Tara Stalford
Los Alamos,NM
Summary
Dedicated and passionate Educational Assistant with proven track record successfully leading student discussions and providing individualized instruction. Communicates effectively with administrators, faculty and parents. Well versed in educational standards and innovative teaching methods.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Los Alamos Public Schools
08.2025 - Current
- Repeatedly requested as a substitute teacher by teachers and administrators in each of the preschool-12th grade levels in the district based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teachers to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Assisted students in mastering subject material in Mathematics, Science, and English and preparing for tests.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment and maintain consistent schedules.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
Educational Assistant & Specialized Support Professional
Los Alamos Public Schools-Aspen Elementary School
08.2022 - 07.2025
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students with moderate to severe emotional and cognitive disabilities for 4 consecutive years of service to enable positive learning.
- Partnered with multiple teachers to tailor lesson plans and implement lessons following curriculum, goals, and objectives for students.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, specialists, and team members to formulate strategies to resolve students' behavior and review documented progress toward goals.
- Encouraged small groups to discuss topics and explore concepts through hands-on activities.
- Administered tests and assessments to evaluate student progress and performance.
- Oversaw students and assistants in classroom and common areas to offer guidance, enforce rules, model behavior, and support lead teacher.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Attended professional meetings, teacher training workshops, and online training courses to improve professional competence
Preschool Teacher Assistant
Ponderosa Montessori School
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for 22 students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Cognizant of safety and well-being of young children.
- Supported children's social and emotional development by encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
- Delivered clear, concise instructions to children to aid in each student's decision-making and independence.
- Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
Full-time Parent
Parental Leave Gap
07.2002 - 08.2021
- Proven ability to develop and implement creative solutions to complex problems for approximately 20 years.
- Developed strong communication and organizational skills through coursework, volunteer activities, and group projects such as, PTO, ROTC Booster Club, and Church Youth activities.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Education
Associate in Arts - Liberal Arts
University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus
Los Alamos, NM05.2016
Associate in Science - General Studies
Linn-Benton Community College
Albany, OR06.1997
Skills
- Customer service skills
- Positive attitude
- Teamwork Oriented
- Creative problem-solving abilities
- Writing and Math Skills
- Special Education Classroom management
- Experience working with students
- Activity management
- Behavior modeling
- Smartboard technology
Accomplishments
- Recognized by multiple schools as an excellent substitute.
- Completed extra training to further help students under care.
- Took all offered shifts to maintain coverage for students
Certification
- Licensed by State of New Mexico, Substitute Teacher and Educational Assistant, Grades K-12 through 2035.
- Certified Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED, American Red Cross, Valid until 5/13/2027
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Los Alamos Public Schools
08.2025 - Current
Educational Assistant & Specialized Support Professional
Los Alamos Public Schools-Aspen Elementary School
08.2022 - 07.2025
Preschool Teacher Assistant
Ponderosa Montessori School
07.2021 - 07.2022
Full-time Parent
Parental Leave Gap
07.2002 - 08.2021
Associate in Science - General Studies
Linn-Benton Community College
Associate in Arts - Liberal Arts
University of New Mexico-Los Alamos Campus