Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Additional Information
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Shona Terpay

Educator
Ann Arbor,Michigan
Shona Terpay

Summary

Dedicated and creative Educator who conveys the value of education through experiences with an overall approach taken to building strong social, emotional, physical and mental well being. Creative professional with extensive project experience from concept to development.

Dedicated educators of young minds provides students with safe and nurturing learning environment. Possesses excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.

Experienced with creating dynamic and engaging art curricula that stimulate student creativity and learning. Utilizes effective teaching strategies to accommodate different learning styles and foster love for art. Knowledge of classroom management techniques and art history, ensuring well-rounded educational experience.

Developed skills in creative instruction and student engagement within educational environment. Skilled in curriculum development and fostering positive learning atmosphere, looking to transition into new field. Seeking to leverage these transferrable skills in dynamic and collaborative setting. Outgoing and compassionate, with deep understanding of child-centered educational approaches, and positive, upbeat attitude. Knowledgeable about Montessori principles and child development, with skills in creating engaging, hands-on learning environments and fostering independence. Dedicated to nurturing children's growth and curiosity, creating lasting impact on their educational journey.

Overview

24
years of professional experience
1
Certification
2
years of post-secondary education

Work History

Ann Abor Rec and Ed

STEAM Teacher
01.2025 - Current

Job overview

  • Integrated real-world applications into lessons, enhancing relevance and increasing student interest.
  • Promoted critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities and complex assignments.
  • Increased classroom engagement through the incorporation of hands-on, inquiry-based activities in lesson plans.
  • Continually refined instructional practices through professional development opportunities, staying informed about current trends in STEM education.
  • Developed strong relationships with students by fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
  • Organized extracurricular STEM activities such as clubs or competitions, inspiring further exploration outside of class time.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to address the diverse needs of all students.
  • Provided individualized feedback to support student learning and development.
  • Provided one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
  • Devised and implemented classroom management strategies, maintaining safe and pleasant learning environment.

Interlochen Arts Camp (starting June 2025)

Creative Arts Educator
01.2025 - Current

Job overview

  • Built relationships and communicated with parents to provide best learning environment for children.
  • 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.
  • Implemented classroom management techniques that fostered a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
  • Facilitated student-led, inquiry-based activities in classroom to enhance learning experience.
  • Taught classes on painting, collage, and color theory.
  • Implemented effective classroom management strategies, maintaining discipline while fostering creativity and individuality in student work.
  • Improved student engagement in the classroom by designing innovative, project-based learning experiences focused on artistic expression.
  • Documented student work in order to exhibit and celebrate learning process of each child.
  • Fostered positive and inclusive classroom environment, enabling students to express themselves freely through art.
  • Planned and delivered lessons to teach classes in arts to engage and educate students.

Washtenaw Community College

Visual Arts Educator
10.2024 - Current

Job overview

  • Developed engaging lesson plans, fostering a classroom environment that encouraged artistic expression and skill development.
  • Strengthened connections between students'' coursework and real-world applications of their skills through arranging guest speakers from various art-related professions.
  • Implemented assessment tools for evaluating student progress, enabling tailored instruction to support individual growth and development.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary projects, ensuring students gained well-rounded exposure to various art forms.
  • Boosted student confidence in their artistic abilities by providing constructive feedback and guidance on individual assignments.
  • Taught classes on painting, collage, and color theory.
  • Fostered love for art and learning to inspire students to pursue passions and interests.

Jackson Public Schools District

4th and 5th Grade Multi-age Montessori Educator
08.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Developed and implemented individualized learning plans, group lesson plans and classroom activities consistent with instructional guidelines.
  • Assessed students in accordance with school guidelines, examined assessment data and refined learning plans to differentiate instruction for each student.
  • Conducted conferences to establish and maintain consistent and clear communication with parents.
  • Supported and guided staff in classroom to achieve desired goals set forth for children.
  • Guided children to resolve disagreements and documented issues, incidents and behavior problems for appropriate follow-up.
  • Monitored and tracked children's progress on daily, weekly and monthly basis.
  • Established inspiring classroom setting with systems and procedures that managed student behavior, movement and learning.
  • Coordinated with other teachers to develop lesson plans focused on intellectual, emotional, and social development.
  • Prepared classroom and materials according to montessori pedagogy and needs of children.
  • Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
  • Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
  • Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.

