PAULA AZAR

• Designed and implemented comprehensive whole group, small group, and individualized lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance students’ literacy, mathematics, and critical thinking skills.
• Created a positive and structured classroom environment that encouraged student participation and personal growth.
• Monitored and assessed students’ progress, providing individualized support and enrichment to address learning needs.
• Communicated regularly with parents and guardians regarding students’ academic performance and behavioral development.
• Collaborated with colleagues on best practices and instructional strategies to maximize student growth and learning.
• Took an active role on the school-based data team to assess and utilize multi grade level data to develop goals and instructional strategies for building colleagues.
• Led grade level ATMs and assisted in staff meetings to report on data team findings and initiatives.

• Developed and implemented whole group, small group, and individualized lesson plans that catered to the diverse needs of students in the classroom as well as over Zoom during Covid.
• Fostered a positive classroom environment that fostered academic, social and emotional growth.
• Assessed and monitored students’ progress, providing regular feedback to administrators, parents and guardians.
• Collaborated with colleagues and families to support students’ individual needs and developmental milestones.

• Planned and implemented small group and one-on-one targeted lessons to meet the individual needs of third, fourth, and fifth grade students
• Utilized Do The Math and enVision Math intervention materials in conjunction with the iReady technology based program to develop individualized math programs for students
• Paralleled and supported the Fountas and Pinnell writing curriculum with supplemental intervention lessons targeted to specific student needs
• Collaborated with classroom and intervention teachers to effectively support students in the intervention classroom while also providing in-class support across grade levels
• Provided iReady administrative services for the elementary intervention team, creating and assigning rosters to staff members
• Prioritized communication with caregivers, keeping them involved and informed with a quarterly newsletter.

• Taught heterogeneous first grade classes with differentiation of instruction, reflective practice, and meeting individual student needs as top priorities
• Assessed student performance through anecdotal records, student-teacher conferencing, peer evaluation, checklists, and student portfolios
• Conducted whole group, small group, and one-on one lessons daily to meet the individual needs of all students
• Integrated subject areas to engage students and maximize learning
• Integrated technology into all subject areas utilizing the SMART board and classroom computers
• Maintained a class website and implemented a weekly newsletter to keep caregivers informed and involved
• Upheld a warm and all-encompassing school climate as PTO liaison, School Team Grade Level Representative, and School Newsletter Editor.

• Instructed students of varying abilities in mathematics, science, and social studies
• Conducted one-on-one and small group instruction for students of various abilities to facilitate the completion of end of year projects
• Collaborated with grade level peers to assess student performance and plan differentiated lessons based on individual student needs.

• Planned, structured, and executed developmentally appropriate lessons in all subject areas for a long-term kindergarten assignment.

• Utilized 'best practice' techniques including reader's workshop, writer's workshop, Fountas & Pinnell word study, portfolio assessment, Everyday Math, Social Studies Alive, and Foss science kit explorations
• Designed and implemented an author study on well-known children's author Leo Lionni in preparation for a first grade field trip to a performance based on his work
• Emphasized home-school communication and parental involvement.

• Prepared course materials and designed classroom environments
• Authored a thematic unit as well as several appendices for educational professional development literature; edited scholarly articles and book chapters
• Organized departmental events such as faculty meetings, and conference presentations
• Performed various administrative duties (filing, phone, supplies, emails, etc.)