Melissa Ledwon
Staten Island,NY
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
School Crossing Guard
NYPD
02.2023 - Current
- Protected safety of students by identifying potential conflicts and working collaboratively with community resource networks to diffuse situations.
- Interrupted traffic to allow students, parents and other pedestrians to safely cross streets.
- Developed key relationships with both adults and children through effective communication and purposeful engagement.
- Monitored and manipulated operations of traffic lights to report any malfunctions.
- Instructed children to safely cross streets using crosswalk and watching traffic lights.
- Used signs, hand signals and flags to control car and foot traffic conditions.
- Monitored traffic flow to identify safe crossing gaps.
- Discouraged children from behaving unsafely near traffic to reduce injuries and accidents.
- Controlled drivers' speed, movement and routes with hand signals and signs.
- Attended to needs and safety of pedestrians by stopping traffic at crossing locations.
- Educated pedestrians about crossing rules and road safety.
Dance Instructor
Melissa's Dance Workshop Self Employed
09.2001 - Current
- Planned routines for recitals and performances.
- Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
- Planned, prepared, and delivered lesson plans introducing students to dance techniques and ballet positions.
- Communicated with students and parents in person, via email, and by phone to resolve issues and answer questions.
- Worked in team-based environment to uphold quality and continuity of service to clients.
- Utilized different styles of teaching to accommodate students of all capabilities.
- Offered one-on-one instruction to students by appointment.
- Planned and oversaw group, couples, and individual dance performances.
- coordination and administration of complete dance program.
- Adhered to studio guidelines and legal requirements.
- Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves.
- Tailored each class to meet student needs and abilities and allow dancers to progress at comfortable pace.
- Provided constructive corrections to encourage students to learn steps and improve dancing.
- Motivated and encouraged students to practice dance routines to work toward set goals.
- Promoted creative expression to encourage students to explore dance as art and self expression through movement.
- Recognized and adapted to different learning styles to productively communicate and teach materials to all students.
- Monitored student behavior to identify potential issues and address problems appropriately.
- Assessed student progress regularly to identify students needing individualized help, provide feedback and select suitable material for dancers.
- Covered safety and health guidelines to avoid injury and inform students fully on risks associated with dance.
- Encouraged student feedback to allow for active consideration of student views and to make any necessary lesson plan adjustments.
Substitute Paraprofessional
NYCDOE
05.2013 - 12.2021
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Delivered curriculum in both one-on-one lessons and group learning environments.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
- Prepared instructional materials for group and one-on-one use to comply with established curriculum.
- Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based strategies to foster independence and social academic engagement,
- Adhered to predetermined behavior and academic plans and collaborated on adjustments.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment.
- Monitored student behavior and administered discipline as needed.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Monitored student performance and provided feedback to inform instruction.
- Developed creative instructional strategies to keep students engaged and motivated.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Utilized variety of instructional strategies to meet individual student needs.
- Operated computers or audio-visual aids to supplement presentations.
- Assisted students in mastering subject material and preparing for tests.
- Attended professional meetings, educational conferences or teacher training workshops to improve professional competence.
- Distributed textbooks, workbooks, papers and pencils to students.
- Developed lesson plans to align with grade-level standards and objectives.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans for students with challenging behavior.
- Conferred with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
- Researched and selected age-appropriate materials and resources for classroom instruction.
- Documented student progress and provided regular updates to parents.
- Prepared objectives and outlines for courses of study by following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
Daycare Teacher
Kiddie Academy
09.2002 - 06.2003
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toileting.
- Actively encouraged children to develop their communication, problem-solving and social skills.
- Gathered materials and resources to prepare for lessons and activities.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Documented behavior, development and learning of children to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Promoted physical, academic, and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Implemented curriculum to enhance classes with learning-focused activities.
- Utilized technology to develop instructional materials and activities for children.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Organized and supervised large and small group activities.
- Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Utilized creative teaching strategies to engage students in classroom.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
- Assessed student progress and provided feedback on educational development.
- Encouraged use of technology to support student learning.
Daycare Assistant
High Hopes Child Care
11.1999 - 06.2002
- Used patience, skill and various behavior modification techniques to maintain order and safety.
- Maintained clean, neat and hazard-free areas to protect kids, personnel and families.
- Sanitized dishes, tabletops, toys, and frequently touched surfaces to prevent spreading of germs.
- Taught children to organize toys, wash hands, and share by leading by example.
- Provided lunchtime assistance to monitor children, assist with eating and serve food.
- Planned and implemented crafts and other activities to spark interest and enhance development.
- Maintained effective schedule balance between rest periods, active play, and instruction.
- Observed play activities to identify positive behaviors and areas in need of improvement, implementing behavior redirection where appropriate.
- Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.
- Enforced rules and managed behavior through developmentally appropriate discipline.
- Promoted learning and social development through structured and unstructured playtime.
Education
Associate of Arts -
College of Staten Island of The City University of New York
Staten Island, NYHigh School Diploma -
Tottenville High School
Staten Island, NY06.1992
Timeline
School Crossing Guard
NYPD
02.2023 - Current
Substitute Paraprofessional
NYCDOE
05.2013 - 12.2021
Daycare Teacher
Kiddie Academy
09.2002 - 06.2003
Dance Instructor
Melissa's Dance Workshop Self Employed
09.2001 - Current
Daycare Assistant
High Hopes Child Care
11.1999 - 06.2002
Associate of Arts -
College of Staten Island of The City University of New York
High School Diploma -
Tottenville High School