Rachel VanDyke
NORTON SHORES,MI
Summary
Dynamic early childhood educator with a track record of fostering student engagement and enhancing reading skills through differentiated instruction and phonics-based activities. Excelled in building strong relationships with families and collaborating with faculty at Tri County Area Schools and Oakridge Public Schools. Skilled in classroom management and parent-teacher communication, consistently promoting positive learning environments.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Oakridge Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
- Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
- Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments to inform instructional decisions.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance on lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional strategies.
Preschool and Kindergarten Teacher
Tri County Area Schools
08.2002 - 06.2018
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
- Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
- Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
- Developed strong relationships with families to address any concerns or issues impacting student success.
Michigan School Readiness Preschool Teacher
Lakeview Community Schools
09.1998 - 05.2001
- Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
- Designed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
- Established positive communication with parents in daily conversation and formal conferences.
Education
Masters of Education - Early Childhood Education
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI04-2001
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI12-1995
Associate of Arts - Education
Muskegon Community College
Muskegon, MI12-1991
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Parent-teacher communication
- Lesson planning
- Early childhood development
- Classroom management
- Parent communication
- Documentation and record keeping
- Faculty collaboration
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
Oakridge Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
Preschool and Kindergarten Teacher
Tri County Area Schools
08.2002 - 06.2018
Michigan School Readiness Preschool Teacher
Lakeview Community Schools
09.1998 - 05.2001
Masters of Education - Early Childhood Education
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Western Michigan University
Associate of Arts - Education
Muskegon Community College
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