Sarah OToole
Norton Shores
Summary
Self-motivated educator dedicated to creating engaging lessons that foster academic growth. Demonstrates strong classroom management and student assessment skills while promoting inclusivity and positive learning environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
4th Grade Teacher
Legacy Traditional Schools
Glendale, AZ
07.2023 - 05.2026
- Created and present clever lessons to engage students and focus on core subjects necessary for personal and academic growth.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on best practices in education and innovative teaching techniques.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Assessed student performance through informal observations, formal tests, and portfolio reviews.
- Utilized data from standardized tests to design targeted interventions for individual students as needed.
- Provided instruction in math, language arts, science and social studies to a class of 30 fourth graders.
Housing Specialist
Call 211 Of The Lakeshore
Muskegon, MI
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Promptly handled an average of 80 calls per day with 90% customer satisfaction.
- Educated homeowners on the Michigan Homeowner's Assistance Fund.
- Facilitated communication between homeowners and local treasurer's office and Department of Health and Human Services.
- Established positive rapport with clients by providing exceptional customer service and addressing their unique needs.
- Developed housing assistance plans for low-income households.
- Conducted assessments to determine eligibility for rental assistance.
- Reviewed applications and documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Coordinated with local organizations to ensure timely delivery of services.
HeadStart Family Advocate
Child Development Services
Holland
11.2021 - 02.2022
- Built solid and trusting relationships with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Developed and implemented strategies to reduce and prevent family conflict.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
- Identified available community resources and programs for families of disabled children.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Assisted families in completing applications for Head Start enrollment and provided information about program eligibility criteria.
- Provided support to families to ensure their children receive quality health services, including immunizations, physicals, and dental exams.
- Maintained accurate records of all contacts with clients using a computer database system.
Resource Navigator
MidMichigan Community Action Agency
Muskegon, MI
11.2020 - 09.2021
- Conducted initial client intake by phone and in person of over 100 clients during a 6 month period.
- Created client files and organized formal documents.
- Determined eligibility of low-income households for all outreach department programs.
- Calculated percentage of financial assistance and created payment vouchers.
- Collaborated with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure clients received necessary resources.
- Developed individualized service plans for clients based on their needs, preferences, and goals.
- Provided information and guidance to clients on how to access services and programs.
3rd Grade Teacher
Dysart Unified School District
Surprise
08.2013 - 10.2014
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring that all students experienced academic growth.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices.
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to maintain order, promote learning, and ensure safety for all students.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment through effective behavior management strategies.
Reading Teacher
Paramount Academy
Peoria, AZ
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Contributed to school-wide literacy initiatives by participating in committees focused on curriculum development, assessment practices, and teacher training programs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies with a 75% increase in assessment scores.
- Coordinated regular meetings to share and analyze student performance data and success plans with colleagues and parents.
- Provided emotional support to students and families.
- Promoted love of reading and literacy to all students.
2nd Grade Teacher
Dysart Unified School District
Surprise, AZ
08.2006 - 01.2008
- Promoted critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities and group projects that challenged students intellectually.
- Coached students on physical and emotional safety, enhancing their well-being and awareness within health curriculum.
- Participated in professional development workshops and conferences to stay current on best practices in education, applying new ideas within the classroom setting.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives that fostered a positive culture, promoting academic excellence and social-emotional growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement, improving peer interactions and community engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MISkills
- Lesson Planning
- Quantity Student Learning Outcomes
- Classroom Management
- Learning Management Systems
- Grade Tracking
- Parent Engagement
- Organizational Skills
- Team collaboration
- Collaborative learning
- Problem-solving skills
- Multitasking
Certification
Arizona Professional Elementary K-8
Timeline
4th Grade Teacher
Legacy Traditional Schools
07.2023 - 05.2026
Housing Specialist
Call 211 Of The Lakeshore
08.2022 - 06.2023
HeadStart Family Advocate
Child Development Services
11.2021 - 02.2022
Resource Navigator
MidMichigan Community Action Agency
11.2020 - 09.2021
3rd Grade Teacher
Dysart Unified School District
08.2013 - 10.2014
Reading Teacher
Paramount Academy
08.2012 - 05.2013
2nd Grade Teacher
Dysart Unified School District
08.2006 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Western Michigan University