Monitored lunchroom, recess and car line/bus activities.
- Planned field trips for additional learning activities.
- Assisted and planned special events, assemblies and holiday celebrations.
- Attended professional development opportunities.
- Collaborated with school administrators & staff to plan and implement curriculum.
Pre-K Special/Early Childhood Teacher
Bay Elementary School
Santa Rosa Beach
08.2004 - 05.2005
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles.
- Fostered a nurturing environment for social and emotional growth.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to promote positive behavior.
- Collaborated with parents to support child development and learning goals.
- Assessed children's abilities, strengths, interests and needs through observations.
- Offered hands-on learning with centers and discovery table.
- Monitored lunchroom, recess and car line/bus activities.
- Attended and helped prepare for IEP meetings.
- Assisted and planned field trips for additional learning activities.
- Assisted and planned special events, assemblies and holiday celebrations.
- Developed lesson plans in alignment with state curriculum standards.
Language Arts Teacher/Special/Elementary Teacher
Walton Middle School
DeFuniak Springs
08.2003 - 05.2004
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state curriculum standards.
- Inspired students to want to learn/read by learning who they were and their interests.
- Created nurturing environment for all students.
- Offered out of the box learning opportunities to encourage imagination and problem solving skills.
- Offered hands on learning opportunities.
- Collaborated with faculty & staff to implement curriculum.
- Collaborated with administrators and coaches to develop classroom management for grade level.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary/Special Education
Birmingham-Southern College
Birmingham, AL05-2003
Certified Dental Assistant - Dental Assistant
Wallace State Community College
Hanceville, AL05-1985
Skills
- [AL] teaching credential
- Elementary education
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Student assessment
- Student-centered learning
- Parent communication
Accomplishments
- *President ALSDVS 2020-2023
*VP Education ALSDVS 2018-2020
*Previous Honorary member of Homewood Mtn. Brook Kiwanis
*President of Children's Auxiliary Board-2 yrs.
*VP of Membership Children's Aux. Board
*Lifetime member of Children's Auxiliary
*Nominated 2 years for Who's Who Among American Teachers
Timeline
EX Education Teacher
Pinson Elementary
10.2023 - Current
Volunteer Coordinator
Children's of Alabama
11.2010 - 10.2023
Dental Assistant
Dr. Neal Rhea
06.2009 - 11.2010
Teacher
St. Aloysius Catholic Elementary School
08.2008 - 05.2009
Dental Receptionist/Assistant
Denture & Dental Services
07.2007 - 05.2008
Kindergarten Teacher
Van R. Butler Elementary School
08.2005 - 05.2006
Pre-K Special/Early Childhood Teacher
Bay Elementary School
08.2004 - 05.2005
Language Arts Teacher/Special/Elementary Teacher
Walton Middle School
08.2003 - 05.2004
Bachelor of Science - Elementary/Special Education
Birmingham-Southern College
Certified Dental Assistant - Dental Assistant
Wallace State Community College