Passionate Teacher with 25 years experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering a wide range of subjects. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social, and learning skills.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary School Lead Teacher, K-3
St. Alphonsus Catholic School
08.2022 - Current
Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles through the Blended Learning method, resulting in increased student engagement and success.
Guided student teachers, new teachers, and teaching aides in classroom management, leading by example and thoroughly answering questions.
Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
Organized field trips that enriched classroom learning experiences by connecting students with real-world applications of course concepts.
Incorporated culturally responsive teaching practices into curriculum design and delivery models promoting inclusivity within the educational setting.
Believe and Read Qualified Teacher, April '22 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_82Wx32A5aQ
Believe and Read Qualified In-House Coach, April '23
GLO Certified in-House Coach, April '23
Preschool Teacher
Delano Community Education
08.2021 - 08.2022
Developed strong relationships with parents and caregivers, providing regular updates on their child''s progress and addressing any concerns proactively.
Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
Maintained organized, fun and interactive classroom to help children feel safe.
Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
Designed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences to foster curiosity and engagement in young learners.
Boosted children''s social development by promoting positive interactions among peers through group activities and collaborative projects.
Stay & Explore Extended Day Preschool Supervisor
Hopkins School District 270
08.2018 - 06.2019
Understood and implemented Stay & Explore program philosophy, policies and procedures
Planned, prepared and led culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate activities for the program's 4-5 year old students
Understood and implemented early childhood program philosophy, policies, and procedures in alignment with Hopkins Public Schools, DHS certification rules and 4 Star Parent Aware guidelines
Took part in the development and maintenance of safe and healthy environment for children by following program health and safety guidelines and procedures and practicing appropriate behavior guidance techniques
Provided frequent oral and written communication with parents regarding their child, classroom activities, as well as helpful resource information
Communicated with early childhood staff, volunteers, district employees and substitutes to ensure smooth program routines
Effectively managed transitions between Stay & Explore and Kaleidoscope Preschool programs.
Program Site Manager
Minnetonka Public Schools
01.2013 - 07.2018
Developed, planned and implemented, under the direction of the program manager, all teaching aspects of the daily Explores Club program including curriculum; student, staff and volunteer supervision; parent communications, child guidance; environmental safety; as well as administrative responsibilities
Worked effectively with children ages 5-12
Developed an environment that allows children to assume responsibility for mastering human interactions, making choices, respecting the rights of others and participating successfully in groups
Supervised staff and/or volunteer as well as directed staff in performing a daily routine
Gave direction and supervised the carrying out of tasks
Participated in staff development, training and evaluation
Designed and maintained a physical environment which can meet a wide range of interests and developmental levels.
Reserve Teacher
Robbinsdale, St. Louis Park And Hopkins Public
11.2011 - 01.2013
Taught a diverse group of students from K-6 in all core subjects
Demonstrated excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills that enabled me to interact with a wide range of individuals
Faced new challenges daily, and successfully managed situations or challenges within the classroom
Strengthened my ability to walk into an unknown learning environment and fostered a productive and eager classroom
Delivered lessons in an exciting fashion that captured students' attention and imagination, sparked the desire to learn
Incorporated hands-on activities that enhance both the academic and social skills of youth
Sustained a positive and nurturing school community.
RTI Paraprofessional & ALC Teacher
Hopkins School District 270
09.2012 - 12.2012
Response to Intervention (RtI) Learning Support Teacher - Met with small groups of students on a daily basis
Developed and instructed lesson plans in math and reading to students in grades 2-5
Alternative Learning Centers (ALC) - Offered students a non-traditional setting with innovative teaching and learning methods for students who want or need a change from public school
As the ALC teacher at Tanglen, I helped develop the program and got it on its feet
After the program began, I focused my attention on developing and delivering lesson plans for 1st and 2nd graders.
Program Assistant Site Supervisor
Minnetonka Public Schools
01.2012 - 10.2012
Developed, planned and implemented, under the direction of the program manager, all teaching aspects of the daily Explores Club program including curriculum; student, staff and volunteer supervision; parent communications, child guidance; environmental safety; as well as minimal administrative responsibilities
Worked effectively with children ages 5-12
Developed an environment that allows children to assume responsibility for mastering human interactions, making choices, respecting the rights of others and participating successfully in groups
Supervised staff and/or volunteer as well as directed staff in performing a daily routine
Gave direction and supervised the carrying out of tasks
Participated in staff development, training and evaluation
Designed and maintained a physical environment which can meet a wide range of interests and developmental levels.
Owner/Daycare Provider
Self
10.2007 - 10.2011
Managed daily schedule for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and K-6 graders in small group settings
Instructed and created effective personalized lesson plans that were age appropriate
Tutored K-6 graders on homework assigned from their classroom teachers
Developed strong lasting relationships with children and families
Managed accounts receivable, accounts payable and yearly taxes
Administrative responsibilities.
2nd Grade Substitute Teacher
Urban Academy Charter School
08.2004 - 10.2004
Instructed core subjects to 2nd graders located at Urban Academy
Adhered to school standards, cultural influences and expectations
Followed lesson plans and utilized activities and manipulatives to supplement the lessons
Created and integrated fun supplemental lesson plans to aid in students' learning
Communicated with co-teachers regarding student progress and disciplinary transgressions
Employed a proactive approach to classroom management; curb negative behavior before it began.
Fourth Grade Teacher
Oh Day Aki (Heart Of The Earth) Charter School
08.2003 - 03.2004
Instructed core subjects to 4th grade, designed and developed programs to meet the academic, intellectual, cultural and social needs of students
Effectively utilized portfolios in assessing and tracking student development
Implemented a supplemental reading program (SRA: Corrective and Decoding Curriculum)
Communicated regularly with families/guardians
Attended school staff meetings and community functions of which I participated
Attended in-service programs discussing the various Native American cultures.
Title I Reading Teacher, K-6
Oh Day Aki (Heart Of The Earth) Charter School
08.2002 - 06.2003
Instructed a federally funded reading program that was designed to provide targeted youth with supplemental reading instruction
Communicated with classroom teachers frequently to help assess and evaluate the students' progress
Initiated, administered, monitored and maintained the use of AIMS and QRI-II testing for the entire K-6 grade
Created quarterly statements that were designed for families/guardian(s) to view their youth's academic growth
Assisted in authoring the Title I Reading and Math handbook.
Education
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
12.1999 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Foundations of Education
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN
01.1999
Skills
Course material development
Innovative lesson planning
Differentiated instruction
Behavioral/cognitive skills development
Urban/suburban public schools
Organizational development knowledge
Flexible and adaptive
Experience in Blended Learning Model
Building student rapport
Excellent classroom management
Working with special needs students
Classroom Management
Behavior Modeling
Parent-Teacher Communication
Parent-teacher collaboration
Educational leadership
Teacher Training
IEP support
Small Group Instruction
Student-Centered Learning
Literacy development
Standardized Testing
Co-Teaching and Co-Planning
Reporting and documentation
Calm under pressure
Parent and student communication
MN Elementary Teaching Certification with Middle School Science Education endorsement