Susan Thomas
Teacher
Greenfield,IN
Summary
Teacher with 28 years of experience. Detail-oriented planner with talent for developing individualized lesson plans and cultivating classroom atmospheres of positivity and progress. Committed to comprehensive student growth.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Full-Day Kindergarten Teacher
Homecroft Kindergarten Academy
07.2017 - Current
- Create safe and nurturing classroom environment that promotes emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Support students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Differentiate instruction for 26-30 learners, including EL students and special education students.
- Implement behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Build positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support, including sending materials home for parent involvement and student needs.
- Reward student success by utilizing praise and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Utilize data to progress monitor student achievement and guide instruction.
- Teach using variety of student supports and visuals, as well as gradual release model.
- Provide explicit and systematic instruction in phonics and phonemic awareness.
- Serve as mentor teacher and member of Instructional Leadership Team who coaches fellow teachers and helps facilitate weekly professional development.
Full-Day Kindergarten Teacher
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.2007 - 05.2017
- Assessed and used data to inform instruction for 24-30 students.
- Coordinated and received grants for Kindergarten Family Literacy Nights.
- Differentiated instruction for students of varying needs and abilities, including students with autism, DHH and EL.
- Provided instruction using 19 indicators on TAP rubric.
- Implemented Six Traits writing and Everyday Math.
- Tested EL students using WIDA model.
- Served as P.T.A. teacher representative (2015-2016 and 2016-2017).
Half-Day Kindergarten Teacher
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.2006 - 05.2007
Half-Day Kindergarten and Reading Recovery
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.2005 - 05.2006
Reading Recovery Teacher and Literacy Group Facilitator
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.2002 - 05.2005
Half-Day Kindergarten and Reading Recovery
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.1997 - 05.2002
Half-Day Kindergarten Teacher
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.1996 - 05.1997
Education
Master of Science - Reading
Butler University
Indianapolis, IN01.2001
Certification - Reading Recovery
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN01.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN01.1991
Skills
- Early Reading
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management Techniques
- Experience with Diverse Student Populations
- Lesson Planning and Preparation
- Promoting Social and Emotional Development
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Student Questioning and Feedback
Accomplishments
- Selected as one of 15 national finalists for the $100,000 Dream Big Teacher Grant (2017)
- Received Perry Township Education Foundation Grants for schoolwide Pumpkin Day (2020-2023)
- Completed year-long CIM (Comprehensive Intervention Model) training (2018-2019)
- Recipient of grants for Kindergarten Family Literacy Nights (2006-2014)
References
Mrs. Jennifer Pleak
Homecroft Kindergarten Academy, Principal
317-445-2328
jpleak@perryschools.org
Mrs. Stacey Snyder
Homecroft Kindergarten Academy, Asst. Principal
317-289-1554
ssnyder@perryschools.org
Mrs. Jacinda Mapes
Homecroft Kindergarten Academy, Master Teacher
463-241-7818
jmapes@perryschools.org
Timeline
Full-Day Kindergarten Teacher
Homecroft Kindergarten Academy
07.2017 - Current
Full-Day Kindergarten Teacher
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.2007 - 05.2017
Half-Day Kindergarten Teacher
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.2006 - 05.2007
Half-Day Kindergarten and Reading Recovery
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.2005 - 05.2006
Reading Recovery Teacher and Literacy Group Facilitator
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.2002 - 05.2005
Half-Day Kindergarten and Reading Recovery
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.1997 - 05.2002
Half-Day Kindergarten Teacher
Mary Bryan Elementary School
08.1996 - 05.1997
Master of Science - Reading
Butler University
Certification - Reading Recovery
Purdue University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Purdue University
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