WENDY HIGGINS
Hanoverton,OH
Summary
At Salem City Schools, I leveraged classroom management and critical thinking to foster a supportive learning environment, enhancing student engagement and academic performance. By integrating technology and differentiated instruction, I met diverse needs, significantly improving student outcomes. Compassionate, creative, and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development, and project planning. Equipped with an extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator, and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or as a member of the teaching team. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Salem City Schools
Salem Jr. High/Salem Middle School
08.2000 - 2007
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to tailor lessons for improved academic performance.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
- Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategy to meet diverse learning needs, enhancing educational outcomes.
- Promoted digital literacy by integrating technology into curriculum.
6th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher
Salem City Schools
07.2007 - 07.2023
- Pioneered our building's co-teaching initiative
- Member of the Building Leadership Team
- Member of Teacher- Based Teams with adata-driven approach to planning and instruction
- Partnered "First Five Days" approach
- Fully immersive differentiated instruction
- Participated in school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement across all grade levels.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively through consistent reinforcement of rules and consequences, promoting a respectful learning environment.
- Improved student writing skills by providing personalized feedback and implementing peer editing workshops.
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Salem City Schools
Reilly Elementary School
07.2023 - Current
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs within the classroom.
- Established and maintained highly structured classroom culture where students demonstrated respect, responsibility and dedication to studies.
- Developed strong relationships with students, earning their trust and respect while providing mentorship both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Utilized various assessment tools to track student progress and adjust teaching strategies accordingly for improved outcomes.
- Promoted parental involvement in their child''s education by maintaining open lines of communication and hosting regular parent-teacher conferences.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with educational trends and best practices in teaching methods.
- Established a positive classroom environment that fostered open communication and mutual respect among students.
- Organized engaging field trips to enhance curriculum content, exposing students to real-world applications of their studies.
- Guided learning process through use of clearly established goals and objectives to meet student and district goals and objectives.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
Education
Master of Science - Reading Specialist
Youngstown State University
Youngstown, OH05.2005
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Heidelberg University
Tiffin, OH05.1998
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Critical Thinking
- Lesson Planning
- Motivating students
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Differentiated Instruction
- Co-Teaching
- Data driven planning
Certification
Elementary Education 1-8
Reading Endorsement K-12
Timeline
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Salem City Schools
07.2023 - Current
6th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher
Salem City Schools
07.2007 - 07.2023
7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Salem City Schools
08.2000 - 2007
Master of Science - Reading Specialist
Youngstown State University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Heidelberg University