Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Teaching Experience
References
Timeline
Generic

Tonya Conklin

Lawrence,MI

Summary

Dedicated teacher candidate in Early Childhood Unified Education (Birth–Third Grade) with expected graduation in May, earning a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Bringing 8 years of experience as a Program Assistant, supporting young children in educational settings, including those with diverse learning needs. Passionate about using inclusive, developmentally appropriate practices to create engaging learning environments that promote both academic and social-emotional growth.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Program Assistant- ECSE

Van Buren Intermediate School District
Lawrence, MI
03.2018 - Current

Assist teacher with conducting lesson plans and managing classroom

  • Assist with developing visual schedules for students (behavioral/ASD)
  • Attend staff meetings/ Trainings
  • Act as a nurturing and encouraging influence for students during lessons
  • Preform assigned non-instructional classroom duties, such as toileting and meal time
  • Monitor classroom and minimize distractions and disruptions
  • Work with students to achieve IEP goals
  • Executing sensory needs/diets for individual students as planned by OT
  • Use a core board for communication
  • Using the first then board, along with other visuals to minimize behaviors
  • Communicating with parents as needed
  • Assisted with planning and coordinating day-to-day and special program activities.

Program Assistant- Project NOMAD (Summer)

Van Buren Intermediate School District
Lawrence, MI
06.2013 - Current
  • Assisting teacher with conducting lesson plans and managing classroom
  • Track student progress during the program
  • Perform assigned non-instructional classroom duties, such as meal times and toileting
  • Attend Staff meetings
  • Monitor classroom and minimize distractions and disruptions

Bus Driver/Aide

Van Buren Intermediate School District
Lawrence, MI
04.2006 - 03.2013
  • Operated school buses safely, adhering to state and district regulations.
  • Monitored student behavior, ensuring a safe and respectful environment during transit.
  • Conducted pre-trip inspections, identifying maintenance needs to maintain vehicle safety standards.
  • Coordinated routes effectively, optimizing travel time and efficiency for student transportation.
  • Attend training and staff meetings
  • Managed student behavior during transit, fostering a positive and secure environment.
  • Coordinated with school officials to adjust routes based on schedule changes or emergencies.

Pharmacy Technician

Rite Aide Pharmacy
Hartford, MI
09.2003 - 10.2011
  • Dispensed medications accurately, ensuring compliance with pharmacy regulations and protocols.
  • Assisted pharmacists in verifying prescription orders for accuracy and completeness.
  • Managed inventory levels, ordering and restocking medications as necessary to maintain availability.
  • Trained new staff on pharmacy procedures and best practices to enhance team performance.
  • Monitored medication expiration dates, implementing processes for proper disposal of outdated products.
  • Answered incoming phone calls and addressed questions from customers and healthcare providers.
  • Stocked, labeled, and inventoried medication to keep accurate records.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Unified Ed: Birth-Third Grade

Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
05.2026

High School Diploma -

Bangor Public Schools
Bangor
06.2002

Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Multitasking and organization
  • Data entry
  • Scheduling management
  • Creative problem solving

Teaching Experience

Student Teaching Intern / ECSE Intern

Van Buren ISD
Paw Paw Early Childhood Center – Paw Paw, MI
January 2026 – May 2026 

  • Supported implementation of IEP goals for preschool students with diverse learning needs
  • Led small group and whole group activities focused on social-emotional skills, early literacy, and routines
  • Used visual supports, modeling, and prompting strategies to increase student engagement and independence
  • Collaborated with the teaching team and related service providers during classroom instruction and IEP meetings
  • Collected and documented data for progress monitoring and assessments

References

Nicole Nevins- (269)235-2066

Destiny Garver- (517)745-3545

Michele Johnson- (269)929-7228

Timeline

Program Assistant- ECSE

Van Buren Intermediate School District
03.2018 - Current

Program Assistant- Project NOMAD (Summer)

Van Buren Intermediate School District
06.2013 - Current

Bus Driver/Aide

Van Buren Intermediate School District
04.2006 - 03.2013

Pharmacy Technician

Rite Aide Pharmacy
09.2003 - 10.2011

Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Unified Ed: Birth-Third Grade

Western Michigan University

High School Diploma -

Bangor Public Schools