Melissa Sifert
Belmond
Summary
A dedicated and compassionate preschool teacher with early intervention knowledge, and a commitment to fostering individual growth in young learners. Proficient in designing diverse educational activities that enhance learning experiences. Recognized for effective classroom management and curriculum development, ensuring educational objectives are achieved with creativity and patience. Strong communication and empathy skills contribute to nurturing environments where children can thrive and parents are informed.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Preschool Teacher
Belmond-Klemme Community School District
Belmond
08.2001 - Current
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians by regularly communicating student progress through Seesaw, email, text, and phone communication.
- Completed home visits to get to know each student's interests, family, learning style, and other important information, such as medical, custody, or behavioral concerns.
- Communicated with parents regularly with classroom notes, updates, and photos to discuss student progress and classroom activities.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
- Developed professional relationships with parents, other teachers, classroom paraprofessionals, directors and therapists.
- Consulted with AEA staff, speech pathologists, special education teachers, and families to design and implement strategies for students with a diagnosis of autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other diagnoses.
- Collected detailed data on each student to guide classroom planning, instructional strategies, and behavior management techniques.
- Maintained records of attendance, health concerns, observational data, performance growth, and other relevant information about the students in my class.
- Administered and documented results of student assessments.
- Facilitated group play activities that encouraged collaboration among students.
- Developed lesson plans that incorporated creative, developmentally appropriate, child-based, hands-on teaching techniques, and curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Integrated technology into lesson plans.
- Organized educational materials and resources to create an engaging learning environment that would address all of the Teaching Strategies GOLD and Iowa Early Learning Standards.
- Incorporated learning activities that promoted growth in the domains of literacy, math, cognitive growth, physical growth, social studies, science, and the arts at a developmentally appropriate level.
- Controlled the classroom environment with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided a safe and secure environment for children, with the incorporation of a large variety of manipulative play materials, sensory play activities, dramatic play opportunities, and academic play stations.
- Provided whole group, small group, and individual instruction daily, providing support to each student based on his or her unique needs, learning style, and learning pace.
- Planned and supervised field trips so students could experience hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices for early childhood education.
- Participated actively on various school committees to promote school-wide success in various areas, including math, literacy, and culture and climate.
Second Grade Teacher
Dows School District
Dows
07.2000 - 07.2001
- Created an environment that fostered positive learning experiences for second graders.
- Implemented differentiated instruction methods based on each student's ability level.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and other pertinent information.
- Actively participated in staff development workshops designed to improve teaching skills.
- Assessed student performance through formal and informal assessments throughout the year.
- Utilized instructional materials, such as books, multimedia sources, and manipulatives to enhance student learning.
- Established clear expectations for classroom behavior and reinforced appropriate behavior with positive reinforcement strategies.
- Referred to district standards to plan lessons and prepare students to take standardized assessments.
Kindergarten Teacher
John Glenn Elementary School
San Antonio
08.1999 - 07.2000
- Collaborated with colleagues on various projects related to curriculum development and assessment strategies.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in early childhood education.
- Encouraged students to think critically by posing questions and providing stimulating materials.
- Incorporated differentiated instruction into daily lessons in order to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Provided emotional support for students who were struggling socially or academically.
Preschool Teacher
John Glenn Elementary and Lackland City Elementary
San Antonio
07.1997 - 07.1999
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians by regularly communicating student progress.
- Facilitated group play activities that encouraged collaboration among students.
- Led story time sessions designed to promote literacy skills among young learners.
- Conducted classroom activities to stimulate physical, mental, and social development of preschool students.
- Incorporated music, art, games, books, blocks, puzzles into daily instruction.
- Integrated multicultural themes into instruction plans to foster respect for diversity among students.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
Education
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA05-2008
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA05-1997
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Child development
- Classroom management
- Parental communication
- Differentiated instruction
- Assessment administration
- Special needs support
Timeline
Preschool Teacher
Belmond-Klemme Community School District
08.2001 - Current
Second Grade Teacher
Dows School District
07.2000 - 07.2001
Kindergarten Teacher
John Glenn Elementary School
08.1999 - 07.2000
Preschool Teacher
John Glenn Elementary and Lackland City Elementary
07.1997 - 07.1999
Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Northern Iowa
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
University of Northern Iowa
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