Sonya Lightfoot
Carlsbad,CA
Summary
Dynamic educator specializing in classroom management and effective communication. Demonstrated success in developing engaging lesson plans that enhance student learning and foster positive relationships. Strong organizational skills combined with proactive planning and strategic thinking.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Pedagogista/ Lead Educator
Aspirations School of Learning
Carlsbad, CA
05.2014 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning experiences.
- Mentored and supported new educators in classroom management techniques.
- Collaborated with parents to address student needs and concerns effectively.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to foster critical thinking skills.
- Organized professional development workshops for staff growth and improvement.
- Evaluated student progress through assessments and provided actionable feedback.
- Facilitated a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation.
- Coordinated curriculum development aligned with educational standards and goals.
- Conducted regular observations of classrooms to provide feedback on instruction quality and implementation of district policies and procedures.
- Organized parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and collaborate on educational goals.
- Attended workshops or trainings related to current trends in education policy or instruction techniques.
- Developed resources such as handouts, webinars, videos. for faculty use in instruction delivery methods.
- Communicated with parents and guardians about student daily activities, behaviors and related issues.
- Planned classroom activities to enable students to work independently, in small groups and in large groups.
- Encouraged positive self-esteem and mutual respect for others while instilling joy of learning and discovery.
- Managed and organized class records and reports.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Remained calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
Lead Toddler Teacher
Carlsbad Country Day School
Carlsbad, CA
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Designed engaging lesson plans for toddlers to promote cognitive development.
- Facilitated daily activities that encouraged social interaction among children.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss children's progress and address concerns.
- Organized creative arts and crafts projects to enhance fine motor skills.
- Assessed individual developmental milestones to tailor educational approaches.
- Created and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans and activities that encouraged physical, social, emotional and cognitive development.
- Provided a safe learning environment for toddlers by monitoring their behavior and intervening when necessary.
- Developed and fostered positive relationships with parents of toddlers in the program.
- Collaborated with parents to develop and maintain strong support networks and build rapport to foster seamless communication.
- Encouraged creative expression through art projects or music activities.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Communicated effectively with staff members regarding individual needs of toddlers in the program.
- Prepared reports summarizing individual toddler progress for review by administrators.
- Managed classroom supplies inventory, ensuring adequate materials were available at all times.
- Read aloud and played alphabet games to encourage early literacy.
- Conducted observations and assessments of children's progress and reported findings to parents and guardians.
Pre-K Teacher/Cook/ P.E. Teacher/Floater
The Growing Tree Academy
Vista, California
04.2012 - 08.2013
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles and developmental levels.
- Facilitated interactive activities to promote social and emotional growth among children.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss child progress and address concerns effectively.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Organized educational materials and resources for daily classroom activities.
- Assisted in assessing student development using age-appropriate evaluation tools.
- Created a positive, nurturing classroom environment that encourages children's exploration and curiosity.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Prepared diverse menu items following standardized recipes and presentation guidelines.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of kitchen equipment and workstations.
- Monitored food stock levels and assisted in inventory management processes.
- Implemented efficient cooking techniques to reduce waste and improve workflow.
- Designed engaging lesson plans to promote student participation in physical activities.
- Organized and led fitness assessments to evaluate student performance and progress.
- Implemented safety protocols to ensure a secure environment during physical education classes.
- Directed extracurricular sports programs, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship among students.
Floater/Preschool Classroom Aide/School Aged Childcare Worker
Children's Paradise
Vista, California
10.2010 - 04.2012
- Assisted teachers in implementing daily lesson plans and activities.
- Supervised children during playtime and structured learning sessions.
- Organized classroom materials and maintained a clean, safe environment.
- Kept students safe in classroom and outside environments.
- Taught basic hygiene habits such as hand-washing after snack time or outdoor play.
- Attended staff meetings to discuss curriculum changes, new policies or procedures.
- Helped plan field trips, special events, story time and other educational activities.
- Supervised children during meals, naps and recess to ensure safety.
- Provided individual support to students who needed extra help with their work.
- Ensured that all equipment was properly sanitized before use.
- Supported lead teacher with daily classroom activities.
- Maintained clean, well-kept classroom to encourage children to create, explore and play with confidence.
- Took class attendance and recorded absences.
- Facilitated group games and activities to encourage teamwork among children.
- Developed strong relationships with children to foster trust and respect.
- Helped with homework assignments by providing guidance when needed.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Administration in Early Childhood
Saddleback College
Mission Viejo, CA01-2025
Reggio Children Spring Conference 2019
Reggio-Emilia, Italy01-2019
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Palomar College
San Marcos, CA08-2015
Bachelor of Arts - Human Development Emphasis in ECE
Pacific Oaks College
Pasadena, CA08-2015
Skills
- Classroom management
- Parent collaboration
- Staff mentoring
- Effective communication
- Conflict resolution
- Time management
- Critical thinking
- Reggio emilia methodology
Accomplishments
• Awarded Parent Partnership AOE in 2022
• Awarded Excellence in Care and Education AOE in 2023 & 2025
• Awarded Excellence in Care and Education AOE in 2023 & 2025
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Pedagogista/ Lead Educator
Aspirations School of Learning
05.2014 - Current
Lead Toddler Teacher
Carlsbad Country Day School
08.2013 - 05.2014
Pre-K Teacher/Cook/ P.E. Teacher/Floater
The Growing Tree Academy
04.2012 - 08.2013
Floater/Preschool Classroom Aide/School Aged Childcare Worker
Children's Paradise
10.2010 - 04.2012
Some College (No Degree) - Administration in Early Childhood
Saddleback College
Reggio Children Spring Conference 2019
Associate of Arts - General Studies
Palomar College
Bachelor of Arts - Human Development Emphasis in ECE
Pacific Oaks College