Desired Job Title
Reading Specialist MTSS CoordinatorFirst/Second Grade TeacherFirst Grade Co-TeacherSubstitute TeacherWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
On-SiteLocation: Midlothian, IL
Open to relocation: No
Open To Work
Sandra Copher
Midlothian,IL
Work Preference
Summary
Detail-driven team player with great communication skills. Focused on making a difference in the lives of children by providing a safe, healthy, and challenging environment in which students can achieve the highest success possible. Skilled problem identifier and troubleshooter able to pinpoint and resolve errors in early stages. Efficient, organized leader with success in coordinating internal/external teams to reach and surpass expectations.
Overview
5
5
Certification
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Reading Specialist MTSS Coordinator
School Disttict 170
Chicago Heights, IL
08.2023 - Current
- Established goals with low achieving students to close gaps in learning by differentiating materials for each student.
- Developed and deepened relationships with teachers and students.
- Completed and reviewed assessments to help measure success of each of the students.
- Prepared and utilized materials for one-on-one and group instruction.
- Created and implemented compliant IEPs, progress reports and state-specific special education documentation.
- Evaluated student needs to provide helpful resources and support.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Delivered tutoring sessions to help students grasp complex concepts in one-on-one settings.
- Demonstrated appropriate behaviors using behavior modeling and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Issued work schedules, duty assignments and deadlines for office or administrative staff.
- Recruited, interviewed and selected employees to fill vacant roles.
- Trained employees on best practices and protocols while managing teams to maintain optimal productivity.
First/Second Grade Teacher
School District 170
Chicago Heights, Illinois
08.2014 - 06.2023
- Administered and graded class tests to evaluate student progress and comprehension.
- Explored foundational learning concepts with students through hands-on activities, videos, and class discussions.
- Referred to district standards to plan lessons and prepare students to take standardized assessments.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
- Improved student engagement by implementing student-centered classroom management techniques to foster academic curiosity.
- Involved parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
- Maintained safe, clean, and organized classroom environment.
- Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.
- Administered tests and assessed results to evaluate student understanding of material.
- Brought in purchased and donated materials to round out supplies for classroom activities.
- Created safe, nurturing environment of trust and respect.
- Guided students in the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Fostered a classroom culture that supports diversity and inclusivity.
- Coordinated with special education staff to support students with special needs.
- Assessed student learning through varied formative and summative assessments.
- Utilized educational technology to enhance teaching and learning experiences.
- Monitored student behavior and implemented interventions when necessary.
- Implemented multiple methods to improve student educational success.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions for students needing additional help.
- Created customized grading rubrics powerful assessment tools.
- Handled challenging classroom behaviors with positive and affirming techniques.
- Inspired students to want to read by taking to library and helping to choose books.
- Provided individualized instruction to students requiring extra assistance.
- Maintained accurate and comprehensive records of student performance and attendance.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Participated in professional development workshops to improve teaching skills and knowledge.
First Grade Co-Teacher
Algonquin Primary Center
Park Forest, IL
08.2013 - 06.2014
- Teach socially acceptable behavior, employing techniques such as behavior modification and positive reinforcement
- Employ special educational strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of language, cognition, and memory skills
- Execute daily operations of a successfully functioning classroom
- Teach stimulating developmentally appropriate hands-on discovery lessons designed to engage, motivate, and inspire students to learn
- Utilize differentiated instruction in order for children to make developmental progress in all five domains of school readiness areas including, physical, social/emotional, language and cognition
- Assessed and analyzed student achievement using formal and informal methods of assessment; maintained accurate records of assessment data and student progress to ensure that the Common Core Learning Standards are being achieved
- Increased parent’s awareness of developmentally appropriate learning and school readiness activities
- Actively participated in school sponsored events, activities and Parent Teacher Organization
Substitute Teacher
Steger School District 194
Steger, IL
08.2010 - 06.2013
- Teacher K-8, including special education and early childhood education classrooms
- Foster relationships that encourage students to be innovative, dedicated and focused on success
- Follow professional practices consistent with school and system policies in working with students, students’ records, parents, and colleagues
- Provide activities and materials that engage and challenge students to implement higher order thinking skills
Education
Masters in Teaching - Urban Teacher Education
Governors State University
Park Forest, IL08-2014
Medical Transcription Certificate -
South Suburban College
South Holland, IL05-2003
OAE Basic Office Certificate -
South Suburban College
South Holland, IL05-2003
Endorsement Reading Specialist And ESL -
Olivet Nazarene University
Bourbonnais, ILBachelor of Arts - Teaching
Governors State University
Park Forest, IL03-2003
Certification
- Illinois Elementary Certification (Type 03), 06/14
- Middle School Endorsements in Language Arts and Social Science
References
- Angela Davis, 1st Grade Teacher, Algonquin Primary School, Park Forest, IL, 708-698-1775
- Rhonda Golston, KDG Teacher, Algonquin Primary School, Park Forest, IL, 708-612-2298
- Dr. Vickie Person, ALT Cert Coordinator, Governors State University, University Park, IL, 708-534-4577
- Eileen Korhonen, Supervisor, Governors State University, University Park, IL, 708-448-3073, 708-514-0832
- Ed Baumgart, Alternative Certification Lead Mentor, Governors State University, University Park, IL, 708-642-5869
Volunteer Experience
- Village of Steger, Co-Ed Volleyball Coach, 2004, Present
- Village of Steger, Girls Softball Coach, 2010, Present
- Steger Fire Department, Easter Egg Hunt Coordinator, 2007, 2012
- Richton Park Fire Academy, Instructor, 08/13
- Girls Scout Leader, Greater Chicago/Northwest Indiana, 2004, 2010
- PTA, Room Parent, 2005, 2013
Career Targets
Detail-driven team player with great communication skills. Focused on making a difference in the lives of children by providing a safe, healthy, and challenging environment in which students can achieve the highest success possible. Skilled problem identifier and troubleshooter able to pinpoint and resolve errors in early stages. Efficient, organized leader with success in coordinating internal/external teams to reach and surpass expectations.
Timeline
Reading Specialist MTSS Coordinator
School Disttict 170
08.2023 - Current
First/Second Grade Teacher
School District 170
08.2014 - 06.2023
First Grade Co-Teacher
Algonquin Primary Center
08.2013 - 06.2014
Substitute Teacher
Steger School District 194
08.2010 - 06.2013
Masters in Teaching - Urban Teacher Education
Governors State University
Medical Transcription Certificate -
South Suburban College
OAE Basic Office Certificate -
South Suburban College
Bachelor of Arts - Teaching
Governors State University
Endorsement Reading Specialist And ESL -
Olivet Nazarene University