Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Melony Zanders

Summary

Passionate Early Childhood Educator with 4+ years of experience fostering engaged classroom environments and supporting diverse educational styles. Skilled in creating nurturing and inclusive learning spaces to encourage optimal performance and advancement. Proven ability to integrate technology, collaborate with families, and implement creative, play-based strategies to enhance development.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

2nd Grade Teacher

Providence St. Mel School
06.2022 - Current
  • Planned and delivered engaging lessons aligned with district standards, preparing students for standardized assessments.
  • Built and maintained positive relationships with students and parents to foster a welcoming learning environment.
  • Leveraged technology to enhance learning and provide easy access to educational materials.
  • Collaborated with administrators and colleagues to implement effective classroom management strategies.
  • Led students to achieve an average growth score in the 94th percentile on standardized assessments, demonstrating exceptional instructional impact and academic progress.

Private Tutor

Self Employed
08.2019 - Current
  • Provided one-on-one academic support, focusing on individualized learning needs and strategies.
  • Mentored students to build self-confidence and independence in learning.
  • Enabled underperforming students to achieve target academic goals through personalized coaching.

Lead Infant Teacher

Dandelion Preschool and Nursery
06.2024 - 08.2024
  • Led a nurturing, play-based classroom for infants of ages 6 weeks - 15 months during the summer season.
  • Supported social, emotional, and physical development through sensory and interactive learning experiences.
  • Communicated effectively with families to maintain transparency and ensure developmental milestones were being met.
  • Collaborated with fellow educators to maintain a safe and engaging environment.

Preschool Teacher

08.2021 - 06.2022
  • Created and maintained a safe, interactive classroom environment for preschool-aged children.
  • Applied play-based learning techniques to promote physical, social, and academic growth.
  • Collaborated with families to ensure alignment between school and home environments.

Overnight Nanny

Care.com Inc.
12.2020 - 08.2021
  • Provided personalized care to children, including newborns and toddlers, in a nurturing environment.
  • Coordinated daily activities to enhance physical, social, and cognitive development.
  • Maintained consistent routines, including meal preparation, hygiene, and bedtime schedules.

Education

Master of Science - Early Childhood Education

Concordia University Chicago
08-2025

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education

Concordia University Chicago
12.2022

Skills

  • Play-Based Learning
  • Academic-Based Learning
  • Developmental Milestone Tracking
  • Family Engagement and Collaboration
  • Classroom Management
  • Curriculum Design
  • Time Management
  • Technology Integration in Learning
  • Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments

Certification

  • Gateway Certified Early Childhood Educator – 2021
  • First Aid and CPR Training – 2024
  • Mandated Reporter – Current
  • Epilepsy and Seizure Awareness School Training
  • DCFS Health and Safety Training: SIDS, Shaken Baby, Safe Sleep
  • Food Handler Training

Timeline

Lead Infant Teacher

Dandelion Preschool and Nursery
06.2024 - 08.2024

2nd Grade Teacher

Providence St. Mel School
06.2022 - Current

Preschool Teacher

08.2021 - 06.2022

Overnight Nanny

Care.com Inc.
12.2020 - 08.2021

Private Tutor

Self Employed
08.2019 - Current

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education

Concordia University Chicago

Master of Science - Early Childhood Education

Concordia University Chicago