Art's For All

Art Teacher
06.2023 - 08.2023

Job overview

  • Documented student work in order to exhibit and celebrate learning process of each child.
  • Developed and implemented various thematic lesson plans, utilizing age-appropriate material and focusing on relevant topics.
  • Inspired students and assisted in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media.
  • Taught classes on painting, collage, and color theory.
  • Assisted students in developing unique artistic skills and techniques.
  • Collaborated with community arts organizations to bring real-world experiences into classrooms and provide students with opportunities for learning and growth.
  • Adapted instruction to meet individual student needs to differentiate instruction to meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.

Lincoln Consolidated School District

Teacher
08.2001 - 08.2023

Job overview

  • Used collaborative approach teaching vide variety of learners
  • Choreographed multiple ages for dance and theatre productions
  • Taught sculpture and drawing
  • Used student's ideas to form and create learning environment, building community within our classroom
  • Encouraged students to explore issues in their lives and in the world around them
  • Employed a broad range of instructional techniques to retain student interest and maximize learning
  • Developed interesting course plans to meet academic, intellectual and social needs of students
  • Earned positive verbal/written feedback from parents regarding classroom instruction and student learning success
  • Taught students to exercise problem solving methodology
  • Developed and implemented interesting and interactive learning mediums to increase student understanding of course materials
  • Worked outside normal hours to be available to answer parent and student questions
  • Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects
  • Taught students in various stages of cognitive, linguistic, social and emotional development
  • Collaborated with other staff members to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and student engagement
  • Implemented a variety of teaching methods such as lectures, discussions and demonstrations
  • Applied progressive teaching principles.

Education

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI

Master of Arts from Education
01.2003 - 06.2005

University Overview

Honors: Dean's List Honoree 2003

Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center
Ypsilanti, MI

Bachelor of Science from Education

University Overview

Honors: Dean's List Honoree 2001, Dean's List Honoree 2000, Dean's List Honoree 1999

Lansing Community College
Lansing, MI

Associate of Arts from Early Childhood Education
04.1992

University Overview

Skills

  • 27 Years Teaching Experience
  • Seeks Collaborative Working Environment
  • Thrives in Multi-Age setting
  • Student Teaching and Pre-Student Teaching University Supervisor
  • Strong creative vision
  • High Emotional Intelligence
  • Eastern Michigan Collaborator between Eastern Michigan University and Public Schools
  • Artist
  • Art Educator
  • STEAM Educator
  • Differentiated instruction specialist
  • Montessori Method
  • Knowledge of Multicultural Education
  • Individual Instruction
  • Hands-On Lessons
  • Great Observation Abilities
  • Classroom Management Skills
  • Teaching
  • Active Learning Methods
  • Lesson Planning
  • Classroom Management
  • Curriculum Design
  • Individual Student Instruction
  • Relationship Building
  • Interactive Teaching
  • Child Development Associate Certification
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Student Performance Evaluations
  • Motivating and Inspiring Students
  • Instructional Exhibits and Displays
  • Creative Thinking
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Student Data Management
  • Progress Monitoring
  • Student Engagement and Development
  • Strong Work Ethic and Dependable
  • Computer Proficiency
  • Supervising Classroom Activities
  • Decision-Making
  • Collaborative and Team-Oriented
  • Caring and Empathetic Demeanor

Accomplishments

Accomplishments
  • Supervised team of five staff members.
  • Supervised, instructed, modeled and lead university student teachers
  • Collaborated with team of 7 in the development of outdoor education program for upper elementary students.
  • Created an ideal Montessori learning environment based on Maria Montessori's practices.

Certification

Early Childhood Education ZA endorsement

Extensive training in Diversity, Equity, inclusion and Social Justice

Social Justice advocate

Equity Advocate

Justice Leaders through the WISD

CPR

DEI

CPI

Montessori

Additional Information

Additional Information

While working as an art teacher over the summer of 2023 I taught and implemented art curriculum for people of all ages with differing abilities.

I worked with the GRASP program for early childhood development.

I am an abstract artist and I bring that creativity into the classroom.

Timeline

STEAM Teacher
Ann Abor Rec and Ed
01.2025 - Current
Creative Arts Educator
Interlochen Arts Camp (starting June 2025)
01.2025 - Current
Visual Arts Educator
Washtenaw Community College
10.2024 - Current
4th and 5th Grade Multi-age Montessori Educator
Jackson Public Schools District
08.2023 - Current
Art Teacher
Art's For All
06.2023 - 08.2023
Eastern Michigan University
Master of Arts from Education
01.2003 - 06.2005
Teacher
Lincoln Consolidated School District
08.2001 - 08.2023
Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center
Bachelor of Science from Education
Lansing Community College
Associate of Arts from Early Childhood Education
Shona TerpayEducator