Sarah J. Shelia
Harvey,IL
Summary
Dedicated educator with 12+ years of experience working with children in formal and informal educational settings. Skilled in creating inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments and adapting instruction to meet diverse student needs. Committed to building meaningful relationships, integrating academic and social-emotional learning, and empowering students to think critically, grow, and thrive.
Overview
4
4
Languages
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
6th Grade Science Teacher
Lincoln Middle School
08.2025 - 05.2026
- Designed inquiry-based 6th grade science lessons aligned with state standards and curriculum goals.
- Facilitated hands-on laboratory activities while enforcing safety procedures and classroom expectations that increased student interest.
- Differentiated instruction to support diverse learners, including English language learners and special education students.
- Assessed student understanding using formative checks, quizzes, and data-driven lesson adjustments.
- Collaborated with grade-level teams to coordinate curriculum pacing and shared instructional strategies.
- Established a positive classroom environment that fostered respect, collaboration, and open communication among students.
- Developed learning activities and deployed differentiated science instruction to address various types of learners.
- Actively participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in science education and pedagogy.
Student Teaching Experience
Chicago Public Schools CPS
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.
- Implemented visual aids to enhance comprehension and used formative assessments to clarify misconceptions
- Designed and implemented cross-curricular, project-based learning experiences—including a fraction mastery project, a social studies play on Native American cultures, science pourquoi stories, and ELA biographies—that promoted critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration while reinforcing unit objectives.
- Supported PTA events and organized school-led after-school activities to enhance student engagement and foster school-community relationships.
Afterschool Educator
Right At School
11.2019 - 04.2021
- Supported students in grades 1 through 6 with homework and reinforced key concepts across subjects, enhancing their academic understanding.
- Collaborated with students to set behavior expectations, promoting 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, creating a supportive atmosphere that encouraged students to seek assistance.
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
- Tailored instruction
- Data-driven assessments
- Multimedia resources
- Positive behavioral interventions
- Powerschool
- Google Classroom/Workspace
- FOSS
- Wit and Wisdom
- Skyline
- Second Step
- IXL
Certification
- Professional Educator License (PEL) – Urban Education
- Elementary Education (Grades 1–6), Illinois State Board of Education
- Middle Grades Science (Grades 5–8) Certification
- Short Term Substitute License
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Urdu
Native/ Bilingual
Hindi
Native/ Bilingual
Gujarati
Limited
Timeline
6th Grade Science Teacher
Lincoln Middle School
08.2025 - 05.2026
Student Teaching Experience
Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.2023 - 05.2025
Afterschool Educator
Right At School
11.2019 - 04.2021
High School Diploma -
Schaumburg High
Associate of Arts - Elementary Education
Harper College
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Education
University of Illinois At Chicago