Paula Nelson
Salem,Utah
Summary
Experienced substitute teacher, volunteer firefighter, and basketball coach with strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Adaptable in the classroom, effective in high-pressure emergency situations, and dedicated to fostering teamwork and discipline in athletes. Committed to making a positive impact in every role.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher
EduStaff
02.2025 - Current
- 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.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Provided support to special education students in inclusive classrooms, developing accommodations and modifications to meet their unique needs.
- Adapted quickly to different classroom settings and teaching assignments, demonstrating flexibility and resourcefulness.
Volunteer Fire Fighter
Swan Valley Fire Department
03.2022 - 03.2024
- Enhanced teamwork among the crew by participating in regular training sessions, drills, and exercises.
- Upheld high levels of readiness while on call, ensuring timely response to any potential emergencies.
- Collaborated closely with fellow firefighters to ensure smooth communication and coordination during emergencies.
- Worked under stressful situations while maintaining a calm and collect demeanor to best serve the public
- Aided the chief in submitting accident reports and other various paperwork
- Served as a role model to aspiring firefighters through mentorship, training support, and sharing of professional experiences.
Secretary
Rockin’ T Construction
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Entered data into system and updated customer contacts with information to keep records current.
- Continually sought methods for improving daily operations, communications with clients, recordkeeping, and data entry for increased efficiency.
- Handled sensitive information discreetly, maintaining confidentiality when managing personnel files or financial data.
- Maintained accounts receivable for the company through QuickBooks
- Managed payroll and schedules for 10 people
- Answered multi-line phone system and enthusiastically greeted callers.
Head Basketball Coach Boys/Girls and Athletic Director
Swan Valley Elementary
10.2021 - 02.2023
- Coordinated the game schedule with other Athletic Directors
- Plan and implemented a practice plan for children 3rd-8th grade
- Served as a positive role model for athletes by demonstrating commitment, professionalism, and dedication to the sport both on and off the court.
- Increased player strength, agility, and game skills through successful practices.
- Strategically plan ways to engage different age groups while focusing on 7th and 8th grade players to prepare them for the high school level of play
- Promoted good sportsmanship with competing teams on- and off-field.
- Continuously updated coaching techniques by attending professional development conferences and collaborating with fellow coaches from different regions.
Paraprofessional/Substitute Teacher/Volunteer
Swan Valley Elementary
09.2020 - 01.2023
- Assisted lead teachers in preparing materials for instructional use, streamlining daily tasks while promoting efficiency.
- Implement lesson plans given by the teacher
- Watch over a large group of children at a time in a variety of ages from kindergarten to 8th grade
- Specifically focused on teaching reading fundamentals to kids who fell behind in school due to the COVID shut down in 2019/2020
Personal Trainer
Axiom Fitness
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Aided a variety of people to learn better nutrition, safe weight lifting, proper lifting techniques, and food journaling
- Area of expertise was creating and helping execute fitness plans for diabetics, elderly (in a pool), pregnant and post-partum women
Swimming Instructor
Peterson’s Swimming Lessons
06.2015 - 07.2015
- Outlined classes for each individual age group I taught while being able to situate to the classes need to aid the child in passing the 6 levels given by the American Red Cross; aside to teaching each child proper water safety
Tobacco Cessation Program Coordinator Intern
Eastern Idaho Public Health District
03.2013 - 07.2013
- Designed and entered data from surveys to a data base for graphing and measurable results while building relationships with businesses around the Idaho Falls area for support and promotion of the Tobacco Cessation Program
Dispatcher/Biller
Road Runner Shuttle Services
03.2011 - 09.2011
- Answered incoming calls that entailed, taking accurate messages, solve problems quickly to help drivers make appointment times while multitasking the company billing, the company audits, reporting any schedule changes, cancellations, or complaints of clients to the scheduler
Personal Trainer/Aerobic Instructor/Receptionist
Melaleuca
10.2010 - 04.2010
- Created meal plans for my personal training clients and designed and conducted aerobics classes to help benefit the Melaleuca employee in the hope of helping them maintain wellness to ultimately make them a happier, healthy, and productive employee
Cashier/ Apparel Sales Associate
The Sports Authority
09.2010 - 03.2010
- Handled money at the front desk and was required to exercise excellent customer service and knowledge about the products we held in our store
Education
Bachelors of Health Science - Emphasis Public and Environmental Health
Brigham Young University Idaho
Rexburg, ID07.2013
Associates of Science - Minor in Biology
Boise State University
Boise, ID05.2010
Skills
- Classroom management
- Adaptable
- Relationship building and management
- Student engagement
- Lesson plan implementation
- Structural firefighting
- Stress tolerance and resilience
- First aid certified
Qualifications
Experienced in supporting student education by following lesson plans, maintaining routines, and fostering a positive learning environment, including special education students. Adaptable and flexible in various teaching roles.
As a firefighter, I maintained readiness, worked well under pressure, and mentored new recruits. I also assisted with reports and documentation.
Skilled in managing accounts receivable, payroll, and project logs through QuickBooks, while ensuring smooth communication. Experienced in coaching and planning sports practices for 3rd-8th grade students, preparing the eldest grades for high school competition.
Certification
- Adult Educator License # 810994
- CPR/AED Certification
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
EduStaff
02.2025 - Current
Secretary
Rockin’ T Construction
10.2022 - 11.2023
Volunteer Fire Fighter
Swan Valley Fire Department
03.2022 - 03.2024
Head Basketball Coach Boys/Girls and Athletic Director
Swan Valley Elementary
10.2021 - 02.2023
Paraprofessional/Substitute Teacher/Volunteer
Swan Valley Elementary
09.2020 - 01.2023
Personal Trainer
Axiom Fitness
08.2015 - 08.2017
Swimming Instructor
Peterson’s Swimming Lessons
06.2015 - 07.2015
Tobacco Cessation Program Coordinator Intern
Eastern Idaho Public Health District
03.2013 - 07.2013
Dispatcher/Biller
Road Runner Shuttle Services
03.2011 - 09.2011
Personal Trainer/Aerobic Instructor/Receptionist
Melaleuca
10.2010 - 04.2010
Cashier/ Apparel Sales Associate
The Sports Authority
09.2010 - 03.2010
- Adult Educator License # 810994
- CPR/AED Certification
Bachelors of Health Science - Emphasis Public and Environmental Health
Brigham Young University Idaho
Associates of Science - Minor in Biology
Boise State University
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