Sara Guinan
Logan,IA
Summary
Compassionate math and Literacy Teacher known for high productivity and efficient task completion. Specialize in developing engaging curriculum, implementing innovative learning strategies, and fostering inclusive classroom environments. Top soft skills include strong communication, adaptability, and empathy, ensuring success in facilitating diverse learning needs.
Highly-motivated with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Lead Teacher Coach
MVCSD
Missouri Valley, Iowa
06.2017 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to enhance student understanding and participation.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Trained and mentored new teachers on instructional best practices.
- Utilized educational technology tools to enhance learning experiences.
- Organized activities to promote physical, mental and social development of each child.
- Engaged students and boosted understanding of material using focused instructional strategies and hands-on activities.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers during their onboarding process.
- Collaborated with other school staff to ensure that all students have access to a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Participated in weekly faculty meetings by providing updates on departmental goals or objectives.
- Maintained an open line of communication with administrators regarding curriculum implementation and program initiatives.
Middle school math and literacy teacher
Missouri Valley Community School District
Missouri Valley, Iowa
08.2001 - Current
- Developed engaging literacy and math lesson plans for diverse student populations.
- Assessed student progress using various evaluation tools and methods.
- Facilitated small group discussions to improve reading comprehension and math skills.
- Mentored new teachers in effective literacy instruction techniques and classroom management.
- Served as a teacher coach in the area of classroom management, student engagement, and cooperative learning strategies.
- Collaborated with other educators, administrators, parents and community members to support student success.
- Integrated technology into the curriculum to enhance student engagement in literacy activities.
- Established training program objectives and created related curricula and learning materials.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet individual learning needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance curriculum and teaching practices.
Food Pantry Volunteer
Harrison County Food Pantry
Missouri Valley, Iowa
01.1986 - Current
- Supported outreach efforts to increase community awareness of services offered.
- Tracked client visits through a computerized database system.
- Answered customer questions about program eligibility and maintained pantry records.
- Collaborated with community organizations to coordinate outreach activities related to the pantry's mission statement.
- Attended meetings with staff members discussing operational procedures and upcoming initiatives.
- Prepared and distributed food vouchers for community members.
- Conducted food drives to collect donations from local businesses and communities.
- Interviewed potential clients, collecting personal information to determine eligibility for social assistance.
- Built partnerships with related organizations to develop support and gain greater attention for important issues.
- Promoted community resources through printed marketing material, email newsletters and social media campaigns.
- Organized food donations for efficient storage and distribution.
- Collaborated with team members to prepare food packages for families.
Local teacher union president
Missouri Valley Education Association
Missouri Valley, IA
08.2003 - 06.2010
- Fostered a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the organization.
- Oversaw development and implementation of school policies and procedures.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
- Negotiated teacher contracts and school board partnerships to expand presence.
Restaurant Manager
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
Omaha, Nebraska
06.1995 - 01.1998
- Trained and supervised staff to maintain high service standards.
- Developed and implemented employee schedules to optimize workforce efficiency.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved complaints to enhance guest satisfaction.
- Conducted regular staff meetings to communicate updates and reinforce policies.
- Managed day-to-day operations of restaurant, including scheduling, budgeting, and inventory control.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Technology
Lesley University
Cambridge, Massachusetts, MA 09.2004 - 05.2006
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Buena Vista University
Council Bluffs, IA 01.1998 - 05.2001
Associate of Science - General Studies
Iowa Western Community College
Council Bluffs, IA 01.1992 - 01.1998
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Student assessment
- Differentiated instruction
- Technology integration
- Curriculum development
- Collaborative teaching
- Professional development
- Communication strategies
- Team collaboration
- Student engagement
- Collaborative learning
- Instructional coaching
- Teacher mentoring
- Mentoring and support
- Teaching methods
- Educational Policy Understanding
Timeline
Lead Teacher Coach
MVCSD
06.2017 - Current
Master of Science - Educational Technology
Lesley University
09.2004 - 05.2006
Local teacher union president
Missouri Valley Education Association
08.2003 - 06.2010
Middle school math and literacy teacher
Missouri Valley Community School District
08.2001 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Buena Vista University
01.1998 - 05.2001
Restaurant Manager
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon
06.1995 - 01.1998
Associate of Science - General Studies
Iowa Western Community College
01.1992 - 01.1998
Food Pantry Volunteer
Harrison County Food Pantry
01.1986 - Current