Whitney S. Silva
Elementary Educator
Columbia,IL
Summary
Dedicated educator committed to creating a learning environment that is stimulating, encouraging, and supportive for all students. Experienced in interdisciplinary teaching approaches. Able to adapt to school district/facility policy change and improvements. Committed to the health, education, and safety standards of children. Familiar with state and national assessment procedures. Able to develop and collaborate on lesson plans based on state/district standards as well as the specific needs of each child. Proven skills in verbal and written communication and problem-solving combined with unsurpassed work ethic, proactive mindset and detail-oriented approach. Enthusiastic, creative and adaptable to institutional needs. Encouraging and compassionate approach fostering positive learning environments. Proven history of creating engaged classroom environments supporting diverse educational styles. Versatile student-oriented approach consistently supporting optimum performance and advancement. Pending Elementary Education 1-6 Certification.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
15
15
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Long-Term Substitute Kindergarten Teacher
Webster Groves School District
St Louis, MO
12.2021 - Current
- Consistently keeps students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Designs classroom plans and lessons to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upholds classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs and record keeping.
- Studies and participates in CLT meetings which recognizes and informs changing regional curriculums to maintain knowledge of lesson plans for short- and long-term substitute positions.
- Collaborates with teaching staff to implement coordinated educational strategies and student support networks.
- Works with principal's office on disciplinary and safety issues.
- Diversifies classroom instruction and group activities to successfully support students with unique strengths and learning styles.
- Administers standardized assessments with strict requirements and documented information in permanent records.
- Communicates with parents, guardians, and care-givers to create supportive educational environment.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Webster Groves School District
St Louis, MO
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Taught diverse subjects for 1st grade, successfully delivering seamless teaching in absence of regular teacher.
- Developed classroom plans to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs and recordkeeping.
- Implemented classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Helped students develop life-long learning skills and good study habits.
- Communicated with parents regarding lesson plans and upcoming activities and provided feedback on student performance.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Organized lesson plans using teaching software for long-term interim assignments.
- Assigned, explained and graded homework.
- Worked with principal's office on disciplinary and safety issues.
- Administered and graded tests and quizzes and reported performance to primary teacher.
- Developed rules and set goals to maintain order in classroom.
- Administered standardized assessments with strict requirements and documented information in permanent records.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to implement coordinated educational strategies and student support networks.
Teacher's Aide-Summer School
Parkway School District
St Louis, MO
06.2021 - 07.2021
- Planned engaging activities and field trips to bring material to life.
- Built positive relationships with students, parents and team members to achieve smooth and productive program experience.
- Directed and mentored students in completion of ELA activities and Math projects.
- Led summer program groups of students in 5th grade booster program.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Stepped into non-classroom environments such as libraries to help staff manage demand.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
Building Substitute Teacher
Parkway School District
St Louis, MO
01.2021 - 06.2021
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs and recordkeeping.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Worked with principal's office on disciplinary and safety issues.
Permanent Building Substitute Teacher
Webster Groves School District
St Louis, MO
08.2019 - 01.2021
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs and recordkeeping.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Kept accurate and current attendance records and assignment sheets to maintain file compliance.
- Provided instruction for students in core subject areas.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
- Diversified classroom instruction and group activities to successfully support students with unique strengths and learning styles.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to implement coordinated educational strategies and student support networks.
- Took notes and prepared reports on school day activities to provide to primary teacher.
Teacher's Aide/Sensory Room Coordinator
Webster Groves School District
St. Louis, MO
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Assist teachers and school district personnel in instructional process.
- Reinforce instruction to individual or small group of students in classroom environment.
- Assist in preparation of instructional materials and implementation of lesson plans and provide routine support.
- Assist students with academic and/or physical needs in order for students to access educational environment.
- Supervised playground activities, lunchroom, lavatory periods, quiet activities, etc.
- Apply various teaching techniques (including interactive methods and game-based activities) to encourage participation and facilitate learning.
- Familiarized with student(s) IEP's, psych evaluation, diagnosis, and all background information to better aid and support children.
- Acted as substitute teacher in times where teachers were absent.
- Assisted teachers with supervision and care of group of 20-40 children.
Admin/Patient Care Coordinator
Chesterfield Family Dentistry
St. Louis, MO
02.2018 - 05.2019
- Manage day-to-day operations of dental office.
- Check-in patients according to office protocol, verifying and updating patient information.
