Caroline Orr
West Chicago
Summary
Student-centered elementary educator with experience across first through third grade, committed to creating classrooms where children feel safe, capable, and excited to learn. Blends structured literacy and math instruction with hands-on, play-based experiences to meet students where they are and help them grow with confidence. Passionate about building learning environments that honor each child's strengths, curiosity, and individuality while fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
First Grade Teacher
Benjamin School District 25
Carol Stream
2025.08 - Current
- Provide explicit, structured literacy instruction aligned with the science of reading, including daily phonemic awareness, blending routines, heart word instruction, and fluency practice.
- Design engaging, hands-on lessons that bring learning to life through movement, manipulatives, collaboration, and creative application of standards.
- Differentiate instruction through small-group rotations and targeted support to meet diverse academic and social-emotional needs.
- Use ongoing progress monitoring and formative data to adjust instruction and support steady student growth.
- Implement PBIS practices to build a structured, respectful, and supportive classroom community.
- Foster strong relationships with students by prioritizing emotional safety, confidence-building, and joy in learning.
- Partner closely with families through consistent communication, goal-setting conversations, and progress updates.
- Collaborate with grade-level teams, specialists, and support staff to strengthen instruction and student supports.
- Provide after-school tutoring in reading and math to reinforce foundational skills and build confidence.
Second Grade Teacher
Columbia Public Schools - Derby Ridge Elementary
Columbia
2023.08 - 2025.05
- Created a positive, inclusive classroom environment where students felt supported, challenged, and encouraged to take academic risks.
- Built strong relationships with students and families through open communication and consistent collaboration.
- Designed engaging, hands-on lessons to increase participation, curiosity, and critical thinking.
- Differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs and ensure equitable access to learning.
- Implemented PBIS strategies to promote positive behavior, clear expectations, and classroom routines.
- Encouraged student ownership of learning through discussion, collaboration, and reflection.
Substitute Teacher (K-12)
Columbia Public Schools
Columbia
2022.09 - 2023.05
- Adapted instruction across grade levels and content areas to meet a wide range of student needs.
- Maintained classroom routines, expectations, and continuity of instruction.
- Facilitated small-group and whole-class learning to support engagement and collaboration.
- Communicated effectively with classroom teachers regarding student progress and daily activities.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Missouri
Columbia05.2023
Skills
- Science of Reading-Aligned Instruction
- Structured Literacy & Phonics
- Small-Group Differentiation
- Data-Informed Instruction
- PBIS Implementation
- Student-Centered & Play-Based Learning
- SEL Integration
- Family Engagement & Communication
- Student-Led Mathematical Discourse
- Hands-On, Experiential Instruction
Professional Recognition
- Outstanding New Teacher Nominee, 01/01/24, Nominated during my first year of teaching by colleagues to represent my school for the district's Outstanding New Teacher award, recognizing strong instructional practice, positive classroom culture, and collaboration.
- Outstanding K-2 Teacher Nominee, 01/01/25, Selected by colleagues in my second year of teaching to represent my school at the district level among all K-2 educators, based on instructional effectiveness, student growth, and teamwork.
- Staff Spotlight Recognition, 01/01/25, Featured multiple times by district staff and families for instructional excellence, meaningful student relationships, and strong family engagement.
Field Experience
- Student Teacher - 3rd Grade, Locust Street Elementary, 01/01/23
- Student Teaching Placement - All Grade Levels, Locust Street Elementary, 01/01/22
- Field Placement - Title I School (3rd Grade), Derby Ridge Elementary, 01/01/22
- Field Placement - 5th Grade, Beulah Ralph Elementary, 01/01/21
- Virtual Field Placement - 1st Grade, Mill Creek Elementary, 01/01/21
- Virtual Field Placement - Special Education, Confluence Academy, 01/01/20
- Special Education Classroom Assistant, West Chicago Community High School, 01/01/19
Timeline
First Grade Teacher
Benjamin School District 25
2025.08 - Current
Second Grade Teacher
Columbia Public Schools - Derby Ridge Elementary
2023.08 - 2025.05
Substitute Teacher (K-12)
Columbia Public Schools
2022.09 - 2023.05
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Missouri