Rebekah A. Holmes
17 Seaton Street, Massapequa,NY
Summary
I am a passionate and enthusiastic educator with a strong commitment to see my students develop in their literacy skills and become a master of language. Building student leaders is my goal achieved by developing independent, confident and equipped learners which take flight in their own learning. Growth is not optional for my students, who are encouraged to go from good to great through the collaboration of the classroom setting, school community and parent connection. As a New York State Certified Literacy Specialist and English Language Arts Educator for 8+ years, I am skilled in the design and implementation of enriching and innovative differentiated learning activities that address the diverse interests and academic needs of my students. With stellar organizational skills set in a warm and respectful teaching environment where students are held accountable, rich in technology and set in a vibrant classroom environment, I have launched many successful and confident learners forward in their academic pursuits.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Massapequa School District
Massapequa Park, NY
10.2023 - Current
- Executed all lesson plans across multi disciplines successfully.
- Enforced classroom routines to keep students on par with curriculum and operating at a consistent level.
- Established and enforced rules for behavior and procedures to maintain classroom management.
- Provided notes and reports on school day activities to primary teacher.
- Collaborated with school staff pertaining to students' educational, emotional, behavioral or health concerns of students serviced in my classes.
Parent and Me Sensory Class Instructor
Wiggle Giggle Play and Grow
Massapequa, NY
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Parents and child learned to engage socially during the pandemic in music and dance, arts and crafts, gross motor skills obstacle courses, group games and parachute activities as well as other shared activities and learning games
- Open play sessions ranged between 6 months to 5 years old in fun sensory gym stocked with a zip line, rock climbing wall, swings and other obstacle courses to strengthen gross motor skills
- Organized arts and craft activities for groups of up to 12 to strengthen fine motor skills
- Playgroup created community within a time where connectivity was most needed
- Created a following of 30 parents who felt safe under my teaching style and direction in Massapequa area
English and Language Arts Teacher
NYC Department of Education
Jackson Heights, NY
09.2009 - 09.2014
- Produced curriculum for grades 6-8, Urbanized and implemented lesson plans. Crafted individual, small group and whole class lessons to differentiate instruction to meet students individual student needs. Ingrained scientific research-based reading and writing strategies as well as student data into instructional decisions
- Assessed students ongoing progress using both formative and summative assessments
- Collaborated with teachers on grade level as well as across content areas, Participated in Literacy Coaching sessions and implemented best practices in classroom
- Collaborated with guidance counselors to develop social and emotional growth of all students
- Forged relationships with parents through a classroom newsletter and through e-mail exchanges to enhance parent involvement with the classroom. Established on-line grade books for parents to easily access student progress in addition to traditional methods of grading
- Actively communicated with Parent Teachers Association members and Parent Coordinator
- Engaged students by various technological and media resources and online e-book websites
- Mentored new teachers (unofficially) sharing best practices in addition to helpful teaching resources.
- Engaging classroom environment served as a lab site for English Department as well as content areas for its attractive and organized learning environment
- Implemented reward systems for behavior modification for all classes
- Utilized Library for research projects and special class presentations
High School English and Language Arts Teacher
NYC Department of Education
Richmond Hill, NY
09.2007 - 06.2009
- Created Curriculum for English Department for 9-12th grade, Developed and implemented curriculum and lesson plans according to NYS standards. Created lesson plans that differentiate and tier learning for all students according to their individual needs. Taught according to the Balanced Literacy model. Organized cooperative learning activities for peer grouping. Implemented a portfolio grading system in literature class. Coordinated the use of new texts into standard curriculum
- Assessed student performance throughout the term. Conducted individual student conferences and established learning goals and next steps. Created thought provoking questions for in class discussions. Built vocabulary skills using various techniques. Cultivated public speaking skills through class presentations. Encouraged listening skills by facilitating group work and student peer evaluations using rubrics. Incorporated various media elements to engage students. Created bulletin board displays to celebrate the learning process and student achievement. Collaborated with content area teachers to promote student achievement across content areas
- Participated in new teaching mentoring
- Utilized Library for research projects and special class presentations.
Additional Experience
New York City Dept. of Education
Queens, NY
09.2007 - 09.2014
- Volunteered to write curriculum for a weekend for grades 9-12 according to New York State Learning Standards
- Researched and Experimented with Best Teaching Practices as well as Differentiated Learning Styles
- NYS Certificates in Drug and Alcohol Abuse, School Violence and Child Abuse
- Managed an ICT Classroom setting and attended 504 and IEP meetings and helped to craft learning plans for students
- Implemented Teaching Matters ICT Curriculum Training - It Takes Two teaching best practices
- Proficient in: Microsoft, Excel, PowerPoint & Apple Products, Smart Board Technology & Document Cameras
- Tutored Students privately from The Stony Brook Parochial School, crafted and planned essays for rigorous course work in Advanced Placement courses
- Planned and crafted College Application essays for Harvard and other Ivy League Institutions
- Implemented essay craft by teaching the structure of an essay and developing an idea
- Worked with a student with Asperger Syndrome and redirected when necessary
Substitute History Teacher
New York City Dept. of Education
Richmond Hill, NY
09.2007 - 11.2007
- Planned, designed, and implemented lesson plans for Global History and World History classes grades 9, 11, according to NYS standards for a maternity leave replacement full-time substitute teaching position
- Participated in all facets of teaching including hands on learning, curriculum implementation, student assessment and grading as well conducted parent teacher conferencing for the students, created bulletin board displays, attended department wide meetings and well as Professional Development sessions
- Participated in classroom observations informally conducted by the Principal, classroom management and behavior modification responsibilities, conferred with parents on student progress and learning needs
- Prepared students for Global History Regents examination
- Utilized Library for research projects and special class presentations
Education
Wilson Introductory Course Completed - Literacy
Wilson Language Academy
01.2022
Master of Science - Literacy Specialist
Touro College
New York, NY06.2011
Bachelors Degree - English and Secondary Education and Youth Services
Queens College School of Education
Flushing, NY01.2006
High School Diploma -
Martin Luther Parochial High School
Maspeth, NY06.1999
Interests
Gardening, Bicycle Riding and Fitness, Cooking and Baking, Crafting, Arts, Leisurely Reading
Additional Experience
Parent University Presenter on Social Media - Massapequa Public School District23
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Massapequa School District
10.2023 - Current
Parent and Me Sensory Class Instructor
Wiggle Giggle Play and Grow
11.2021 - 06.2022
English and Language Arts Teacher
NYC Department of Education
09.2009 - 09.2014
High School English and Language Arts Teacher
NYC Department of Education
09.2007 - 06.2009
Additional Experience
New York City Dept. of Education
09.2007 - 09.2014
Substitute History Teacher
New York City Dept. of Education
09.2007 - 11.2007
Wilson Introductory Course Completed - Literacy
Wilson Language Academy
Master of Science - Literacy Specialist
Touro College
Bachelors Degree - English and Secondary Education and Youth Services
Queens College School of Education
High School Diploma -
Martin Luther Parochial High School
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