- Oversee patient relations and handle patient complaints according to office protocol.
- Make-follow up appointments as needed.
- Gather and accurately record insurance information from patients.
- Assure every patient's HIPAA and consent forms are signed and up-to-date.
- Track cases and referrals to and from other doctors.
- Helped to update insurance information on all patients.
- Monitored inventory and order dental supplies as needed.
- Organized supporting materials for claims such as radiographs or written narratives as directed by doctor.
- Prepared, and sent out new patient and referral thank-you letters.
- Participated in staff trainings and meetings.
- Established rapport and relationships with patients and external partners to cross-train and support medical staff.
- Reviewed each step of patient care and made proactive adjustments to avert issues.
- Met with patients and families to discuss care and plan of action for future.
- Worked closely with patients to deliver excellent and direct individualized patient care.
- Educated patients by explaining preparation instructions for upcoming procedures and tests.
Assistant Store Manager/Sales
Pottery Barn Kids
St. Louis, MO
08.2017 - 04.2018
- Provide exceptional customer service in store to achieve World Class Service standards.
- Serve as role model for sales associates in sales generation and customer service by making customer experience priority.
- Reinforce customer service principles by coaching staff on their successes and challenges.
- Contributed in management and store meetings offering suggestions for associate development, sales, opportunities, and organizational improvements .
- Monitored Inventory levels and communicated discrepancies to General Manager.
- Perform projects and assignments as directed by General Manager Maintained environment where all associates are treated fairly and with dignity and respect, in accordance with People First Philosophy.
- Assumed additional management responsibilities in absence of General Manager.
- Coached sales associates in product specifications, sales incentives and selling techniques, significantly increasing customer satisfaction ratings.
- Managed opening and closing procedures and recommended changes to enhance efficiency of daily activities.
- Processed payments for credit and debit cards and returned proper change for cash transactions.
Professional Nanny
Cutter Family
St. Louis, MO
06.2011 - 12.2012
- Affectionately cared for children ages 6 months- 4 years of age.
- Promoted good behaviors by using positive reinforcement methods.
- Administered medication and minor first aid when children were sick and injured.
- Maintained accurate daily records of children's individual activities, behaviors, meals and snacks.
- Provided child friendly environment with engaging activities and continuous access to outdoors.
- Modeled appropriate social behaviors and encouraged concern for others.
- Sparked creativity and imagination by helping children discover world around them
- Established lasting, professional connections with families and children by encouraging open communication and delivering positive feedback.
- Supported children in play activities, meals and snacks, hygiene and socialization.
- Organized and cleaned home after activities by picking up toys and straightening up play room.
- Engaged with children on age-appropriate level.
- Monitored schedules to maintain sleeping, eating and school schedules for children.
- Built positive and nurturing environments to support child social and emotional growth.
- Read and discussed stories with children to boost literacy and reading comprehension skills.
- Played games, worked on puzzles and read books to young children.
- Promoted language development skills through reading and storytelling.
Visual Merchandising Specialist
Forever 21
St. Louis, MO
10.2009 - 03.2011
- Executes visual plans as per corporate directive.
- Provides exciting and clean shopping experience for customers.
- Ensures all possible merchandise is housed on sales floor.
- Follows company's guidelines on merchandise processing and/or stock organization.
- Heavily involved in markdowns, promotions, and large sale events.
- Responsible for following all company operational procedures and policies, including safety and loss prevention guidelines.
- Trains and educates stock, sales associates, and operational management teams on current visual standards and trends.
- Monitored and replenished display inventory and restructured according to available stock.
- Created interior displays to promote products in alignment with corporate sales objectives.
Sales Coordinator
Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack
St. Louis, MO
09.2008 - 10.2009
- Deployed and assessed strategies for retaining customers and maximizing account servicing opportunities to promote revenue consistency.
- Worked alongside retail representatives to enhance product presentations and advertising collateral.
- Liaised with customers, management and sales team to better understand customer needs and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Improved productivity by increasing customer feedback and maintaining long-term business goals.
- Stayed updated on retail trends and maintained long-term relationships with clients, resulting in increased overall sales.
- Set up appointments with potential and current customers to promote new products and services.
- Handled customer inquiries by staying up-to-date on market and industry trends and finding unique solutions to issues.
- Maintained long-term relationships with high net-worth clients.
