Paula Schoonmaker
New London,NH
Summary
A dedicated, team-oriented educator with ten years of instructional experience as a certified K-8 Elementary Education/K-12 Special Education Teacher specializing in math and reading/writing instruction. Determined and passionate about building student efficacy and advancing understanding of complex subject matter. Successful at building positive teacher-parent relationships to support student success through the Advisory program. Open and transparent communicator with stakeholders. Competent at performing independently or as a member of a teaching team. Collaborates to develop accommodations and special techniques for mainstream classroom inclusion. Team player who volunteers with building and district-level committees, including Building Union Representative, UDL, Teacher Mentoring, and Talent show.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
FLEX Teacher
SAU #88 Lebanon Middle School
08.2021 - Current
- Planned and implemented math instruction to practice and improve the math skills of 6th-grade, heterogeneously grouped students.
- Focused on instilling mathematical language routines in whole- and small-group activities.
- Planned and implemented reading and writing instruction supporting 6th grade CCSS, focusing on clear and effective writing skills.
- Collaborated with Grade 6 math and language arts teachers to reinforce sixth-grade curricula while providing hands-on experiences to cement conceptual understanding.
- Utilized formal and informal assessments to help students meet/approach grade-level standards.
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through interactive teaching methods like group projects and hands-on activities.
Special Education Teacher
Sau #88 Lebanon Middle School
08.2014 - 08.2021
- Taught students with multiple identifications/degrees of special needs in both general and special education settings to access grade-level standards and IEP goals
- Managed caseloads, from scheduling meetings to instructing, of over 20 students
- Demonstrated success as co-teacher in math and language arts; committed to higher-level questioning to improve student learning
- Aligned teaching strategies with personalized student strategies to help students access grade-level standards
- Administered progress monitoring assessments for both regular and special education students, including STAR benchmarks/progress monitoring
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics through Common Core and state standards
- Provided supervision to team assigned paraeducators, including coordinating para and student schedules.
- Designed behavior plans to meet student needs
- Wrote standards - and strength- based IEPs
- Conducted IEP meetings in accordance with federal, state, and district guidelines
- Active school participation including Talent Show coordinator - three years, and Summer School teacher - seven years
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students
Paraprofessional Educator
Sau #85 Sunapee Elementary School
Sunapee, NH
08.2011 - 08.2014
- Organized and guided activities in small groups for students, including reading, writing, and math.
- Reinforced reading and math skills using specialized reading and math strategies.
- Used behavior modeling techniques to share and reinforce social skills.
- Supervised students in the school environment to monitor behavior, enforce rules, and provide social modeling.
- Adhered to predetermined behavior and academic plans and collaborated on adjustments.
- Delivered curriculum in both one-on-one lessons and group learning environments.
- Documented behaviors, interventions, and results.
- Completed Medicaid billing through Adori (EDMS).
- Conducted special assessments and tutoring sessions to support individual student needs.
After School Teacher
Windy Hill Lab School, Colby-Sawyer College
New London, NH
08.2009 - 08.2011
- Engaged in Reggio Emilia philosophy of whole child development
- Planned with teachers and staff for developmentally appropriate, educational after school program for children aged 3-5
- Made nutritious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks for preschool students
- Maintained child-friendly environment with access to outdoor activities
- Provided supervision to college students interning at Windy Hill
Education
Graduate Certificate in Math Education - Mathematics
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA09.2021
Masters of Education - Curriculum And Instruction
Keene State College
Keene, NH06.2016
Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Certification - Elementary Education And Special Education
Granite State College
Concord, NH06.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Concordia College
Bronxville, NY05.1985
Skills
- Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction
- NH certification in Elementary Ed K-8, Special Ed K-12
- Graduate Certificate in Math Education
- Focused on developing student critical thinking skills through whole-group and small group instruction and activities
- Focused on use of student proficiency scales and formative assessments to inform instruction
- Comfortable with educational technology for students and teachers including Google platform, FlipGrid, Padlet, Kahoot!, among others
- Training in DIBELS, Read 180, System 44, Orton-Gillingham, Singapore Math, ARC, Illustrative Mathematics, EnVisions, and Eureka Squared
Timeline
FLEX Teacher
SAU #88 Lebanon Middle School
08.2021 - Current
Special Education Teacher
Sau #88 Lebanon Middle School
08.2014 - 08.2021
Paraprofessional Educator
Sau #85 Sunapee Elementary School
08.2011 - 08.2014
After School Teacher
Windy Hill Lab School, Colby-Sawyer College
08.2009 - 08.2011
Graduate Certificate in Math Education - Mathematics
Lesley University
Masters of Education - Curriculum And Instruction
Keene State College
Post-Baccalaureate Teaching Certification - Elementary Education And Special Education
Granite State College
Bachelor of Arts - Biology
Concordia College
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