Rachel Mahaffey
Houston
Summary
As an elementary educator, I am committed to implementing best practices in a developmentally appropriate, child-centered environment that provides the richest experiences and quality instruction across all content areas. I am passionate about providing the best students as they construct knowledge and develop socially and emotionally.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
First Grade Lead Teacher
St. Mark's Episcopal School
2021.08 - Current
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, enriching the learning experience for students.
- Established a positive classroom environment by setting clear expectations and enforcing consistent discipline policies.
- Improved parent-teacher communication through regular updates on student progress via newsletters and conferences.
- Differentiated instruction based on individual student needs, accommodating various learning styles and abilities.
- Researched, sought professional development for, and implemented literacy instruction through the Science of Reading body of research and structured literacy approach.
- Assisted in facilitating the transition of the school's curriculum from a balanced literacy approach to implementing the Science of Reading framework.
- Mentored new teachers within the school community, sharing best practices and offering guidance for professional development.
- Organized field trips related to curriculum topics, providing real-world connections for enhanced understanding of concepts being taught.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
St. Mark's Episcopal School
2020.08 - 2021.05
- Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and success.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units of study, fostering a deeper understanding of content across subject areas.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
- Implemented assessment tools that monitored student progress throughout the year, allowing for targeted interventions when needed to close achievement gaps.
- Executed COVID protocols, keeping students safe while providing enriching and engaging learning experiences.
Kindergarten TeacherLead
Ascension Episcopal School
2019.08 - 2020.05
- Partnered with administration to successfully integrate two school communities
- Enhanced an existing Kindergarten program with increased play-based, child-centered methods
- Designed and facilitated a classroom that promoted learning and
development through meaningful, play-based, hands-on experiences - Implemented a balanced literacy approach featuring Writing Workshop, Reading Workshop, Words Their Way, and SuperKids
- Developed and implemented a well-rounded math curriculum by integrating EnVision Math, Everyday Math, and a variety of carefully selected hands-on activities
- Engaged students in scientific concepts through investigations and
experiences supported by the STEMScopes curriculum - Developed a classroom community with students that encouraged
cooperation, empathy, and self-control - Applied evidence-based practices for classroom management following
recommendations of Responsive Classroom - Lead the combining and organization of guided reading libraries of two schools into one cohesive library
- Committed to regular informal assessments that drive daily instructional lessons
- Prioritized parent communication through newsletters, emails, school communication portal, and face-to-face conferences
- Problem-solved classroom design for a centers based program in a limited amount of space
Kindergarten Teacher
Wesley Academy
2017.08 - 2019.05
- Designed and facilitated a classroom that promoted learning and development through meaningful, play-based, hands-on experiences across all content areas
- Implemented a balanced literacy approach featuring Writing Workshop, Reading Workshop, and Words Their Way phonics instruction
- Developed and implemented a well-rounded math curriculum by integrating Everyday Math, EnVision Math, and a variety of carefully selected hands-on activities
- Engaged students in scientific concepts through investigations and experiences supported by the STEMScopes curriculum
- Established engaging Centers and Literacy Stations in line with weekly and thematic instruction
- Developed a classroom community with students that encouraged cooperation, empathy, and self-control
- Committed to regular informal assessments that drive daily instructional lessons
- Developed and organized a school guided reading library
- Prioritized parent communication through newsletters, emails, and face-to-face conferences
- Applied evidence-based practices for classroom management following recommendations of Responsive Classroom
- Restructured and developed a qualitative report card for Kindergarten through Second Grade
- Admissions Committee Member
- Teacher Coach to new teachers
- Participated in peer-to-peer evaluations
- Participated in vertical curriculum alignment
- Social Media team member
- Houston Texans Kids Triathlon team coordinator
Homeschool Teacher
Self-employed
2014.08 - 2016.05
- Successfully taught pre-kindergarten and kindergarten using appropriate pedagogy and methods
- Provided engaging, hands-on lessons, activities, and experiences to ensure successful learning and development
- Researched and scheduled outings and enrichment to enhance learning
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
St. Mark's Episcopal School
2011.08 - 2012.05
