Samantha Lusso
Summary
An enthusiastic educator with communication and interpersonal skills necessary to lead classrooms and execute lesson plans. Provides instruction and guidance to students of all ages. Creates positive classroom environments and effectively manages student behavior. Expresses passion for education and fosters student motivation. Encourages social and academic development for all students.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Flexible Staffing Services
10.2023 - Current
- Followed classroom plans left by the 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.
- Was requested as a substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Organized and cleaned teaching areas after daily use to maintain high standards for returning teachers or other substitutes.
- Incorporated technology into learning to enhance student engagement and learning.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop innovative approaches to teaching.
- Increased student comprehension by utilizing differentiated instruction methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
- Promoted a collaborative learning environment through group projects and peer-to-peer activities, fostering teamwork and communication skills.
- Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and research-based teaching strategies for continuous improvement in practice.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in the classroom.
- Documented student progress and provided regular updates to the teacher or administration.
Prime Time Assistant
Blue Springs School District
12.2019 - Current
- Assists the Prime Time Lead with organizing and monitoring appropriate activities (e.g. games, art, music, science, language, nutrition, playground, washing hands, etc.) for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing play and academic concepts.
- Communicates with teachers, parents and/or appropriate community agency personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing Prime Time Program objectives.
- Distributes instructional and/or play materials and assists with set up of classrooms for the purpose of providing required supplies to be ready for student learning.
- Escorts children directly from/to classes, parents, guardians, or designee for the purpose of ensuring safety of children and meeting established custodial guidelines.
- Handles various support and related clerical activities for the purpose of ensuring the Prime Time Program is running smoothly.
- Maintains program equipment and work areas (e.g. toys, games, instructional tools, computers, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing a safe learning environment.
- Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. playground activities, snack time, group/individual games, lunch room, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
- Organizes indoor/outdoor, quiet/active play activities appropriate to age group for the purpose of actively participating in learning activities with children.
- Prepares logs, reports, and documents (e.g. monthly lesson plans, supply lists, behavioral/accident reports, etc.) for the purpose of conveying information, providing written reference, and/or meeting mandated requirements.
- Promotes good habits through interactions with other kids for the purpose of improving the quality of students'' outcomes and encouraging student development on good social and personal skills.
Paraprofessional
Kansas City School District/Maxim Healthcare
10.2021 - 09.2023
- Assisted teachers in various subject areas. Including Math, English, Science, Social Studies, and Behavior Support Classrooms.
- Assisted Middle and High School students.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Oversaw students in the classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teachers.
- Assisted in maintaining an engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
- Assisted students in developing a deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Supported school initiatives by participating in professional development opportunities and collaborating with colleagues on best practices for student growth and achievement.
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents and teachers.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and implement individualized education plans for students with special needs.
- Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
- Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
- Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
- Created written goals and reward systems to encourage students to accomplish assigned goals.
- Adapted to an environment with many non-English speaking students and assisted in translating assignments.
- Worked with students on their IEP goals.
- Used assistive technology to create a better understanding for students.
Front End Supervisor
Cosentino's Price Chopper
08.2014 - 07.2020
- Responded to customer concerns with friendly and knowledgeable service and remedied issues promptly and effectively.
- Greeted visitors and customers upon arrival, offered assistance, and answered questions to build rapport and retention.
- Coached employees and trained them on methods for handling various aspects of sales, complicated issues, and difficult customers.
- Manage front-end schedule. Overseeing over 25-30 employees. (Breaks, Time IN/OUT, and duties)
- Organize the front-end team positions to ensure quality, and efficiency for the guests.
- Provided high-quality customer service, while upholding brand standards and values.
- Handled POS systems including cash, credit, debit, and checks. And managed exchanges, refunds, and returns to ensure a seamless and accurate cash flow, totaling in about $3,000-$5,000 per shift.
- Maintained a clean and organized front-end area to ensure a pleasant shopping experience for customers.
- Increased employee retention by fostering a positive work environment and providing ongoing support to team members.
- Volunteered for extra shifts during holidays and other busy periods to alleviate staffing shortages.
Special Needs Caregiver
Self-Directed Services MO
05.2018 - 04.2019
- Fostered a safe and caring environment for a child with special needs and a seizure disorder. Exercising skills in patience, attention to detail, and de-escalation.
- Provided assistance to individual with disabilities by helping with activities of daily living.
- Maintained clean and safe environment to prevent accidents and promote health.
- Worked with individual with special needs to increase social skills and independence.
- Engaged individual in recreational and leisure activities to promote socialization and improve quality of life.
- Provided emotional support to enhance well-being and coping skills.
- Maintained confidentiality and privacy to protect individual's rights and well-being.
- Prepared meals and snacks to provide proper nutrition and hydration.
- Administered medication to manage symptoms and promote healing.
- Transported individuals to appointments and activities to facilitate access to healthcare and community engagement.
- Provided personal care to maintain hygiene and prevent health problems.
- Improved communication skills of special needs students by incorporating visual aids, gestures, and assistive technology.
- Enhanced social skills development for students through group activities and peer interaction exercises.
- Provided compassionate care and support, fostering a nurturing environment conducive to personal growth and learning.
- Developed strong relationships with families, providing regular updates on progress and addressing any concerns promptly.
- Conducted thorough assessments of student strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and potential triggers in order to inform intervention strategies effectively.
Education
Associate of Arts - Education
Metropolitan Community College
Independence, MOSkills
- Multi-Subject Instruction
- Organizational skills
- Positive reinforcement
- Technology integration
- Adaptability
- Multicultural awareness
- Creative problem-solving
- Behavior management
- Student engagement
- Conflict resolution
- Classroom management
- Special needs support
- Effective communication
- Behavior Modeling
Certification
CPR and First Aid Certified.
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Flexible Staffing Services
10.2023 - Current
Paraprofessional
Kansas City School District/Maxim Healthcare
10.2021 - 09.2023
Prime Time Assistant
Blue Springs School District
12.2019 - Current
Special Needs Caregiver
Self-Directed Services MO
05.2018 - 04.2019
Front End Supervisor
Cosentino's Price Chopper
08.2014 - 07.2020
Associate of Arts - Education
Metropolitan Community College
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