SARAH MCPHERSON
San Antonio,TX
Summary
Upbeat educator devoted to promoting student learning and enhancing individual potential. Skillful in directing classroom environments and enhancing student behavior through positive and forward-thinking approaches. Caring relationship-builder with analytical mindset and good decision-making skills.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
5th Grade Educator
St. Pius X Catholic School
San Antonio
08.2021 - 05.2022
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning and foster critical thinking skills.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to promote a positive learning environment.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
1st Grade Educator
Cambridge Elementary
San Antonio
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Developed engaging lesson plans to foster student learning and curiosity.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to enhance student behavior and engagement.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support individual student needs and progress.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods to inform instruction.
- Adapted teaching materials for diverse learning styles to ensure inclusivity in the classroom.
- Mentored new teachers on effective instructional practices and classroom dynamics.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative assessments and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
1st Grade Educator
Meramec Elementary
St Louis
08.1999 - 05.2000
- Developed engaging lesson plans to foster student learning and curiosity.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to enhance student behavior and engagement.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods to inform instruction.
- Adapted teaching materials for diverse learning styles to ensure inclusivity in the classroom.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
Kindergarten/1st Grade Educator
San Antonio Academy
San Antonio
08.2005 - 05.2007
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning experiences.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects that fostered critical thinking skills.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations, providing constructive feedback to support academic growth.
- Facilitated parent-teacher conferences to discuss student performance and strategies for improvement.
- Analyzed educational outcomes to identify areas for curriculum enhancement and innovative instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop and revise curriculum, enhancing learning experience.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication, fostering a supportive network for student success.
Educator
Homeschooling
San Antonio
09.2007 - 05.2017
- Developed personalized lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
- Facilitated engaging educational activities that promoted critical thinking and creativity.
- Monitored student progress and adjusted instruction to meet individual needs.
- Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies for diverse learners, ensuring individualized attention and success.
- Chose materials and developed lesson plans to enhance skills for individual students.
Technical Editor
TouchMath
Technical Editor
Vizzle, Monarch Teaching Technologies
Educational Consultant
Bird and Branch Therapy
San Antonio, TX
01.2024 - Current
- Developed individualized education plans to address diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with educators to enhance curriculum effectiveness and student engagement.
- Conducted assessments to identify student strengths and areas for improvement.
- Provided training sessions for staff on best practices in educational strategies.
- Developed tailored educational strategies to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Conducted assessments to identify students' individual learning needs.
- Facilitated professional development workshops for teaching staff.
- Established partnerships with families to promote student engagement in learning.
- Updated school curriculum to integrate technology and enhance quality of student education.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and inform instructional planning.
- Provided support to parents and guardians in understanding educational policies, procedures, and expectations.
Education
Master of Arts and Teaching - Elementary Education
Trinity University
San Antonio, TX05.1997
Bachelor of Arts - History & English
Texas Christian University
Ft. Worth, TX05.1995
Skills
- STEM & Science Instruction
- Marilyn Burns Math Training
- Curriculum Planning
- IEP/504 Experience
- Google Classroom & Google Suite
- Executive Function Skill Support
- Relationship Building
- Adaptable Teaching Style
- Parent-teacher communication
- Inclusive education
- Collaborative learning
- Growth mindset
Accomplishments
- Commended for exceptional teaching and support to students.
- Reached out to community to gather donations of materials and supplies for needy students.
Certification
- Data Science Certification — WozU
- IEP/504 Experience
- Orton-Gillingham Training
- TOPS Training
- W.O.W. Schlechty Center Training
- Conference AIMS
- Marilyn Burns Math Training
- Cathy Cummins Training in Reading Instruction
Timeline
Educational Consultant
Bird and Branch Therapy
01.2024 - Current
5th Grade Educator
St. Pius X Catholic School
08.2021 - 05.2022
1st Grade Educator
Cambridge Elementary
08.2018 - 05.2020
Educator
Homeschooling
09.2007 - 05.2017
Kindergarten/1st Grade Educator
San Antonio Academy
08.2005 - 05.2007
1st Grade Educator
Meramec Elementary
08.1999 - 05.2000
Technical Editor
Vizzle, Monarch Teaching Technologies
Technical Editor
TouchMath
Master of Arts and Teaching - Elementary Education
Trinity University
Bachelor of Arts - History & English
Texas Christian University
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
- Awarded a $5,000 Alamo Heights School Board Grant to purchase 8 FOSS Science Kits for 1st grade teams, expanding hands-on science instruction.
- Completed Marilyn Burns Math Training, bringing research-based, conceptual math instruction to the classroom.
- Completed a Data Science Certification through WozU, reflecting a personal commitment to STEM fields and data-informed instruction.
- Proven success in the classroom through utilizing student interests and strengths coupled with district curriculum to maximize academic achievement.
- Proven experience leading instructional teams in classrooms of 22-24 students yearly, preparing students for rigorous, college-preparatory coursework.
- Partners with Student Support Team to discuss strategies and materials to support resource students.
- Demonstrates outstanding leadership skills by mentoring new families, coaching parents and teachers, and facilitating instructional practices.
- In-depth curriculum experience with research, development, and implementation within diverse elementary populations.
- Trains educational staff through the Spalding Method for reading instruction in partnership with Cathy Cummins of Early Bird Learning.
- Utilizes summative and formative assessments to identify student needs and ensure academic success, and administers reading inventories to assess fluency and comprehension.
- Organizes activities using cooperative learning techniques and project-based assessments, supporting a hands-on, inquiry-driven classroom.
- Implements organizational classroom management strategies and develops lessons for inclusion students.