Melissa Frederick Van De Water
Millbrook
Summary
Accomplished educator with expertise in classroom management and positive reinforcement, honed at Dutchess Day School. Proven ability to adapt lesson plans and foster a nurturing environment. Skilled in effective communication and maintaining safe learning spaces, enhancing student engagement and success. Recognized for collaborative efforts and dedication to educational excellence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
First Grade, Teacher Assistant
Dutchess Day School
Millbrook
08.2025 - Current
- Managed classroom behavior through positive reinforcement techniques, fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum, facilitating knowledge exchange and improved teaching strategies.
- Ensured classroom safety and cleanliness by organizing materials and resources regularly.
- Supported the creation of a safe, nurturing environment that promoted trust and respect among students.
Substitute Teacher
Millbrook School District
Millbrook
11.2022 - 06.2025
- Adapted lesson plans to meet diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Managed classroom activities to enhance student engagement and participation during lessons.
- Enforced classroom routines to ensure students remained on schedule and focused on learning objectives.
- Implemented school policies and procedures in the classroom.
- Supported special needs students by providing individual instruction.
- Provided detailed notes and reports on daily activities to primary teacher for effective continuity in instruction.
- Requested substitute teaching positions based on positive referrals from staff.
Office Administrative Assistant
Prime Wealth Management
01.2001 - 01.2025
- Prepared reports, presentations, and financial documents for client meetings, ensuring materials met quality standards.
- Implemented filing systems that improved document retrieval and organization efficiency.
- Organized client files and maintained accurate records using office management software.
- Managed incoming calls and directed inquiries to appropriate team members, enhancing communication flow.
- Answered phones to direct callers, schedule appointments, and provide general office information.
- Greeted visitors and answered incoming calls, providing accurate information or redirecting inquiries to relevant personnel.
- Performed administrative duties such as photocopying, faxing documents and mailing packages.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive data in accordance with company policies.
Kindergarten Teacher, Leave Replacement
Millbrook School District
Millbrook
09.2023 - 12.2023
- Fostered positive classroom environment, enhancing student social and emotional growth through supportive interactions.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies such as setting limits while encouraging self-discipline.
- Implemented classroom management techniques that maintained student focus and discipline, promoting a conducive learning atmosphere.
- Developed strong relationships with students, families, staff, and outside agencies, facilitating effective communication and support.
- Promoted collaborative learning among peers through group work activities.
- Provided a safe learning environment where children could explore their creativity.
Substitute Teacher
Millbrook Early Childhood Education Center (MECEC)
Millbrook
01.2020 - 12.2021
- Supported students with assignments through individualized assistance to enhance understanding.
- Adapted lesson plans to meet diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Enforced classroom routines to ensure students remained on schedule and engaged in learning.
- Collaborated with teachers to facilitate seamless transitions and maintain instructional continuity.
- Promoted a safe and secure atmosphere within the classroom setting.
Education
Master’s Degree - Educational Psychology
The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NY05.2005
Bachelor’s Degree - Elementary Education, Spanish
The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NY05.2003
Regents Diploma -
Arlington High School
LaGrangeville, NY06.1999
Skills
- Friendly and outgoing
- Individualized instruction
- Attendance tracking
- Safety maintenance
- Positive reinforcement
- Setting up activities
- Effective communication
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Friendly and outgoing
- Positive attitude
- Calm and patient demeanor
Certification
NYS Initial certification, Early Childhood Education Birth-2, In process
Timeline
First Grade, Teacher Assistant
Dutchess Day School
08.2025 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher, Leave Replacement
Millbrook School District
09.2023 - 12.2023
Substitute Teacher
Millbrook School District
11.2022 - 06.2025
Substitute Teacher
Millbrook Early Childhood Education Center (MECEC)
01.2020 - 12.2021
Office Administrative Assistant
Prime Wealth Management
01.2001 - 01.2025
Master’s Degree - Educational Psychology
The College of Saint Rose
Bachelor’s Degree - Elementary Education, Spanish
The College of Saint Rose
Regents Diploma -
Arlington High School