Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Community Involvement
Timeline
Generic

Robin VanSolkema

Summary

A self-directed, enthusiastic classroom teacher and reading specialist who has a long track record of fostering a positive classroom environment in order to maximize the education and learning of students. Possesses outstanding communication skills, presents information in a variety of ways, collaborates with staff members and establishes quality relationships with students. Qualifications include a combined 16 years of elementary teaching experience, a MA in Reading Education and BS degree in Elementary Education and serving for 8 of those years as a certified Reading Recovery Teacher.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

ESS Substitute

Byron Center Christian School
08.2021 - Current
  • Followed individual plans, met individual needs and schedules, providing one on one assistance for special needs students.
  • Provided push in and pull out support for classroom teachers, for both groups and individual students.
  • Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
  • Supported classroom teachers by keeping students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.

Early Literacy Specialist

Grandville Christian School
08.2019 - 08.2021
  • Conducted ongoing evaluations of literacy improvement action and communicated results to teachers and administrators.
  • Assessed literacy needs of school by reviewing student data and current curriculum.
  • Guided teachers to collect and analyze data and developed action plans in response to determined student needs.
  • Provided planned objectives and instruction for struggling readers.

Reading Recovery Specialist

Wealthy Elementary
08.2007 - 08.2012
  • Created positive and engaging environment that encouraged literacy skills.
  • Supervised one on one reading interventions for most at risk students.
  • Interpreted student assessment data to ascertain best intervention methods.
  • Communicated with parents and teachers to discuss student progress.
  • Promoted love of reading and literacy to all students.
  • Assessed and reported on each student's reading progress in accordance with Reading Recovery policies.
  • Provided lunch and learn training for classroom staff.

Reading Recovery Specialist

Calvin Christian Elementary / Christian Learning Center
09.2004 - 08.2007
  • Performed Observation Survey testing and at risk student selection.
  • Scored and analyzed daily running records.
  • Attended monthly Reading Recovery Continuing Contact classes with peers from throughout West
  • Participated in behind the glass teaching demonstrations.
  • Administered Lunch and Learn training of literacy assessment kits for staff members.
  • Presented to parents on best reading practices to help students in literacy achievement
  • Attended the Reading Recovery Institute annually.
  • Provided daily instruction for the most at risk first grade readers with the goal of reaching grade level within 20 weeks.
  • Partnered with tier two interventionist to determine most at risk students.


First Grade Teacher

Calvin Christian Elementary
09.1998 - 08.2004
  • Taught first grade content and curriculum.
  • Upgraded classroom teaching approach, and eventually assisted in upgrading school reading approach to leveled literacy.
  • Developed lesson plans using required resources to deliver small group and whole group instruction in content areas.
  • Collaborated with reading specialist/resource teacher to differentiate instruction for struggling learners.
  • Provided staff training for Love and Logic, and collaborated in becoming a Love and Logic School.
  • Fostered classroom community and a mini economy.
  • Empowered parents with literacy and Love and Logic training skills.
  • Attended Christian Schools International Conventions
  • Engaged in Calvin Christian's summer book club.
  • Presented school wide lessons for science week.
  • Served on school improvement, curriculum, hospitality and various other committees.
  • Supervised student teachers from Calvin College

Education

Reading Recovery Certification -

Oakland University

MA - Reading Education

Western Michigan University

BS - PE/Elementary Education

Grand Valley State University

Skills

- Analyzed data to drive planning and instruction

- Compiled data documentation and communication

- Trained and delivered staff development

- Collaborated with teachers for planning and problem solving solutions

- Mapped curriculum with teams

- Led school improvement team

- Guided both parents and struggling students

Community Involvement

- Presenter of literacy and assessment strategies at Western Michigan University and Ferris State University

- Young Life Leader - Calvin Christian High School

- Consultant for a potential leveled book library Loutit Library.

- Book room Consultant for West Michigan Academy of Arts.

- Instructor of community Love and Logic classes

- Teacher of reading and literacy skills to adult Iranian refugees through Fifth Reformed Church.

- Started online support group for mothers

- Church children's ministry volunteer in the areas of nursery, kindergarten and first grade

- Church's assimilation team volunteer in the areas of check-in and greeting

- Member of the Welcoming Committee for Forest Park Subdivision

Timeline

ESS Substitute

Byron Center Christian School
08.2021 - Current

Early Literacy Specialist

Grandville Christian School
08.2019 - 08.2021

Reading Recovery Specialist

Wealthy Elementary
08.2007 - 08.2012

Reading Recovery Specialist

Calvin Christian Elementary / Christian Learning Center
09.2004 - 08.2007

First Grade Teacher

Calvin Christian Elementary
09.1998 - 08.2004

Reading Recovery Certification -

Oakland University

MA - Reading Education

Western Michigan University

BS - PE/Elementary Education

Grand Valley State University

Similar Profiles

CREATE PROFILE
Robin VanSolkema