I enjoy an active lifestyle, with my adopted six year old son
Patricia Olson
Education
Chicago,IL
Summary
Enthusiastic educator with communication and interpersonal skills necessary to lead classrooms and execute lesson plans. Provides instruction and guidance to students of all ages. Creates positive classroom environments and effectively manages student behavior. Dedicated and passionate educator with proven track record successfully leading student discussions and providing individualized instruction. Communicates effectively with administrators, faculty and parents. Well versed in educational standards and innovative teaching methods. Organized and detail-oriented individual with proven ability to effectively manage and motivate student learning. Collaborates with fellow professionals to promote stimulating learning environment. Offers strong organizational and student engagement skills. Reliable and knowledgeable educator with experience developing and delivering engaging lessons. Friendly individual enjoys helping students learn new concepts and subjects. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-8
Onahan Elementary
Chicago, IL
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Provided instruction for students in core subject areas.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to keep learner attention.
- Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
- Collaborated with adults and children to provide safe and educational experience.
- Chose materials and developed lesson plans to enhance skills for individual students.
- Developed and implemented useful behavior management strategies to instill discipline and compliance with conduct code.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and revise curriculum, enhancing learning experience.
- Facilitated student-led, inquiry-based activities in classroom to enhance learning experience.
- Utilized innovative teaching strategies to effectively engage students in learning.
- Created and implemented assessments to measure student progress.
- Met regularly with team of teachers to discuss best practices and develop innovative teaching strategies.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction to meet individual needs.
- Assessed student performance and provided feedback to facilitate student success.
- Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
- Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
- Evaluated students' understanding of course material through examinations and in-depth essay writing.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Designed detailed learning plans for struggling students based on test, homework and assignment records.
- Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
- Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to accommodate varied student learning styles.
- Assigned, explained and graded homework.
- Incorporated technology into learning to enhance student engagement and learning.
- Organized and cleaned teaching areas after daily use to maintain high standards for returning teachers or other substitutes.
- Adapted lesson plans and student activities to meet needs of students with special learning needs.
- Researched and selected age-appropriate materials and resources for classroom instruction.
- Utilized variety of instructional strategies to meet individual student needs.
- Monitored student behavior and administered discipline as needed.
- Assisted students in mastering subject material and preparing for tests.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Operated computers or audio-visual aids to supplement presentations.
- Attended professional meetings, educational conferences or teacher training workshops to improve professional competence.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
- Collaborated with other educators to plan and review instruction.
- Conferred with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
Third Grade Teacher
Saint Paul Of The Cross
Park Ridge, IL
08.1998 - 06.2014
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Stayed abreast of new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Incorporated Software technology into lesson planning to create engaging, multi-dimensional lessons.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Utilized study guides and interactive study tools to increase standardized test scores.
- Directed class discussions to spark conversation about key concepts, complex problems and overarching themes.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Developed and implemented discipline strategies to maintain classroom order.
- Scheduled and directed field trips and hands-on activities to foster student learning and creativity.
First Grade Teacher
Saint Hilary School,
Chicago , IL
08.1992 - 06.1997
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Stayed abreast of changes to school and district policies as well as new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Stayed abreast of new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Chaperoned field trips to maintain safety and encourage learning.
- Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Scheduled and directed field trips and hands-on activities to foster student learning and creativity.
- Developed and implemented discipline strategies to maintain classroom order.
Education
Master Of Arts - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL 09.1996 - 08.2001
Bachelor Of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL 08.1988 - 05.1992
Skills
Adaptable
Parent Communication
Test preparation
IEP documentation
Special education
Lesson implementation
Discipline
Differentiated instruction
Creative problem solving
Middle school education
IEP understanding
Relationship building and management
Organizational abilities
Elementary education
Classroom management
Group Instruction
Safety awareness
Disciplinary procedures
Student records management
Lesson plan implementation
Verbal and written communication
Student-centered learning
Learner assessment
Student engagement
Interests
Reading
Avid walker
Traveling
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, K-8
Onahan Elementary
08.2021 - 06.2023
Third Grade Teacher
Saint Paul Of The Cross
08.1998 - 06.2014
Master Of Arts - Special Education
Northeastern Illinois University
09.1996 - 08.2001
First Grade Teacher
Saint Hilary School,
08.1992 - 06.1997
Bachelor Of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Illinois At Chicago
08.1988 - 05.1992