Valerie L. Shoenfeld
Baldwin,NY
Summary
I have been with the NYC Department of Education for the last 21 years, and have just retired after a long and rewarding career. I have worked at PS 245 for those years as a Science Specialist, an Early Childhood Lead Teacher, and in the administration capacity for 4 years. Prior to that, I worked at a body armor company for 15 years as the assistant to the Chief Executive and owner, Richard Stone. Point Blank Body Armor is no longer in New York, and the parties have changed hands. I realize that I have not used many of the executive skills I have mastered, but it's like riding a bike; I'm sure it will all come back to me easily.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Childhood Educator
PS 245 Magnet School of Arts and Science
Brooklyn, NY
09.2021 - 07.2025
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Fostered a safe and supportive classroom environment for young children.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss child development and educational progress.
- Guided children in social interactions, promoting teamwork and communication skills.
- Assessed student progress through observation and tailored instructional strategies.
- Provided a safe and stimulating learning environment for young children.
- Encouraged children to be understanding of others, show good manners and instructed in other social development behaviors.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Organized indoor and outdoor playtime activities to promote physical and mental development of children.
- Developed age-appropriate activities to encourage physical, social and intellectual development of children.
- Identified children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related or developmental concerns and conceived improvement strategies.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Conducted ongoing assessments of child development and learning progress, adapting instructional strategies as needed.
- Utilized a variety of teaching methods including play, storytelling, and creative arts to stimulate children's cognitive and social development.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with early childhood education research and best practices.
- Implemented strategies to support children with special needs, ensuring inclusive education practices.
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Point Blank Body Armor
Baldwin, NY
09.2021 - 01.2022
- Coordinated travel arrangements, including flights, accommodations, and itineraries.
- Prepared detailed reports and presentations for senior management reviews.
- Organized company events, managing logistics and vendor relationships effectively.
- Maintained company confidence and protected business operations by keeping sensitive information confidential.
- Organized and managed complex calendar of appointments, meetings, and travel arrangements for executive team.
- Assisted in organizing conferences, seminars and other events as directed by the executives.
- Opened, read and replied to e-mails, letters and correspondence on behalf of executives.
- Coordinated with internal departments on a regular basis to ensure efficient functioning of day-to-day operations.
- Greeted visitors warmly upon arrival at the office premises.
- Conducted research on various topics as requested by executives or senior management personnel.
- Managed international sales and prepared necessary documentation to facilitate overseas product distribution.
Magnet Coordinator
PS 245 Magnet School of Arts and Science
Brooklyn, NY
09.2017 - 09.2021
- Researched and hired outside organizations to provide enrichment programs at our school. Ex. The Intrepid, Liberty Sciecne Center, Marquis studios to name a few.
- Scheduled times and classes for the enrichment
- Oversaw enrichment programs and made sure they were standard based.
- Insure that programs were engaging and stimulating
- Did all necessary paperwork for Magnet Grant
- Analyzed data to support strategic decision-making and project initiatives.
- Provided ongoing support for project management by coordinating timelines and deliverables.
- Basically ran the Magnet Program in all aspects.
Elementary Lead Teacher - Science Specialist
PS 245
Brooklyn, NY
09.2003 - 09.2017
- Developed comprehensive science curriculum for Pre-K through Grade 5, ensuring alignment with educational standards.
- Created customized grading rubrics powerful assessment tools.
- Created tailored science curriculum for Pre-K through Grade 5, supporting diverse learning needs and academic growth.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated classroom management to foster a positive learning environment.
- Mentored new teachers to enhance instructional strategies and practices.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and feedback sessions.
- Created a positive learning environment through classroom management strategies.
- Provided individualized instruction to struggling students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress.
- Organized extra-curricular activities such as clubs, sports teams and after school programs.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students in the classroom.
- Facilitated small group sessions for targeted instruction in reading or math.
Education
Master of Science - Education
Queens College
Flushing, NY06-2022
Bachelor of Science - Education
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY06-2020
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Child assessment
- Classroom management
- Inclusive education
- Developmental strategies
- Curriculum development
- Parent collaboration
- Project management
- Professional development
- Conflict resolution
- Curriculum design
- Lesson differentiation
- Early childhood education specialist
- Enrichment program coordination
- Event organization
- Vendor relations
- Calendar management
- Travel coordination
- Document preparation
- Event planning
- Attention to detail
- Customer service
- Information confidentiality
Affiliations
- I have 5 grown children.
- Enjoy dance and music
- Love to write children's books
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Limited
Certification
- Masters in Education
- NYC Teachers License - Common Branch - Early Childhood - Grade 5
- Certification in Science
- Certified in he Creative Curriculum
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Early Childhood Educator
PS 245 Magnet School of Arts and Science
09.2021 - 07.2025
Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer
Point Blank Body Armor
09.2021 - 01.2022
Magnet Coordinator
PS 245 Magnet School of Arts and Science
09.2017 - 09.2021
Elementary Lead Teacher - Science Specialist
PS 245
09.2003 - 09.2017
Master of Science - Education
Queens College
Bachelor of Science - Education
Adelphi University
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