Nathalia Pena
Chicago,IL.
Summary
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in early Childhood Education and talent for navigating challenges within a workplace. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Special Education Paraprofessional
Chicago Public Schools
10.2019 - 02.2025
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
- Interacted physically and verbally with students throughout each day.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Set up visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to support teacher's lesson delivery.
Lead Teacher
JCC
06.2018 - 09.2019
- Organized diverse activities to promote physical, mental and social growth of each child
- Helped learners of all abilities build learning and study skills to promote life-long educational goals
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff
- Arranged rooms to facilitate optimal education for student groups
- Involved parents in student learning to increase family interaction and student support
- Applied proactive behavior management techniques for classroom discpline
- Created and maintained rich learning environment with diverse strategies to engage students and deliver enriching educational opportunities
- Worked one-on-one with struggling students to design individualized lesson plans to increase progress
- Committed to continuous improvement through ongoing professional development workshops, seminars, webinars, or other training programs relevant to early childhood education best practices.
Lead Teacher
Children's Learning Place
03.2015 - 04.2017
- Promoted good behaviors by using positive reinforcement methods with children
- Updated files for individual children and teachers for recordkeeping
- Distributed quarterly progress assessments and milestone reports to each parent
- Adhered to Creative Curriculum learning strategies
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques
- Developed professional relationships with parents, teachers, directors and therapists
- Promoted good behaviors by using positive reinforcement methods
- Communicated with parents regularly to maintain student progress, schedule meetings and increase overall student happiness
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies such as games and crafts for experiential learning
- Identified children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related or developmental concerns and conceived improvement strategies
Lead Teacher
Kids Work Chicago
02.2011 - 10.2014
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies such as games and crafts for experiential learning
- Communicated with parents regularly to maintain student progress, schedule meetings and increase overall student happiness
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children
- Promoted good behaviors by using positive reinforcement methods
- Developed professional relationships with parents, teachers, directors and therapists
- Encouraged children to be understanding of others, show good manners and instructed in other social development behaviors
- Enhanced sensory abilities by giving children access to numerous textures and shapes
- Taught children foundational skills such as colors, shapes and letters
Education
High School Diploma -
Roald Amundsen High School
Skills
- CPR/First-aid certified
- Excellent classroom management
- Teamwork
- Excellent communication
- Team building
- Conflict resolution
- Professionalism
- Recruitment strategies
- Social media expertise
- Phone banking
- Public speaking
- Advocacy experience
Certification
2017- Educator License with Endorsements
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
Special Education Paraprofessional
Chicago Public Schools
10.2019 - 02.2025
Lead Teacher
JCC
06.2018 - 09.2019
Lead Teacher
Children's Learning Place
03.2015 - 04.2017
Lead Teacher
Kids Work Chicago
02.2011 - 10.2014
High School Diploma -
Roald Amundsen High School
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