Sarah J. Shelia
Chicago,IL
Summary
A fervent educator with deep roots in Chicago Public Schools—beginning as a CPS elementary student—and a strong commitment to serving the city that shaped her, bringing over 12 years of experience working with children in both formal and informal educational settings. Fluent in Urdu, Hindi, and Gujarati, and skilled in building inclusive, collaborative, and culturally responsive learning environments that foster growth, empathy, and accountability.
Recognized for creating engaging and enriching learning experiences that not only strengthen comprehension, but also develop lifelong skills, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose. Dedicated to intertwining academic and social-emotional learning across all subjects, with a firm belief that every student has the potential to thrive. Known for tailoring instruction to individual needs, advocating for learners, and making thoughtful modifications to support equitable outcomes. Committed to empowering students to understand deeply, think critically, and ultimately leave their own unique imprint on the world.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Student Teaching Experience
Chicago Public Schools CPS
Chicago , Illinois
08.2023 - 05.2025
- Adapted instructional strategies and developed differentiated lesson plans aligned with new curricula to meet diverse student needs, including ELLs, and students with IEPs.
- Collaborated with special education staff to adapt lesson plans, and actively participated in IEP meetings, ensuring inclusive instruction and supporting individualized student goals.
- Implemented visual aids to enhance student comprehension, and utilized formative assessments to address misconceptions in mathematical and ELA concepts.
- Designed and implemented cross-curricular, project-based learning experiences—including a fraction mastery project in math, a social studies play on Native American cultures, science pourquoi stories, and ELA biographies—that all promoted critical thinking, creativity, and student collaboration, while reinforcing unit objectives in engaging and meaningful ways.
- Supported PTA events, and assisted in organizing and attending school-led after-school activities, enhancing student engagement, and fostering strong school-community relationships.
Afterschool Educator
Right At School
DesPlains, IL
09.2020 - 05.2021
- Rehired for the same position at a DesPlains Middle School
Covid Awareness Coordinator
CPS
Chicago, IL
08.2020 - 11.2020
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams across multiple CPS elementary and high schools to implement COVID-19 safety protocols and raise awareness prior to the 2020–21 school year.
- Designed and installed visual signage, including hallway posters and floor decals, to reinforce social distancing and hygiene practices, contributing to a safer school environment.
- Developed and facilitated brief workshops and informational sessions for students and staff, integrating COVID-19 safety measures into classroom instruction and daily routines.
- Coordinated daily tasks with various partners to ensure consistent messaging and effective implementation of health and safety guidelines across school facilities.
Afterschool Educator
Right At School
Evanston, IL
12.2019 - 05.2020
- Provided academic support to students in grades 1 through 6, assisting with homework, and reinforcing key concepts across various subjects.
- Collaborated with students to establish mutually agreed-upon behavior expectations, fostering a respectful and inclusive learning environment.
- Designed and facilitated engaging, play-based activities—such as student-created performances, group games, and themed crafts—to enhance learning and encourage creativity.
- Integrated educational elements into recreational activities, including collaborative quizzes, and peer tutoring sessions, to reinforce academic concepts.
- Cultivated individual connections with each student, ensuring a supportive and approachable atmosphere where students felt comfortable seeking assistance.
- Maintained open communication with program leadership to align daily plans, share feedback, and ensure the delivery of effective, engaging, student-centered activities.
Afterschool Tutor
Campanelli Elementary
Schaumburg, IL
12.2019 - 05.2020
- Provided targeted academic support to students in grades 2 through 5, focusing on enhancing understanding and performance in mathematics and history.
- Fostered a dynamic learning environment by integrating engaging, hands-on activities that promoted both enjoyment and concentration, facilitating deeper comprehension.
- Cultivated individualized connections with students, tailoring instructional approaches to meet diverse learning needs, and encouraging active participation.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Education
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL05.2025
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Harper College
Palatine, IL05.2022
High School Diploma -
Schaumburg High
Schaumburg, IL05.2020
Skills
- Aspen
- Google Classroom/Workspace
- Epic
- Skyline
- Amplify Science
- Wit and wisdom
- Visual aids to enhance student comprehension and retention
- Positive behavioral interventions
- Differentiated instruction and lesson planning
- Data-driven instruction and assessment
Certification
- Professional Educator License (PEL) – Urban Education: Elementary Education (Grades 1–6), Illinois State Board of Education
- Pending Endorsements:
Middle Grades Language Arts (Grades 5–8) – Expected completion: [May, 2025]
Middle Grades Science (Grades 5–8) – Expected completion: [May, 2025]
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Urdu
Native/ Bilingual
Hindi
Native/ Bilingual
Gujarati
Limited
Timeline
Student Teaching Experience
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2023 - 05.2025
Afterschool Educator
Right At School
09.2020 - 05.2021
Covid Awareness Coordinator
CPS
08.2020 - 11.2020
Afterschool Educator
Right At School
12.2019 - 05.2020
Afterschool Tutor
Campanelli Elementary
12.2019 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Education
University of Illinois At Chicago
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Harper College
High School Diploma -
Schaumburg High
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