Tara Little
Springfield
Summary
Dynamic educator specializing in literacy development and effective communication. Proven ability to create inclusive classrooms, implement engaging lesson plans, and enhance student comprehension through diverse strategies.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher, Grade 1
Southeastern Local School District
South Charleston, OH
08.2012 - Current
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance learning experiences and engagement.
- Adapted lesson plans to meet the needs of diverse learners, ensuring all students were challenged appropriately and supported in their academic growth.
- Improved students'' reading comprehension by implementing diverse teaching strategies and materials.
- Led initiatives to improve literacy rates through targeted reading programs and interventions.
- Utilized formative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly for optimal learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with colleagues for curriculum development, sharing best practices and creating interdisciplinary units.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional strategies.
- Coordinated with parents and staff to support individual student needs and goals.
Third Grade Teacher
Ohio Virtual Academy
Maumee, OH
08.2009 - 05.2012
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles in virtual classroom settings.
- Utilized educational technology tools to facilitate interactive and collaborative learning experiences for students.
- Monitored student progress through assessments and provided targeted feedback to support academic growth.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to foster a supportive learning environment and address individual student needs.
- Led professional development workshops focused on integrating technology into curriculum delivery effectively.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices, enhancing overall teaching effectiveness.
- Established strong parent-teacher relationships to ensure open lines of communication regarding student progress and needs.
Education
Master of Science - Literacy
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH05-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Urbana University
Urbana, OH05-2004
Skills
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Effective written and verbal communication
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Parent and teacher conferences
- Formative assessments and Standard-based grading
- Literacy development
Accomplishments
- ESL Literacy - Increased ESL students' reading levels by integrating online word games and altering lesson plans for students needing extra guidance.
- Interactive Learning - Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
- Student Progress Conferences - Conducted conferences with parents, administrators, testing specialists and social workers to discuss educational plans designed to promote students' educational/social development.
- Targeted Development - Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.
Certification
- Reading Endorsement K-12
- Orton Gillingham certified 2019
- Science of Reading Certified 2023 ODE
- Dyslexia Certification 2024 ODE
- Lexia LETRS Training in progress
Timeline
Teacher, Grade 1
Southeastern Local School District
08.2012 - Current
Third Grade Teacher
Ohio Virtual Academy
08.2009 - 05.2012
Master of Science - Literacy
University of Dayton
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Urbana University