Melissa Pelaez
Brookfield
Summary
Dedicated education professional with a focus on creating engaging physical education lessons that promote student participation and well-being. Proven ability to foster a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management and communication. Committed to developing innovative curriculum strategies that enhance student physical literacy and health education.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Physical Education Teacher
St. Anthony School Milwaukee
Milwaukee
08.2024 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans for physical education classes.
- Instructed students in various sports and fitness activities.
- Organized school-wide fitness events and competitions.
- Monitored student progress and provided individualized feedback.
- Fostered a positive and inclusive classroom environment for all students.
- Taught students about concepts regarding fitness, health and well-being.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum offerings.
- Managed consistent, learning-focused classroom environments by establishing and communicating clear objectives for students.
- Created lesson plans that focus on developing physical literacy skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching.
Physical Education Teacher
Mother Of Good Counsel Catholic School
Milwaukee
08.2021 - 06.2024
- Taught physical education classes covering exercise strategies, sports, and safety.
- Ensured compliance with state and federal standards for physical fitness benchmarks and exercise programs to enhance student outcomes.
- Maintained safe and orderly learning environments during physical activities by effectively managing classroom behavior.
- Prepared lesson plans to teach age-appropriate exercises in alignment with school curriculum.
- Led exercises and physical activities to engage students and develop physical skills.
- Utilized knowledge of biology, anatomy, and kinesiology to design safe and effective exercises.
- Explained health concepts through engaging discussions and activities in various settings.
- Developed and implemented a variety of instructional strategies to meet the diverse needs of students.
- Coordinated annual field days and sports tournaments to promote physical activity and foster healthy competition among students.
3rd Grade Teacher
Mother of Good Counsel Catholic School
Milwaukee
01.2017 - 06.2021
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to maintain order, promote learning, and ensure safety for all students
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units of study, enriching overall curriculum
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices
- Utilized data-driven instruction to inform lesson planning and target areas needing additional focus or intervention
- Maintained positive classroom environment by enforcing consistent discipline and promoting respectful behavior among students
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, adjusting instruction as needed for optimal results
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal
3rd Grade Teacher
St. Margaret Mary Catholic School
Milwaukee
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Design curriculum and materials that reflect student-centered approach with many hands-on activities
- Applied balanced literacy approach to effectively teach reading, writing, and word work
- Implement positive classroom management strategies to help facilitate academic and social growth of all students through Responsive Classroom
- Collaborated with grade level colleagues to enhance academic achievement for all students
- Incorporate cross-curricular components into lessons and thematic units
- Use research-based, best practices to help students reach their full learning potential in safe, positive, and respectful environment
- Communicated regularly with parents to share updates on student progress and foster home-school connections
- Used systematic lesson planning emphasizing long and short term goals and assessment rubrics.
Learning Support Teacher
Burleigh School
Elmbrook Schools
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Design, plan, and instruct guided reading groups in first and second grade classrooms based on individual and small group academic needs
- Design, plan, and instruct sight words with small groups of kindergarten students
- Instruct small group of kindergarten students using Jolly Phonics Curriculum
- Plan and instruct Everyday Math lessons with small group of third grade students based on students' academic needs
- Assisted and instructed Everyday Math lessons in first grade classroom, tailoring support to enhance student understanding and engagement.
- Collaborated daily with grade level teachers to address individual student needs, fostering a supportive learning environment.
5th Grade Teacher
Roosevelt School
Wauwatosa
01.2003 - 01.2009
- Design curriculum materials that reflect a student-centered approach with many hands-on activities
- Integrated cross-curricular components into lessons and thematic units to promote holistic learning
- Use a balanced literacy approach to teach reading, writing, and word work
- Implement positive classroom management strategies to help facilitate academic and social growth of all students through Responsive Classroom
- Applied research-based best practices to support students in reaching their full learning potential within a safe and respectful environment
- Collaborated with grade level colleagues in Professional Learning Community to enhance academic achievement for all students
- Communicate with parents on a regular basis
- Used systematic lesson planning emphasizing long and short term goals and assessment rubrics.
Education
Master of Curriculum and Instruction - Curriculum and Instruction
National Louis University
Milwaukee, WI06-2007
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Elementary Educations and Communication Studies
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI05-2001
Skills
- Student engagement strategies
- Sportsmanship promotion
Certification
- Elementary Education Grades 1-6
- Teacher-Lifetime License
References
- Angie Hamilton, (414) 384-1730, Principal, St. Anthony School, Milwaukee
- Kristin Kretz, (414) 645-1060, Former Curriculum and Instruction Coach, St. Anthony School, Milwaukee
- Rachel Johnson, (414) 416-4339, Principal, Mother of Good Counsel School, Milwaukee
Activities And Accomplishments
- Marquette University Women's Soccer Team Member (1997-2000)
- Division I NCAA program including intensive training and practice schedules
- Balanced commitment to my team and my academic requirements
- Four-year Varsity letter winner
Educational Related Experience
- Head Soccer Coach, SC Wave Soccer Club, 2019-2021, Planned and coached elementary aged players on developing their athletic and mental soccer IQ
- Head Girls JV Soccer Coach, Divine Savior Holy Angles High School, 2004-2007, Developed and implemented foundational soccer skills to high school age girls through a variety of soccer activities and game-related tactics
Timeline
Physical Education Teacher
St. Anthony School Milwaukee
08.2024 - Current
Physical Education Teacher
Mother Of Good Counsel Catholic School
08.2021 - 06.2024
3rd Grade Teacher
Mother of Good Counsel Catholic School
01.2017 - 06.2021
3rd Grade Teacher
St. Margaret Mary Catholic School
01.2015 - 01.2017
Learning Support Teacher
Burleigh School
01.2010 - 01.2012
5th Grade Teacher
Roosevelt School
01.2003 - 01.2009
Master of Curriculum and Instruction - Curriculum and Instruction
National Louis University
Bachelor of Arts Degree - Elementary Educations and Communication Studies
Marquette University