Suzette Layman
Joiliet,IL
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at the Academy for Urban School Leadership, excelling in special education and classroom management. Recognized for developing tailored literacy programs that significantly improved student outcomes. Skilled in fostering family engagement and collaboration, leveraging empathy and effective communication to create inclusive learning environments.
Overview
2024
2024
years of professional experience
Work History
Resident Teacher
Academy for Urban School Leadership
Chicago, IL
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Completed a year-long immersive teacher training experience in a special education classroom.
- Actively contributed to preparing and attending Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.
- Demonstrated program proficiency in the core residency competencies of classroom management, family and student engagement, social and emotional learning, and cultural competency in alignment with the Danielson Framework for Effective Teaching.
- Developed relationships with students, paraprofessionals, and colleagues.
- Delivered after-school reading tutoring by using phonics-based decoding strategies tailored to each student’s level, resulting in noticeable literacy gains among struggling readers.
- Chosen out of 100 other students to receive the first Chicago Teacher Residency Values award for 'Courage to Persist.'
Educational Tutor/ Nanny
Monika Myers
Albuquerque, NM
01.2017 - 01.2023
- Worked with a certified Applied Behavior Analysis instructor on techniques for ADHD behavior.
- Successfully used Montessori pedagogy to instruct 3 diverse learners of multiple ages to tutor in reading, spelling, and math.
- Continually communicated goals and educational growth with parents.
- Supported learning goals through confidential and honest communication with family.
Director
Toddler Town Daycare
Albuquerque, NM
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Collaborated closely with the owner to transform the daycare center into a Montessori preschool.
- Raised attendance at school by 75%.
- Extensively worked with state and local agencies regarding licensing guidelines.
- Developed Montessori curriculum preschool program.
Lead Teacher
Sandia Montessori School
ALBUQUERQUE, NM
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
- Organized activities to promote physical, mental and social development of each child.
- Completed teacher observations to identify areas for improvement and suggest changes to teaching methods.
Lead Teacher/Trainer
SpringStone Montessori School
Albuquerque, NM
- Worked effectively in team environments to make the workplace more productive.
- Provided instructional guidance and mentorship to teachers in the development of lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments.
- Coached new teachers on school guidelines to decrease training time and increase teacher success.
- Remained calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
Education
Master of Science - Early Childhood Education
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro, Arkansas03.2026
Master of Arts and Teaching - Arts and Teaching, Special Education
DePaul University
Chicago, IL06.2024
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary and Special Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT03.2022
Montessori Diploma -
North American Montessori Center
Surrey, BCSkills
- Special Education
- Team Collaboration
- Lesson Planning
- Teaching
- Communication Skills
- Classroom management
- Individualized education
- Child development
- Family engagement
- Cultural competency
- Effective communication
- Behavioral analysis
- Literacy tutoring
- Small group instruction
- Flexible and adaptive
- Empathy and patience
- Professional demeanor
Timeline
Resident Teacher
Academy for Urban School Leadership
01.2023 - 01.2024
Educational Tutor/ Nanny
Monika Myers
01.2017 - 01.2023
Director
Toddler Town Daycare
01.2011 - 01.2015
Lead Teacher
Sandia Montessori School
Lead Teacher/Trainer
SpringStone Montessori School
Master of Science - Early Childhood Education
Arkansas State University
Master of Arts and Teaching - Arts and Teaching, Special Education
DePaul University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary and Special Education
Western Governors University
Montessori Diploma -
North American Montessori Center
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