Shannon Finegan
Early Childhood Professional
Perryville,MD
Summary
Dedicated early childhood professional eager to find a new challenge and positively impact the lives of young children and their families. References will confirm a solid work ethic, dedication to staff and students as well as motivation to be successful in all areas. High-energy and flexible offers knowledge and abilities to new position dedicated to helping students, families, and communities. Skilled in activity coordination, student assessment, and record keeping.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
Work History
First Grade Teacher
Cecil County Public Schools
Rising Sun, MD
08.2017 - Current
- Hired for the 17-18 school year as lead teacher in the first grade inclusion classroom
- Worked collaboratively with 4 other grade level teachers, as well as special educator, paraeducator, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists to support the needs of students in the classroom
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Incorporated microsoft, google, and SMART notebook technology into lesson planning to create engaging, multi-dimensional lessons.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies and discipline.
Education Manager
Maryland Rural Development Corporation
Havre De Grace, MD
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Conducted meetings with teachers, management, and stakeholders to share progress, adjust academic plans and renew enrollments.
- Leveraged knowledge of budget and educational designs to facilitate development of cost-effective educational programs.
- Assisted with marketing, advertising, PR and student and faculty outreach efforts to drive Head Start's program growth.
- Spearheaded outreach activities within Harford, Cecil, and Caroline counties to expand educational opportunities and promote Head Start's programs and services.
- Reviewed and edited all training materials for accuracy and company policy compliance.
- Managed new employee orientation training process for more than 15 employees each year.
- Evaluated success of training programs and recommended improvements to upper management to enhance effectiveness.
- Managed educational program budget and prepared monthly reports.
Education Coordinator
MRDC
Edgewood, MD
02.2012 - 08.2015
- Developed community education programming events and other activities designed to increase and improve educational outcomes.
- Coordinated regular meetings to review Head Start's school readiness goals, services and develop new strategies to enroll students.
- Attended professional educational and developmental meetings to support accreditation and grant writing.
- Led planning and achievement of goals and objectives consistent with agency mission and philosophy.
- Promoted available resources and connected individuals with services.
- Identified process improvements in day-to-day functioning of department.
Assistant Education Coordinator
Maryland Rural Development Corporation
Aberdeen, MD
01.2013 - 02.2014
- In 2013, I became responsible for supervising 36 Education staff in six centers located in Harford and Cecil Counties
- In 2016 I was promoted to Education Manager leading 50 education staff members, and working with the management team to plan and implement changes for the education component area.
- Earned high marks for the quality and creativity of classroom teaching, lesson plans and instructional materials used in teaching all subject areas
- Developed innovative approaches that were implemented in all classrooms across three counties
- Recruited new teaching staff, substitutes, and parents to assist education teams in the classrooms
- Actively led and served on a variety of committees within the agency and community
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators/staff
- Selected and trained staff in developmental screeners
- Established open communication between teaching staff and outside agencies to refer students for additional services
- Implemented required transition meetings between Head Start and public school teachers
- Coordinated and led school readiness meetings with staff, community members, and parents.
- Developed community education programming events and other activities designed to increase and improve educational outcomes.
Center Director/ Teacher
Maryland Rural Development Corporation
Edgewood, MD
08.2012 - 02.2013
- Center director for the Edgewood pre-k center.
- Kept facility in compliance with all applicable standards and laws.
- Developed and implemented emergency response plans for disasters, security issues and injuries.
- Sparked imagination, built self-esteem and helped children make exciting discoveries daily.
- Fostered caring and safe environment for children and parents.
- Cultivated and strengthened relationships with children and families.
- Scheduled employees for shifts, taking into account customer traffic and employee strengths.
Kindergarten Teacher
Diocese Of Wilmington
Perryville, MD
11.2008 - 06.2011
- After completing my student teaching with Cecil County Public Schools I was hired as Kindergarten teacher
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
- Also given the role of “Primary level Coordinator” I was responsible for holding monthly meetings with grades pre k-2, to update expectations, resolve problems, as well as plan future events and field trips.
- Created child-centered learning environment characterized by consistent application of sound mental health and educational psychology practices.
Child Development Aide
Cecil College Early Head Start
Elkton, MD
04.2006 - 10.2008
- While working to earn my degree I started part time working with Early Head Start.
- My ability to be flexible to the needs of children and staff quickly allowed me to move to a full time position.
- I worked with children aged 6 weeks to 3 years of age.
- As a support to the teacher I would gather supplies or activities for lesson plans, create story time activities, and outdoor games
- In addition I would complete social, emotional, physical, and language screeners to ensure children were meeting developmental milestones.
- Upon completion of my degree I transitioned to a teaching position.
Education
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
Lasalle University
Philadelphia, PA 08.2018 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE 01.2006 - 12.2008
Maryland Teacher Certification (Grades PK-3), Valid thru2027 - undefined
No Degree - Elementary Education
Hood College
Frederick, MD 05.2001 -
No Degree - General Studies
Cecil College
North East, MD 05.2001 -
Skills
Restorative PracticesInstructional Best PracticesRetaining and motivating staffTracking data
Relationship building
Organizational skills
Problem-solving skills
Timeline
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
Lasalle University
08.2018 - 05.2023
First Grade Teacher
Cecil County Public Schools
08.2017 - Current
Education Manager
Maryland Rural Development Corporation
08.2015 - 08.2017
Assistant Education Coordinator
Maryland Rural Development Corporation
01.2013 - 02.2014
Center Director/ Teacher
Maryland Rural Development Corporation
08.2012 - 02.2013
Education Coordinator
MRDC
02.2012 - 08.2015
Kindergarten Teacher
Diocese Of Wilmington
11.2008 - 06.2011
Child Development Aide
Cecil College Early Head Start
04.2006 - 10.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Wilmington University
01.2006 - 12.2008
No Degree - Elementary Education
Hood College
05.2001 -
No Degree - General Studies
Cecil College
05.2001 -