Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Valerie Pfeffer

Snoqualmie Pass,WA

Summary

Passionate elementary teacher devoted to promoting student learning and enhancing individual potential. Skillful in directing classroom environments and motivating student behavior through positive and forward-thinking approaches. Caring relationship-builder with growth mindset and good decision-making skills. Experienced in developing lesson plans, record keeping and data analysis to ensure district and state standards are met and exceeded. Confidently offers proactive, classroom management strategies, instruction and personalized student support using balance of traditional and modern approaches to meet student needs. Proven history of creating engaging classroom environments, supporting diverse educational styles and adapting lessons to meet student needs. Dedicated to promoting academic performance while fostering social skills and character development. Organized and dependable candidate ready to help team meet goals and willingness to take on additional responsibilities to meet these goals.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Kindergarten Teacher

Issaquah School District
08.2022 - Current
  • Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities using daily reading rotation schedule.
  • Proactive classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines. Slow before fast.
  • Increased parent involvement through regular communication and parent-teacher conferences.
  • WaKids trained-ongoing parent communication and continuing assessment inventory of developing skills.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
  • Identified shifts in literacy instructional practices, implemented Science of Reading instructional practices in classroom.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments to inform instructional decisions.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in early childhood education.
  • Developed strong relationships with families to address any concerns or issues impacting student success.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students, following the UDL model.
  • Utilized assessment data to modify instruction and target areas of weakness for individual students.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
  • Fostered social-emotional growth in students through personalized morning greetings, morning meetings, conflict resolution strategies, and character education lessons.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students, while feeling deeply connected to our classroom community.

4th Grade Teacher

Issaquah School District
08.2014 - Current
  • Collaborated with fellow teachers to design interdisciplinary lesson plans, reinforcing key concepts across subjects.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, using proactive strategies, establishing clear expectations and consequences while fostering a respectful learning environment.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies, addressing the unique needs of each student in the classroom.
  • Utilized assessment data to inform instructional decisions, tailoring lesson plans to target areas needing improvement.
  • Developed students'' critical thinking skills through engaging group projects and individual assignments.
  • Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
  • Assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adjusting instructional approaches as needed.
  • Communicated effectively with parents regarding their child''s academic growth and areas for improvement.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students; Morning meetings.
  • Enhanced classroom dynamics by creating a supportive and inclusive environment, engaging lessons, for all students to thrive.
  • Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities.
  • Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
  • Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
  • Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
  • Built excitement and confidence around Math and Science standards by offering after-school programs, additional resources and support. Making real world connections to Math and Science in our daily lives, creating lifelong lovers of these disciplines.

Intermediate Math and Science Teacher

Archdioceses Of Kansas City; St Michael Archangel
08.2000 - 05.2011
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Delivered interactive lessons to help students comprehend complex concepts..
  • Incorporated project-based learning into the curriculum, challenging students to apply scientific principles in real-world situations while developing teamwork skills.
  • Designed innovative science curricula to engage students and promote critical thinking.
  • Led after-school tutoring sessions for struggling learners; provided personalized support that contributed to marked improvements in overall understanding of course material.
  • Support coach for Science and Math Olypiad Teams, Competed at district and state levels.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

St Mary University
Leavenworth, KS

Master of Science - Elementary Education

Webster University
St. Louis, MO
12.2009

Skills

  • Differentiated Instruction, follow UDL model
  • Parent-Teacher Communication
  • Long range and daily Lesson Planning
  • Proactive Classroom Management,
  • Classroom Layout and Organization
  • Individual and Small Group Instruction
  • Inclusive Education and SEL
  • Growth Mindset
  • Collaborative Learning, Team Work
  • Project-based learning
  • Student Engagement
  • Teaching Mathematics, Making Connections

Accomplishments

G.L.A.D. Trained

STEM Course-Hour Of Code- ISD

Coaching Background with Math and Science Olympiad

2018 Apollo Teacher of the Year

Site Council Member

Technology Committee Member

PBSES Committee Member



Timeline

Kindergarten Teacher

Issaquah School District
08.2022 - Current

4th Grade Teacher

Issaquah School District
08.2014 - Current

Intermediate Math and Science Teacher

Archdioceses Of Kansas City; St Michael Archangel
08.2000 - 05.2011

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

St Mary University

Master of Science - Elementary Education

Webster University