Pre-kindergarten teacher
l Light House Learning Center
Waterloo, IL
09.2007 - 01.2008
- Taught skills, concepts and subject matter to prepare children for school and life.
- Created environment that cultivated self-esteem and independence.
- Added innovative learning strategies to center wide curriculum.
- Partnered with parents to create unique learning environment for each individual child.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Fostered reasoning and problem solving through active exploration games and activities.
- Monitored students' academic, social and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Supervised students and enforced discipline during all Head Start activities.
Teacher's aide
Waterloo School District
Waterloo, IL
10.2006 - 08.2007
- Aided child with disabilities in classroom setting
- Followed through with IEP and implemented goals with child throughout year.
- Interacted with superiors and peers in professional setting.
- Communicated with children and their parents to create collaborative environment.
- Relieved classroom teacher during breaks and maintained order and structure in classroom.
- Encouraged dynamic and pleasant educational environment by promoting both gentle discipline and cooperation.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules and support lead teacher.
- Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
- Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
- Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
- Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards and set up work areas.
- Handed out classroom materials, like pencils, paper and crayons.
Pre-kindergarten teacher
Kid's Academy
Waterloo, IL
02.2003 - 10.2006
- Taught skills, concepts, and subject matter to prepare children for kindergarten.
- Communicated progress and concerns with parents on their children's development.
- Developed excellent listening and communication skills in students.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Fostered reasoning and problem solving through active exploration games and activities.
- Monitored students' academic, social and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
Pre-kindergarten teacher
l Light House Learning Center
Columbia, IL
09.2001 - 01.2003
- Taught skills, concepts and subject matter to prepare children for school and life.
- Created environment that cultivated self-esteem and independence.
- Added innovative learning strategies to center wide curriculum.
- Partnered with parents to create unique learning environment for each individual child.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
- Fostered reasoning and problem solving through active exploration games and activities.
- Monitored students' academic, social and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Allowed for ample outdoor discovery time in schedule each day.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
Education
Pending Elementary Education Certification - Elementary Education 1-6
The University of Missouri St. Louis
St. Louis 07.2019 - 01.2022
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Missouri - St Louis
St Louis, MO 07.2019 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Human Environmental Science
Fontbonne University
St Louis, MO 08.2007 - 12.2009
Associate of Arts - Education
SWIC
Belleville, IL 01.2000 - 05.2007
Skills
Verbal and written communication
undefinedAdditional Information
- Pending Missouri Department of Secondary and Elementary Education Teaching Certification 1-6 in January 2021. Letter available upon request from university.
- Missouri Department of Secondary and Elementary Education substitute certified.
- Youth Mental First Aid USA certified.
- Volunteer at TASK St. Louis.
- Ongoing Professional Development in ABAR and Equity training.
- Intruder Drill Trained.
- CPR and AED certified.
Timeline
Long-Term Substitute Kindergarten Teacher
Webster Groves School District
12.2021 - Current
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Webster Groves School District
08.2021 - 12.2021
Teacher's Aide-Summer School
Parkway School District
06.2021 - 07.2021
Building Substitute Teacher
Parkway School District
01.2021 - 06.2021
Permanent Building Substitute Teacher
Webster Groves School District
08.2019 - 01.2021
Teacher's Aide/Sensory Room Coordinator
Webster Groves School District
08.2019 - 08.2020
Pending Elementary Education Certification - Elementary Education 1-6
The University of Missouri St. Louis
07.2019 - 01.2022
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Missouri - St Louis
07.2019 - Current
Admin/Patient Care Coordinator
Chesterfield Family Dentistry
02.2018 - 05.2019
Assistant Store Manager/Sales
Pottery Barn Kids
08.2017 - 04.2018
Professional Nanny
Cutter Family
06.2011 - 12.2012
Visual Merchandising Specialist
Forever 21
10.2009 - 03.2011
Sales Coordinator
Nordstrom/Nordstrom Rack
09.2008 - 10.2009
Pre-kindergarten teacher
l Light House Learning Center
09.2007 - 01.2008
Bachelor of Science - Human Environmental Science
Fontbonne University
08.2007 - 12.2009
Teacher's aide
Waterloo School District
10.2006 - 08.2007
Pre-kindergarten teacher
Kid's Academy
02.2003 - 10.2006
Pre-kindergarten teacher
l Light House Learning Center
09.2001 - 01.2003
Associate of Arts - Education
SWIC
01.2000 - 05.2007
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