Sonja Smith-Pica
Summary
Detail-oriented with a strong focus on professional development, data analysis and continuous improvement in educational settings.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Instructional Coach
Next Door
Milwaukee
2015 - Current
- Coached teachers individually to strengthen instructional practices and foster professional growth.
- Provided professional development to teachers and administrators on instructional strategies, best practices, and implementation of curriculum.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop action plans for effective instructional strategy implementation.
- Fostered a culture of continuous improvement among instructional staff by establishing strong relationships.
- Coached teachers in effective use of technology tools to enhance instruction and student engagement using SmartTeach by Teaching Strategies.
- Analyzed data from observations, assessments, and other sources to co-create action plans for improvement.
- Observed classrooms to provide strength-based feedback to teachers regarding their teaching methods and classroom management techniques.
- Evaluated lesson plans and documentation for accuracy and relevance to current educational standards.
- Developed resources and materials to assist classroom instruction.
Professional Development Specialist
Next Door
Milwaukee
2020 - 2022
- Balanced instructional coaching and Professional Development Specialist responsibilities for 2 years.
- Collaborated with leadership to identify training needs.
- Worked collaboratively to design and deliver professional development workshops for staff engagement.
- Evaluated training workshop effectiveness through surveys and evaluations from participants with co-PD specialists.
- Utilized tracking system of all CCP staff related to professional development.
Early Head Start Teacher/Assistant Teacher
Next Door
Milwaukee
2005 - 2015
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans that promoted active learning in early childhood education activities.
- Cultivated a nurturing environment that enhanced children's social and emotional growth, fostering resilience and confidence.
- Created an inclusive environment where all children feel valued regardless of ability or background.
- Established classroom rules and expectations for behavior according to Early Head Start guidelines.
- Collaborated with families to address children's developmental needs and concerns.
- Built collaborative relationships with families, offering tailored support and guidance to address parenting challenges and children's developmental needs.
- Maintained compliance with health and safety regulations in the classroom environment.
- Observed, documented, and reported student progress in areas such as language development, motor skills, and social behavior.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Communicated effectively with colleagues regarding curriculum planning and assessment results.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance teaching strategies and stayed abreast of current early education trends.
- Participated in professional development activities to stay abreast of current trends in early childhood education.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI05-2012
Skills
- Data analysis
- Professional development
- Attention to detail
- Curriculum development
- Self-motivation
- Organizational skills
Certification
- Current Infant-Toddler CLASS Observer
- Current Pre-K through Third Grade CLASS Observer
- Previous Creative Curriculum for Infants, Toddlers, and Twos trainer
- Previous Infant Toddler Environment Rating Scale, 3rd Edition Assessor
Timeline
Instructional Coach
Next Door
2015 - Current
Professional Development Specialist
Next Door
2020 - 2022
Early Head Start Teacher/Assistant Teacher
Next Door
2005 - 2015
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Education
Cardinal Stritch University