- Collaborated with a grade level team to develop and execute engaging, developmentally appropriate curriculum
- Assessed student progress and development and reported this to parents through narrative reports
- Prioritized parent communication through newsletters, emails, and face-to-face conferences
- Delegated tasks to teaching assistant, maintaining a professional, productive, and positive relationship with her
- Implemented aspects of Rice Literacy project
- Maximized student penmanship and fine motor development through Handwriting Without Tears
Stay At Home Parent
Self-employed
2009.06 - 2011.07
Kindergarten Teacher
St. Mark's Episcopal School
2005.08 - 2009.05
- Planned and facilitated a classroom that promoted learning and development through meaningful, play-based, hands-on experiences across content areas
- Implemented balanced literacy approach featuring Writing Workshop, Guided Reading, and Words Their Way phonics instruction
- Collaborated with grade level partner to share ideas, troubleshoot, and provide support
- Maximized student penmanship success and fine motor development through Handwriting Without Tears
- Developed and implemented school guided reading collection
- Delegated tasks to teaching assistant and maintained a professional, productive, and positive relationship with her
- Utilized Responsive Classroom training to develop a classroom community with students that encouraged cooperation, empathy, and self-control
- Applied evidence-based practices for classroom management
- Committed to regular informal assessments that drive instruction
- Prioritized parent communication through newsletters, emails, and face-to-face conference
- Coordinated parent volunteers to participate successfully in classroom activities
- Integrated technology into lessons and activities
- Established engaging centers and literacy stations in line with weekly and seasonal instruction
- Admissions Committee Member
- Participated in vertical curriculum alignment
- Special recognition of excellence in growth for the academic school year 2007-2008
Nursery Coordinator
Vineyard Church Of Houston
2006.05 - 2008.01
- Recruited volunteers from among the congregation to help in the nursery during church services
- Scheduled volunteers and paid workers to care for children aged 2 months through 5 years old during church services
- Trained volunteers and paid workers in safe practices and Sunday School curriculum
- Researched and selected Sunday School curriculum
- Prepared all materials for Sunday School lessons for three age groups - Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool aged children
- Managed drop-off and pick-up processes for two church service times each Sunday
- Periodically taught Sunday School as needed
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
University Of Houston
Houston, Texas2005
Texas Teacher Certification -
Early Childhood - Fourth Grade (EC-4)
2005
Skills
- Masterfully implements centers and literacy stations
- Excellent time management
- Strong problem-solving
- Committed to ongoing professional development and growth
- Strong collaborator
- Highly value social and emotional learning
- Proficient at assessing literacy development
- Strong understanding of early childhood development
- Small group and one-on-one instruction
- Exceptional classroom management
Training and Professional Development
- Teaching Every Reader Science of Reading Training
- Get Your Teach On National Conference 2023
- Decoding Math Foundations
- Get Your Teach On Virtual Conference 2020
- Teach Your Heart Out Virtual Conference 2020
- LaNesha Tabb's Writing Process Training
- Kindergarten Smorgasboard Suite of Webinars
- Creative Math Centers
- Best Practices for Strengthening Your Kindergarten Literacy Program
- Gesell Institute of Human Development - Developmental Screening Workshop
- Practical Strategies for Using Six Traits of Writing with Children's Literature
- Strengthening Students' Graphophonemic Knowledge
- Dr. Jean's Kindergarten Workshop
- Handwriting Without Tears
- Literacy Centers Training for Trainers
- Guided Reading Webinar
- RenWeb Training
- Safeguarding God's Children
- Safe Sanctuary
Volunteering
- Sunday School Teacher at Vineyard Church of Houston, 2006 - Current
- Moms' Small Group Leader at Vineyard Church of Houston, 2012-2017
- Small Group Co-Leader at Vineyard Church of Houston, 2006-2012
- Bible Study Leader with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at University of Houston, 2002-2005
- Student Training in Missions (STIM) with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship to serve in Chennai and Bangalore, India, 2004
Timeline
First Grade Lead Teacher
St. Mark's Episcopal School
2021.08 - Current
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
St. Mark's Episcopal School
2020.08 - 2021.05
Kindergarten TeacherLead
Ascension Episcopal School
2019.08 - 2020.05
Kindergarten Teacher
Wesley Academy
2017.08 - 2019.05
Homeschool Teacher
Self-employed
2014.08 - 2016.05
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
St. Mark's Episcopal School
2011.08 - 2012.05
Stay At Home Parent
Self-employed
2009.06 - 2011.07
Nursery Coordinator
Vineyard Church Of Houston
2006.05 - 2008.01
Kindergarten Teacher
St. Mark's Episcopal School
2005.08 - 2009.05
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
University Of Houston
Texas Teacher Certification -
Early Childhood - Fourth Grade (EC-4)
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