Tara Bonewitz
Keystone,IA
Summary
Focused educator passionate about promoting inclusion, critical thinking skills and student development. Skillful in managing classroom environments and student behavior with positive and proactive strategies. Excellent communication, relationship-building and problem-solving skills. Patient and resourceful educator with 28 years of comprehensive experience instructing students individually and in groups. Commended for easily cultivating productive and trusting relationships with both students and parents.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
3rd Grade Teacher
Benton Community School
Van Horne , IA
08.1999 - Current
- Facilitated small group instruction for targeted skill development.
- Developed positive relationships with students by providing a safe learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues, parents, and administration to ensure student success.
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative assessments.
- Provided differentiated instruction to meet the needs of all learners in a 3rd grade classroom.
- Created and implemented engaging lesson plans that aligned with Common Core State Standards.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills through inquiry-based activities.
- Improved student engagement by implementing student-centered classroom management techniques to foster academic curiosity.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and academic performance.
- Managed classroom behavior using positive reinforcement strategies.
- Implemented best practices in literacy instruction including phonics, spelling, writing, and reading comprehension.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Maintained accurate records of grades and attendance data.
- Engaged students in hands-on learning opportunities in math, science, social studies, language arts, art and music.
- Collaborated with special education teachers to provide support services for students with disabilities.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on educational trends.
- Supervised recess activities to ensure safety of all students.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
- Referred to district standards to plan lessons and prepare students to take standardized assessments.
- Maintained safe, clean and organized classroom environment.
- Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.
- Brought in purchased and donated materials to round out supplies for classroom activities.
- Taught accelerated literary programs to elementary school students by guiding heterogeneous small group instruction.
- Created customized grading rubrics powerful assessment tools.
- Instructed students individually and in groups using varied teaching methods.
- Offered hands-on learning opportunities to develop student self-esteem and life skills.
- Prepared, administered and graded daily work and tests to evaluate student's progress.
- Provided positive feedback with emphasis on learning from mistakes to establish solid foundation for progress.
- Formed deep relationships with parents and students by engaging groups through conferences, emails, texts and phone calls.
- Explored foundational learning concepts with students through hands-on activities, videos and class discussions.
- Partnered with parents to maintain open communication, advise on available resources and build parental abilities necessary for student support.
- Oversaw class field trips to keep students safe and educate about related topics.
- Delivered tutoring sessions to help students grasp complex concepts in one-on-one settings.
- Employed online learning management systems and other diverse instructional resources to offer students remote assistance with assignments.
- Involved parents in student education by cultivating strong relationships.
- Created safe, nurturing environment of trust and respect.
- Handled challenging classroom behaviors with positive and affirming techniques.
- Implemented multiple methods to improve student educational success.
- Encouraged creativity by giving students choices in learning topics and methods.
- Administered tests and assessed results to evaluate student understanding of material.
- Improved delivery of instruction by analyzing and distilling test data to identify opportunities for intervention and enrichment.
- Inspired students to want to read by taking to library and helping to choose books.
- Maintained positive classroom culture through behavior management techniques.
- Cultivated classroom environment focused on inclusion and growth, fostering both social and academic development.
- Administered and graded class tests to evaluate student progress and comprehension.
- Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback.
- Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks and build resilience for later educational efforts.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education/ Minor in Special Education
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA05-1996
Skills
- Team Collaboration
- Compliance Standards
- Multimedia Instruction
- Individualized Instruction
- Student Progress Monitoring
- Student Assessment
- Classroom Management
- Diversified Instruction
- Standardized Tests
- Academic Program Management
- Problem-Based Learning
- Learning Materials Selection
- Organizational Skills
- Proficient In Google Docs
- Lesson Planning
- Behavior Modeling
- Safety awareness
- Mathematics Instruction
- Materials sourcing
- Relationship Building
- Social-emotional learning
- Special Education Support
- Problem-solving skills
- Technology Integration
- Student Engagement
- Peer Mentoring
- Activity Planning
- Elementary Education
- Special Education
- Differentiated Instruction
- Literacy strategies
- Collaborative Teamwork
- Oral communication
- Individualized Learning
- Student Records Management
- Group and individual instruction
- Parental Communication
- Interactive Learning
- Positive Reinforcement
- Teacher Collaboration
- Distance Learning
- Progress Reporting
- Assigning and Grading Work
- Hands-on learning
- Behavior Management
- Decision-Making
- Common Core Standards
- Field Trip Oversight
- Time Management
- Professionalism
- Goal Setting
- Multitasking
- Continuous Improvement
- Safe, Positive Learning Environment
- Patience and Persistence
- [State] Teaching Certification
- Class Management
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking and Organization
- Self Motivation
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Attention to Detail
- Reliability
- Written Communication
- Professional Demeanor
- IEP creation
- Task Prioritization
- Adaptability
- Positive Behavior Techniques
- Effective Communication
Timeline
3rd Grade Teacher
Benton Community School
08.1999 - Current
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education/ Minor in Special Education
University of Northern Iowa
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