Tara Little
Springfield
Summary
Dynamic educator focused on literacy development and inclusive classroom practices. Creates engaging lesson plans and applies diverse strategies to enhance student comprehension, ensuring tailored support for all learners.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher, Grade 1
Southeastern Local School District
08.2012 - Current
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- 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.
- Created supportive, inclusive learning environments that fostered positive classroom atmospheres and enhanced student growth.
- Utilized formative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly for optimal learning outcomes.
- Integrated technology into lessons to enhance learning experiences and engagement.
- 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 address individual student needs and achieve academic goals.
Third Grade Teacher
Ohio Virtual Academy
08.2009 - 05.2012
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Monitored student progress through assessments, providing targeted feedback that supported academic growth.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to create a supportive learning environment tailored to individual student needs.
- Established strong parent-teacher relationships, ensuring open communication about student progress and addressing specific needs.
- 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.
- 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.
Education
Master of Science - Literacy
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH05-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Urbana University
Urbana, OH05-2004
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Curriculum development
- Standards-based grading
- Literacy development
- ESL- English as a Second Language
- Excellent classroom management
- Parent-teacher conferences
- Relationship building
- Peer collaboration
- Written communication
- Critical thinking
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
References
Mr. David Shea
Superintendent
Southeastern Local School District
dshea@sels.us
(937) 462-8388 ext 1
Mr. PJ Bertemes
Principal
Fairborn Local School District
pbertemes@fairborn.k12.oh.us
(937) 879-3611
Lisa Journell
Vice Chair, Assessment & Curriculum; Assistant Professor, Department of Education
Wright State University
lisa.journell@wright.edu
(937) 775-3995
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