Susan E. Williams
Red Hook,NY
Summary
Dedicated educator with over 20 years in Waldorf education and early childhood development. Expert in creating nurturing, rhythm-based classrooms that foster safety and engagement through play, storytelling, nature, and the arts. Skilled in building relationships with children and families, maintaining organized environments, and addressing individual developmental needs, with a focus on literacy instruction and collaborative support for every child's growth.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
A/OGA Literacy Support Educator
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School
09.2023 - Current
- Provide individualized literacy intervention for students in Grades 2-5 with language-based learning differences.
- Design and implement diagnostic, prescriptive Orton-Gillingham lessons to strengthen phonemic awareness, decoding, encoding, spelling, reading fluency, comprehension, and written language.
- Monitor student progress through ongoing assessment and adjust instruction to meet individual learning goals.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers and families to support student achievement and confidence.
Summer Literacy Educator
Camp Dunnabeck, Kildonan School
06.2024 - 08.2025
- Provided intensive one-on-one Orton-Gillingham instruction within an immersive summer language remediation program.
- Designed individualized lessons that accelerated literacy growth for students with dyslexia and related language-based learning differences.
Lead Kindergarten Teacher
Primrose Waldorf School
Rhinebeck, NY
08.2021 - 08.2023
- Designed, developed, and led a Waldorf early childhood program for children ages 4-6.
- Planned developmentally appropriate curriculum integrating storytelling, movement, music, nature study, artistic activities, and practical life skills.
- Trained and mentored classroom assistants to create a harmonious, nurturing classroom environment.
- Fostered meaningful partnerships with families to support each child's academic, social, and emotional development.
Waldorf Assistant Teacher
Ms. Bedard's Playgroup
Ghent, New York
08.2019 - 06.2021
- Assisted the lead teacher in maintaining a nurturing, play-based classroom following Waldorf education principles
- Supervised children during indoor and outdoor free play while ensuring a safe, caring, and engaging environment.
- Supported daily classroom routines, including circle time, storytelling, songs, movement, and seasonal activities.
- Supported children's self-care routines, including handwashing, meals, rest time, and transitions throughout the day.
- Maintained confidentiality regarding students and families while fostering respectful relationships.
- Assisted with classroom setup, cleanup, and preparation for festivals, celebrations, and special events.
A/OGA Tutor
Kildonan School
Amenia, NY
01.2014 - 12.2019
- Designed and delivered daily individualized Orton-Gillingham lessons for students in Grades 2-10 with dyslexia and language-based learning differences.
- Administered, scored, and interpreted formal and informal reading and spelling assessments.
- Developed individualized instructional plans using assessment data and student progress.
- Maintained detailed records and collaborated with faculty and families to support student success.
Classroom Assistant & Early Childhood Teacher
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School
Ghent, NY
01.2002 - 12.2014
- Assisted in Kindergarten and led Early Childhood Playgroup, enhancing learning experiences from 2002 to 2009.
- Supported classroom teachers in implementing Waldorf curriculum, fostering engaging and developmentally appropriate learning.
- Created nurturing classroom environments that fostered creativity, independence, confidence, and social-emotional growth.
- Collaborated with teachers and families to address children's academic and developmental needs, promoting holistic growth.
- Worked as a Third Grade Assistant and First Grade Playgroup Teacher on a part-time basis.
Education
Waldorf Early Childhood Certificate - Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education
Sunbridge College
Chestnut Ridge, NY01-2002
Bachelor of Social Work -
State University of New York at Fredonia
Fredonia, NY01-1997
Skills
- Orton-Gillingham Instruction (Associate Level)
- Dyslexia Intervention
- Structured Literacy
- Literacy Assessment
- Diagnostic & Prescriptive Teaching
- Reading & Spelling Intervention
- Phonological Awareness & Decoding
- Individualized Lesson Planning
- Progress Monitoring
- Early Childhood Education
- Classroom Leadership
- Student-Centered Instruction
- Family & Teacher Collaboration
- Communication & Organization
- Waldorf Education
Certification
Associate Level Certified Educator (A/OGA), Orton-Gillingham Academy, 01/01/16
Professional Affiliation
Orton-Gillingham Academy, Member
Certification Details
Earned Associate Level Certification through the Orton-Gillingham Academy after completing extensive coursework, a supervised practicum, and competency-based evaluation. Provide diagnostic and prescriptive, multisensory structured literacy instruction for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Currently pursuing Clinical Level certification through the Orton-Gillingham Academy, with advanced supervised training in diagnostic teaching, case analysis, and individualized clinical practice.
Timeline
Summer Literacy Educator
Camp Dunnabeck, Kildonan School
06.2024 - 08.2025
A/OGA Literacy Support Educator
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School
09.2023 - Current
Lead Kindergarten Teacher
Primrose Waldorf School
08.2021 - 08.2023
Waldorf Assistant Teacher
Ms. Bedard's Playgroup
08.2019 - 06.2021
A/OGA Tutor
Kildonan School
01.2014 - 12.2019
Classroom Assistant & Early Childhood Teacher
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School
01.2002 - 12.2014
Waldorf Early Childhood Certificate - Waldorf Early Childhood Teacher Education
Sunbridge College
Bachelor of Social Work -
State University of New York at Fredonia