RESUME | leahsportfolio

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CAREER OBJECTIVE

My main goal as an educator and leader is to use my skills and knowledge to provide

higher quality learning experiences for youth while promoting a positive atmosphere

and instilling the love of learning. I am dedicated to continually adopting more innovative

methods of teaching that will enhance a curriculum or a learning opportunity.

TEACHING & LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Owner/ Director/ Lead Teacher

ASPIRE Academy- Rock Hill, South Carolina

June 2015- Present

Lead Primary Montessori Teacher/ Curriculum Coordinator

iMontessori School- Rock Hill, South Carolina

February 2013- June 2015

Following the Montessori Philosophy and employing the Methods of Montessori Education.
Coordinating School-wide Events and designing Monthly Calendar.
Fostering an environment of love, caring, and community, that is child-focused.
Planning and implementing individual and group lessons that are based on the observation of the child's interests, strengths, and developmental needs.

Keeping record of the child's success through individual portfolios and candid photographs.
Integrating music, movement, literature, and art into the daily curriculum full of self discovery.
Creating rich interactive lessons that encourage students to continue learning.
Collaborating with families and communicating often about the child's learning process.
Utilizing strategies that provoke critical thinking, reasoning, and problem solving.
Preparing and maintaining an organized and clean environment.
Organized a plan for the children to start a garden and continue to nurture the plant life in their outdoor learning environment.

Lead Preschool Teacher
Georgetown Hill Early School- North Bethesda, Maryland
United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Campus

February 2011- June 2012

Designed and implemented lesson plans that followed the standards of National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Collaborated with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of the Preschool and Transitional Kindergarten programs.
Maintained daily open communication with parents while maintaining confidentiality.
Incorporated play with interactive activities to develop language and vocabulary among children.
Integrated physical activity into math and literacy development.
Engaged in every student’s academic progress in order to design and write semi-annual progress report and parent/teacher conferences.

Assistant Center Director

Annandale Children’s Learning Center- Annandale, Virginia

March 2010- February 2011

Supervised the total operations and maintenance of the facility.
Responsible for processing child and staff files and ensuring they are up to date, in order of state licensing standards.
Developed and supervised daily staff schedules, keeping proper teacher/child ratios at all times.
Assisted staff with both long and short range activities in accordance with curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practice and program philosophy.
Implemented staff rules and guidelines as well as establish new policies.
Supervised outdoor play and outside child count. Including inspection of facilities before child entry for unsafe equipment and overseeing staff procedures.
Organized and established proper safety and emergency procedures, including monthly fire drills and bi-annual shelter-in-place drill.
Acted as a liaison between teachers and center director
Organized School-Age Children Summer Camp activities and field trips.
Supervised, monitored, and evaluated performance of program staff members.
Directed the program’s food preparation and food safety procedures to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

Lead Preschool Teacher
Annandale Children’s Learning Center- Annandale, Virginia
January 2010- March 2011

Organized daily activities that provided children with a variety of learning opportunities that developed curiosity, problem-solving skills, and creativity, as well as a sense of self and a feeling of belonging.
Conducted developmental screenings and ongoing assessments of children to determine motor, language, social, cognitive perceptual and emotional skills.
Provided excellent supervision of the children while upholding Virginia State Licensing Requirements.

Substitute Teacher
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School- Alexandria, Virginia
September 2009- January 2010

Assumed all duties of the regular teacher in accordance to the school rules and policies, while maintaining normal classroom routines and discipline procedures.
Available as a substitute for teachers of all subjects, K-12
Adapted to various teaching assignments.

EDUCATION

Master of Arts in Education (MAED)

Michigan State University- East Lansing, Michigan

Concentrations in Literacy Education and P-12 School and Postsecondary Leadership

September 2011- May 2013

Click here to view examples of coursework

Masters in Elementary Education, PK-6 (M.Ed.)

Marymount University- Arlington, Virginia

12 credits completed, including 40 hours of required field experience

January 2010-December 2010

Click here to view examples of coursework

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth- North Dartmouth, Massachusetts

Dean’s List Honor- 2002, 2003, and 2004

September 2001- May 2005

Training and Certifications

Child Nutrition and Cooking 2.0 with Stanford University- January 2014
Montessori Fundamentals Certificate from The Center of Guided Montessori Studies- Fall 2013
American Red Cross CPR/AED Certification- December 2014
American Safety & Healthy Institute First Aid Certification- January 2011
The Ivymount School "Pro-Active Ways to Deal with Difficult Behavior"- September 2011
Virginia Department of Social Services Medication Administration Training (MAT)- April 2010
Virginia Department of Social Services Health Screening for Child Care Professionals- May 2010
Fairfax County Office for Children Introduction to the Early Learning Guidelines- June 2010
Playground Safety Training from the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS)

ATHLETIC & COACHING EXPERIENCE

NCAA Division III Field Hockey Player

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth- North Dartmouth, Massachusetts

September 2001- November 2005

Team Captain 2005

NCAA Division III Softball Player

University of Massachusetts Dartmouth- North Dartmouth, Massachusetts

September 2001- May 2005

Team Captain 2004

Head Junior Varsity Field Hockey Coach and

Middle School Field Hockey Coach

St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School- Alexandria, Virginia

August 2009- June 2012

Taught field hockey skills, concepts and techniques to developing student athletes in a team environment.
Prepared athletes mentally and physically for competition.
Worked with Administration, Athletic Department, Coaching Staff, Parents and Students to ensure the success and safety of the student on and off the athletic field.
Member of National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) 2009-2012

Assistant Varsity Softball Coach and
Middle School Softball Coach
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School- Alexandria, Virginia
August 2009- June 2012

Assisted in teaching the fundamental skills of softball to females grades 6th-12th.
Introduced new and advanced concepts and techniques to athletes in a team environment.
Prepared athletes mentally and physically for competition.
Work with the Head Softball Coach, the Administration team, Athletic Department, entire Coaching Staff, Parents and Students to ensure the success and safety of the student on and off the athletic field.

Field Hockey Official

Boston Field Hockey Umpires Association- Schools throughout the Central Massachusetts Region
April 2006- November 2007

Officiated High School and Middle School field hockey games and tournaments.
Enforced rules and controlled game play while emphasizing safety.
Communicated with other officials, players, coaches, parents, and school authorities.

Softball Umpire
Worcester Little Leagues- Worcester, Massachusetts

March 2005- November 2007

Supervised and officiated Little League Softball games for players age 9-12.
Emphasized fairness and flexibility in order to achieve a consistent and enjoyable experience for all involved.