Sarah Gagne
Teacher
Plainfield,MA
Summary
Passionate primary school teacher for more than 10 years in both rural and urban settings. Proven history of creating engaged classroom environments that support diverse educational styles. Versatile student-orientated approach consistently supporting optimum performance and advancement.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
First Grade Teacher
Brayton Elementary School
08.2022 - Current
- Improved student reading comprehension by incorporating engaging phonics activities and guided reading sessions.
- Increased parent involvement in their child's education by conducting regular parent-teacher conferences and providing resources for at-home learning support.
- Stayed abreast of new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Enhanced classroom management techniques, resulting in a more focused and productive learning environment.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Implemented positive behavior support strategies, promoting a respectful and inclusive classroom culture.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Established strong relationships with parents through effective communication about their child''s academic progress and social-emotional development.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest in learning through hands-on activities.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjust teaching methods accordingly.
- Piloted program to address proposed state subject area competencies and standards.
- Member of the Curriculum Council
Elementary Teacher
Hoosac Valley Elementary School
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments and assessments and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
Elementary Teacher
Portland Public Schools
09.2020 - 06.2021
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
Teacher
Pittsfield Public Schools
08.2008 - 10.2019
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
- Implemented creative ways to foster curiosity for complex principles through hands-on learning and planned activities.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that addressed general students as well as those with individualized 504 plans as part of integrated classroom.
- Attended IEP meetings for students and families.
Substitute Teacher
Central Berkshire Regional School District
01.2008 - 06.2008
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
Title 1 Teacher
Central Berkshire Regional School District
09.2003 - 06.2007
- Created positive and engaging environment in classroom that encouraged literacy skills.
- Supervised small reading groups of students.
- Promoted love of reading and literacy to all students.
- Assessed and reported on each student's reading progress in accordance with policies developed by school district.
Education
Master of Science - Education
Simmons College
Boston, MA05.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Young Children's Learning
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA02.2008
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Greenfield Community College
Greenfield, MA05.2005
Skills
- State Standards Adherence
- Common Core Standards
- Lesson Preparation
- Policy Management
- Classroom Management Techniques
- Positive Reinforcement Methods
- Class Engagement
- Positive Interactions
- Positive Learning Environment
- Collaborative Environments
Additional information
Fundations
Wilson Level 1 Certified
Project Read - Reading Comprehension; Report From Comprehension Guide; Story Form; Keys to Literacy
On Cloud Nine Math
Timeline
First Grade Teacher
Brayton Elementary School
08.2022 - Current
Elementary Teacher
Hoosac Valley Elementary School
09.2021 - 06.2022
Elementary Teacher
Portland Public Schools
09.2020 - 06.2021
Teacher
Pittsfield Public Schools
08.2008 - 10.2019
Substitute Teacher
Central Berkshire Regional School District
01.2008 - 06.2008
Title 1 Teacher
Central Berkshire Regional School District
09.2003 - 06.2007
Master of Science - Education
Simmons College
Bachelor of Arts - Young Children's Learning
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Greenfield Community College
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