Nora DeLong
246 Jacata Dr, Kent City,MI
Summary
Experienced with creating interactive and nurturing classroom settings for young learners. Utilizes developmentally appropriate teaching strategies to promote early literacy and numeracy skills. Strong understanding of child development principles and effective communication with parents and colleagues.
Early childhood education professional, prepared to bring passion for teaching to a new setting. Extensive experience in developing and implementing dynamic lesson plans that support diverse learning styles. Strong focus on collaborative teamwork and achieving educational goals, demonstrating reliability and adaptability. Skilled in classroom management and fostering a positive learning environment.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Student Teacher, Kindergarten
Kent City Schools
08.2026 - Current
- Designed developmentally appropriate kindergarten lessons to align with state standards
- Assessed student progress through observation, guided practice, and informal checks
- Adapted activities to differentiate diverse learning needs and readiness levels
- Supported lead teacher with classroom management and daily instructional routines
- Excelled in role as lead teacher managing classroom routines, supporting behaviors, engagement, and student independence.
- Demonstrates a strong willingness to receive and implement feedback, viewing constructive input as an opportunity for professional growth.
- Accumulated 300+ hours, gaining extensive practical teaching experience through kindergarten student teaching, including lesson delivery, classroom management, and support for diverse learning needs.
Apprenticeship
Harrison Park Academy
02.2026 - 05.2026
- Demonstrated self-motivation by managing tasks independently and efficiently.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Completed 130+ hours of hands-on classroom experience supporting second-grade instruction, student learning, and daily classroom routines.
College Student
Aquinas Education Program
08.2024 - 12.2027
- Coordinated communication between peers, instructors, and program staff to resolve scheduling and coursework questions.
- Met academic standards and expectations to maintain school enrollment.
- Attended regularly scheduled instructional classes, taking organized notes and interacting positively.
- Utilized professor office hours to clarify topics needing elaboration.
- Collaborated on group projects to complete professional deliverables.
- Accumulated 170+ hours additional Aquinas College field experience hours through classroom observations and hands-on learning opportunities across diverse school settings.
Cashier
Zavala’s Greenhouse, Kent City
05.2024 - Current
- A seasonal job cashiering and helping customers find what they want, such as a sun or shade plant. Assisting the customers with their vehicles if they need assistance with what they purchased.
Sales Supervisor
Burlington, Walker
11.2020 - Current
- Supervise all store functions and associates while in the role of Manager on Duty.
- Promote safety for both our customers and associates by adhering to company guidelines. Cultivate a diverse culture based on
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Solve issues/concerns, make informed decisions.
- Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new associates.
- Participate in weekly workload planning meetings.
- Coordinate meal and break periods and monitor schedule adherence
Education
Bachelor - Early Elementary Education
Aquinas College
Grand Rapids10-2026
Diploma -
Sparta High School
Sparta05-2023
Skills
- Classroom management
- Organization
- Time Management
- Lesson planning
- Collaborative teamwork
- Collaboration skills
- Behavior management
Accomplishments
- Dyslexia Seminar — Attended a college seminar focused on dyslexia and understanding students’ literacy needs.
- DIBELS Assessment Training — Participated in training on assessment procedures, online tools, and student data to support early literacy instruction.
- Beginning-of-Year Professional Development — Participated in school preparation and training at Kent City Elementary to review expectations, procedures, and information for the upcoming school year.
- Parent-Teacher Conferences — Participated in parent-teacher conferences during student teaching to gain experience with family-school communication and student progress discussions.
Certification
- Virtus Certification
- Mandated Reporter Certification
- Michigan Lower Elementary Education Endorsement (ZO), Pre-K–Grade 3 — In Progress
Timeline
Student Teacher, Kindergarten
Kent City Schools
08.2026 - Current
Apprenticeship
Harrison Park Academy
02.2026 - 05.2026
College Student
Aquinas Education Program
08.2024 - 12.2027
Cashier
Zavala’s Greenhouse, Kent City
05.2024 - Current
Sales Supervisor
Burlington, Walker
11.2020 - Current
Bachelor - Early Elementary Education
Aquinas College
Diploma -
Sparta High School