Microsoft PowerPoint
Stephanie Willis
Educator
Houston,Texas
Summary
Skilled ESL Instructor versed in using effective and efficient methods of teaching while focusing on individual student needs. Experience teaching ESL at elementary and middle school grade levels for students from over 10 different cultural backgrounds. Leverages positive, affirming approaches to encourage learning and assimilation. Patient and dedicated educator skilled at developing and promoting interactive learning within group environment. Experienced working with children and adults from wide array of cultural backgrounds to teach language skills. Positive educator patient with students, consistently dedicating extra time for one-on-one instruction to teach difficult lessons. Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
6
6
Certificates
Work History
First Grade ESL Teacher
Houston Independent School District, HISD
Houston, TX
08.2012 - Current
- Gave one-on-one attention to each student while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Increased ESL students' reading levels by integrating online word games and altering lesson plans for students needing extra guidance.
- Attended workshops to learn about student motivation and engaging learning activities.
- Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
- Developed activities and integrated technology to diversify instruction.
- Promoted critical thinking to build subject engagement and interaction.
- Coached students on English pronunciation and intonation for eloquent conversation.
Fourth Grade General Education Teacher
Spring ISD
Spring, TX
08.2010 - 06.2012
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
First Grade Classroom Teacher
Spring ISD
Spring, TX
08.2008 - 06.2010
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
Kindergarten/First Grade Teacher
Lodi Unified School District
Lodi, CA
07.2007 - 05.2008
- Provided guidance on policies and initiatives for kindergarten teaching team.
- Encouraged and prepared students to become independent readers through systematic, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills.
- Integrated outdoor education into lesson plans.
- Arranged parent-teacher conferences to address student progress and collaboratively set goals for areas of improvement.
- Instructed children between ages 5 and 7 on mathematical basics.
- Delivered structured lessons on readiness skills by emphasizing phonics, language skills, literature, and handwriting.
First Grade Teacher
Rio Vista Unified School District
Rio Vista, CA
11.2005 - 06.2006
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Stayed abreast of changes to school and district policies as well as new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
Fourth/Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Aspire Public Schools
Stockton, CA
07.2004 - 06.2005
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
First Grade Teacher
Oakland Unifed School District
Oakland, CA
08.2000 - 06.2004
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Stayed abreast of changes to school and district policies as well as new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
Third Grade Teacher
Oakland Unified School District
Oakland, CA
08.1999 - 06.2000
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
Fourth/Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
San Francisco Unified School District
San Francisco, CA
08.1998 - 06.1999
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
Fourth Grade Classroom Teacher
San Francisco Unified School District
San Francisco, United States
08.1997 - 06.1998
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
Third Grade Teacher
San Francisco Unified School District
San Francisco, CA
08.1994 - 06.1997
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
Education
No Degree - ED.D Educational Leadership
University of Phoenix (online)
Tempe, AZ 05.2001 -
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ 12.2001 - 12.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA 08.1987 - 05.1993
Skills
Individual and group instruction
undefinedAccomplishments
- Achieved at least one year of growth through effectively helping with explicit English Instruction using the Science of Teaching Reading.
Additional Information
I have participated as a Leader In Me Lighthouse Team member to help teachers plan and implement activities regarding the leader in me vocabulary and expectations by modeling highly effective practices, using the "see, do, get" framework, Houston, TX 2014-2020.
Awarded Teacher of the Year for the 2012-2013 school year, with various nominations there after, Houston, TX.
Mayor's Honor for the Clean City Initiative, River Oaks Charter School, Stockton, CA 2004
Mentored student teachers, Askew Elementary, Houston. TX, 2020.
Held the position of Title 1 Coordinator, 2020-2023, Askew Elementary, Houston, TX.
Hosted Student/Cooperative Teacher, Askew Elementary, Houston, TX 1/2013-3/2013.
Hosted Student/Cooperative Teacher, Chet Burchett Elementary, Spring, TX 3/2011-5/2011.
Software
Microsoft Word
SMARTBoard and Document Camera
Microsoft Teams
Zoom
Google Docs and Classroom
Google Chrome
Outlook
Canvas
Nearpod
Kahoot
Symbaloo
Class Dojo
Bloomz
Remind
GroupMe
Epic!
PowerSchool SIS
Certification
Texas Educator Certificate, Texas Education Agency, 1/1/20-12/31/25
Interests
Volunteering at Church-Kids Ministry
Photography
DIY Projects
Travel
Spending time with family and friends
The arts (art, dance, music, opera)
Timeline
Texas Educator Certificate, Texas Education Agency, 1/1/20-12/31/25
12-2025
ESL Supplemental, Texas Education Agency, 1/1/20-12/31/25
12-2025
Gifted and Talented Training - 7/23
07-2023
Telpas Training - 2/23
02-2023
Certified Texas Reading Academies, Houston Independent School District-8/22
08-2022
Campus Based Mentor Training Program-3/21, Houston Independent School District
03-2021
First Grade ESL Teacher
Houston Independent School District, HISD
08.2012 - Current
Fourth Grade General Education Teacher
Spring ISD
08.2010 - 06.2012
First Grade Classroom Teacher
Spring ISD
08.2008 - 06.2010
Kindergarten/First Grade Teacher
Lodi Unified School District
07.2007 - 05.2008
First Grade Teacher
Rio Vista Unified School District
11.2005 - 06.2006
Fourth/Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Aspire Public Schools
07.2004 - 06.2005
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
12.2001 - 12.2003
No Degree - ED.D Educational Leadership
University of Phoenix (online)
05.2001 -
First Grade Teacher
Oakland Unifed School District
08.2000 - 06.2004
Third Grade Teacher
Oakland Unified School District
08.1999 - 06.2000
Fourth/Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
San Francisco Unified School District
08.1998 - 06.1999
Fourth Grade Classroom Teacher
San Francisco Unified School District
08.1997 - 06.1998
Third Grade Teacher
San Francisco Unified School District
08.1994 - 06.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
San Francisco State University
08.1987 - 05.1993
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