Stephanie Willis
Houston
Summary
Dynamic educator with over two decades of experience, specializing in ESL and comprehensive curriculum development. Excelled in interactive teaching and technology integration in various school districts , enhancing student engagement and achievement. Skilled in classroom management and parent-teacher collaboration, significantly improving learning outcomes.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
First Grade Teacher
Cypress Fairbanks ISD
Cypress
08.2024 - Current
- Administered and graded class tests to evaluate student progress and comprehension.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Assessed student performance through formal testing and informal observation.
- Improved delivery of instruction by analyzing and distilling test data to identify opportunities for intervention and enrichment.
- Referred to district standards to plan lessons and prepare students to take standardized assessments.
- Provided engaging instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies to a class of 20 first graders.
First Grade ESL Teacher
Houston Independent School District, HISD
Houston
08.2012 - 06.2024
- 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.
- Managed up to 28 students in a self-contained classroom environment.
Fourth Grade General Education Teacher
Spring ISD
Spring
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.
- Managed up to 28 students, ranging in ages 5-8.
First Grade Classroom Teacher
Spring ISD
Spring
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.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills
Fourth/Kindergarten/First Grade Teacher
Lodi Unified School District
Lodi
08.2006 - 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
River Delta Unified School District
Rio Vista
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.
- Chaperoned field trips are designed to maintain safety and encourage learning.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities
Fourth/Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Aspire Public Schools
Stockton
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
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
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
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
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
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.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities
Education
No Degree - ED.D Educational Leadership
University of Phoenix (online)
Tempe, AZMaster of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZBachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CASkills
- P>Individual and group instruction
- P>Test methods knowledge
- P>Interactive Teaching
- P>Information technology literacy skills
- P>Proficient in creating and maintaining schedules
- P>Curriculum Development
- P>[9] Years as ESL instructor
- P>ESL- English as Second Language
- P>Parent-teacher collaboration
- P>Teacher training
- P>Science of Teaching Reading
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Student assessment
- Learning activities
- Technology integration
- Parent communication
Accomplishments
- Teach of the Year, 2012
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.
Certification
- Texas Educator Certificate, Texas Education Agency, 1/1/20-12/31/25 - [Timeframe]
- ESL Supplemental, Texas Education Agency, 1/1/20-12/31/25 - [Timeframe]
- Gifted and Talented Training - 7/23
- Telpas Training - 2/23
- Texas Reading Academies, Science of Teaching Reading, Houston Independent School District, 8/23
- Campus-Based Mentor Training Program, Houston Independent School District
Mentorships and Other Educational Opportunities
12-2025
Hobbies and Interests
- Volunteering at Church-Kids Ministry
- Photography
- DIY Projects
- Travel
- Spending time with family and friends
- The arts (art, dance, music, opera).
Personal Information
Title: Educator
Software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Timeline
First Grade Teacher
Cypress Fairbanks ISD
08.2024 - Current
First Grade ESL Teacher
Houston Independent School District, HISD
08.2012 - 06.2024
Fourth Grade General Education Teacher
Spring ISD
08.2010 - 06.2012
First Grade Classroom Teacher
Spring ISD
08.2008 - 06.2010
Fourth/Kindergarten/First Grade Teacher
Lodi Unified School District
08.2006 - 05.2008
First Grade Teacher
River Delta Unified School District
11.2005 - 06.2006
Fourth/Fifth Grade Classroom Teacher
Aspire Public Schools
07.2004 - 06.2005
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
No Degree - ED.D Educational Leadership
University of Phoenix (online)
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
San Francisco State University
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