PAULA THOMASSON
N. CHESTERFIELD,VA
Summary
Experienced professional educator with a strong background in developing and implementing engaging curriculum. Excels in creating a collaborative learning environment that fosters student growth and achievement. Demonstrates expertise in classroom management, lesson planning, and adapting to diverse educational needs. Reputation for reliability and flexibility, ensuring seamless and effective teaching operations.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Goochland County Public Schools
07.2023 - Current
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Substitute Teacher
Chesterfield County Schools
03.2022 - 03.2023
- 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.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
Student Teacher Intern
Chesterfield County Schools
09.2022 - 12.2022
- Adopted different strategies for managing classroom environments and maintaining student discipline.
- Accepted constructive criticism and feedback with positivity in areas requiring improvement.
- Prepared visual aids, equipment and classroom displays to foster learning.
- Implemented questioning and discussion techniques to encourage student participation and knowledge acquisition.
- Worked with mentor teacher to plan instructional goals and lesson activities covering required topics.
- Developed deeper understanding of teaching strategies with increasing responsibility for student learning.
- Created lesson plans to incorporate mandated topics and include immersive activities for student engagement.
Homeschool Teacher
Self-employed/ Richmond Homeschool Collective
09.2013 - 06.2022
- Offered children rich and diverse learning opportunities through traditional and digital-based education as well as field trips, group gatherings and special events.
- Developed lesson plans based on student strengths and weaknesses.
- Supported digital online delivery of lessons and materials in home-based environment.
- Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Tested students' comprehension of subject matter through quizzes, tests and projects.
- Identified and documented learning achievements by reporting outcomes, performance information and program adjustments used to boost comprehension.
Tutor
Dumbarton Elementary
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Met with students to clarify and review concepts taught in class and solve specific problems.
- Utilized positive reinforcement techniques to encourage and motivate students.
- Assessed student progress at each session, making recommendations that increased effectiveness of tutoring and lessons.
- Created and implemented individual lesson plans based on student learning styles.
- Participated in training and development sessions to improve tutoring practices or learn new tutoring techniques.
Staff Writer
Dine, Wine, & Stein Magazine
01.2017 - 03.2020
- Developed and pursued stories independently and for assignment, covering range of topics and events.
- Received assignments and evaluated leads or tips to develop story ideas.
- Traveled to locations to write reviews from first-hand experience.
- Explained information in simple terms to engage and educate general audience.
- Identified key mistakes in documents and used well-developed proofreading skills to make changes.
- Scheduled and conducted interviews by asking targeted questions to capture quotes.
Office Manager
The Art Factory and Party Place
09.2010 - 08.2013
- Maintained impeccable office organization to support efficiency, professionalism and performance objectives.
- Reviewed files and records to obtain information and respond to requests.
- Managed, scheduled and coordinated office functions and activities for employees.
- Used judgment and initiative in handling confidential matters and requests.
- Elevated customer satisfaction ratings by promptly resolving client and case issues.
- Coordinated office activities and operations to secure efficiency and compliance with company policies..
- Proposed or approved modifications to project plans.
Education
Master of Teaching- Elementary Education
University of Richmond
Richmond, VA12.2022
Bachelor of Science - Communication
Purdue University
02.2012
Skills
- Relationship building
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Critical thinking
- Positive role model and mentor
- Growth mindset
- Differentiated instruction
- Collaborative learning
- Innovative lesson planning
- Project-based learning
- Cultural sensitivity
- Data-driven instruction
Timeline
Teacher
Goochland County Public Schools
07.2023 - Current
Student Teacher Intern
Chesterfield County Schools
09.2022 - 12.2022
Substitute Teacher
Chesterfield County Schools
03.2022 - 03.2023
Tutor
Dumbarton Elementary
09.2021 - 12.2021
Staff Writer
Dine, Wine, & Stein Magazine
01.2017 - 03.2020
Homeschool Teacher
Self-employed/ Richmond Homeschool Collective
09.2013 - 06.2022
Office Manager
The Art Factory and Party Place
09.2010 - 08.2013
Bachelor of Science - Communication
Purdue University
Master of Teaching- Elementary Education
University of Richmond
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