SCHARRAINE HIGHTOWER
Charlotte,NC
Summary
Highly motivated children and youth professional with 17 years of expertise in early childhood development and trauma-informed care. Demonstrates exceptional skills in behavior management, mental health first aid, and child abuse reporting. Passionate about fostering social and developmental growth in children while supporting families in establishing stable childcare solutions.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Assistant
Governor’s Village STEM Academy
Charlotte, NC
04.2025 - Current
- Facilitated individualized instruction to support diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop engaging lesson plans and materials.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback to enhance academic performance.
- Assisted in the implementation of classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Facilitated small group activities, enhancing student engagement and understanding of concepts.
- Supervised students during non-instructional times such as lunch breaks or recess periods, maintaining safety standards at all times.
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
Support Teacher (Part Time)
Bright Horizons
Charlotte
01.2023 - Current
- Support children's growth through engaging activities and personalized care, ensuring a nurturing environment.
- Facilitate learning experiences that enhance cognitive and social skills in early childhood settings.
- Collaborate with lead teachers to implement age-appropriate educational programs, fostering development.
- Adapt teaching strategies and maintain open communication with parents for holistic child development.
- Introduce creative, play-based learning experiences to stimulate cognitive, social, and emotional growth.
- Foster safe, nurturing environments for diverse age groups, implementing tailored activities that promote growth for children from 4 months to 5 years.
Supervisor / Head Teacher
Women In Need Family Shelter
New York, NY
04.2015 - Current
- Supervise and train staff on early childhood development, focusing on trauma and homelessness.
- Design and implement recreation programs for teenagers with behavioral issues and trauma.
- Assist clients in securing permanent off-site childcare services and conduct intake assessments.
- Accompany clients on tours of childcare centers and coordinate with external daycare providers.
- Attend case conferences with case managers and ACS, ensuring comprehensive client support.
- Lead trauma-informed care initiatives, enhancing staff competence in addressing complex childhood development challenges in shelter environment.
- Develop engaging recreation programs for at-risk teens, fostering resilience and social skills while navigating behavioral issues and trauma.
- Coordinate with external daycare providers and case managers, ensuring comprehensive support for clients transitioning to permanent childcare solutions.
- Guide clients through childcare center tours, facilitating informed decisions and smooth transitions to off-site services.
Exceptional Child General Curriculum Teacher 5th & 6th Grade
Governor’s Village STEM (Upper Campus)
Charlotte, NC
09.2023 - 10.2024
- Design and deliver curriculum for Language Live Trans Math, engaging 5th & 6th grade students.
- Support at-risk students in ISS, enhancing academic performance and behavior.
- Contribute to IEP conferences and faculty meetings, improving student support plans.
- Supervise hallways and cafeteria, ensuring a safe, orderly environment.
- Assist teachers in classrooms, boosting instructional effectiveness and student learning.
- Implement tailored curriculum for Language Live Trans Math, addressing diverse learning needs and fostering academic growth in 5th & 6th grade students.
- Develop adaptive crisis management strategies, integrating established procedures with creative solutions to ensure student safety and well-being.
Guest Teacher
Cotswold Elementary School
Charlotte, North Carolina
11.2022 - 09.2023
- Supported 3rd-5th grade teachers, ensuring smooth classroom operations and effective student learning.
- Facilitated dynamic learning environments, fostering student growth through individualized attention.
- Supervised recess activities, ensuring student safety and providing guidance during transitions.
- Maintained educational continuity as a substitute instructor, ensuring uninterrupted learning experiences.
- Implemented creative teaching strategies, enhancing learning experiences and supporting core instructional tasks.
- Facilitated smooth classroom operations, contributing to improved student engagement and supporting the school's educational objectives.
Teachers Assistant
HELP USA Domestic Violence Shelter
New York, New York
10.2007 - 11.2011
- Supported lead teacher in enhancing student learning, fostering academic growth and engagement.
- Tutored students individually and in groups, boosting understanding and performance.
- Managed student arrival and departure, ensuring smooth daily operations.
- Prepared classroom materials and calendars for workshops and activities.
- Conducted client intakes and provided ongoing support, meeting client needs.
- Conducted comprehensive intake assessments and compiled weekly progress reports, providing crucial insights for tailored student support.
- Fostered student growth through personalized tutoring, enhancing academic performance and engagement in diverse learning environments.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Touro College
New York, NY09.2011
Skills
- Child Abuse Mandated Reporter, DHS shelter, Mental Health First Aid, Anxiety, Behavior Management, Food Handlers, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Safe Sleep, Lead Prevention, Infectious Diseases, LGBTQ, Motivational Interviewing, Co Parenting, CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- OBJECTIVE
- To obtain a position working with children, youth and families in an education or social service setting
Timeline
Instructional Assistant
Governor’s Village STEM Academy
04.2025 - Current
Exceptional Child General Curriculum Teacher 5th & 6th Grade
Governor’s Village STEM (Upper Campus)
09.2023 - 10.2024
Support Teacher (Part Time)
Bright Horizons
01.2023 - Current
Guest Teacher
Cotswold Elementary School
11.2022 - 09.2023
Supervisor / Head Teacher
Women In Need Family Shelter
04.2015 - Current
Teachers Assistant
HELP USA Domestic Violence Shelter
10.2007 - 11.2011
Bachelor of Science - Human Services
Touro College