Heather Richardson
Plainfield,IL
Summary
Accomplished elementary educator with 14 years teaching experience, successful in classroom management and differentiated instruction. Proven history of improving student learning outcomes by using research-based practices to adapt lesson plans to student needs. Dedicated to promoting academic performance and fostering social skills and character development.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Primrose School Of Plainfield
06.2022 - Current
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
- Utilized assessment data to modify instruction and target areas of weakness for individual students.
- Fostered social-emotional growth in students through daily morning meetings, conflict resolution strategies, and character education lessons.
- Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
- Monitored and evaluated student progress through regular assessments and observations.
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support
- Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
Lead Pre-K Teacher
Primrose School At Naperville Crossings
08.2014 - 06.2020
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
- Fostered reasoning and problem solving through active exploration games and activities.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Used Teaching Strategies GOLD to document behavioral, emotional, academic and social growth of 20 students.
Kindergarten Teacher
Bella Romero Elementary School
08.2012 - 06.2014
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create and use enhanced technology and smart boards.
- Exercised good classroom management focused on positive behavior support by clearly articulating fair and consistent expectations along with appropriate natural consequences.
- Encouraged and prepared students to become independent readers through systematic, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills.
- 100% of classroom of 27 students reached end of year reading benchmark goals
Preschool Special Education Teacher
Early Childhood Center
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction for students with physical and learning disabilities
Education
Master of Arts - Reading
Illinois State University
Normal, ILCurrent
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Illinois State University
Normal, IL12-2007
Associate of Arts - Education
Highland Community College
Freeport, IL08-2005
Skills
- Classroom Management Techniques
- Early Reading
- Organization
- SMART Board
- Communication
- Interpersonal
- Goal-Driven Mindset
- Individual Student Instruction
- Experience with Diverse Student Populations
Certification
Licensed Professional Educator - Elementary Education
Certificate Endorsements - Language Arts and Social Science
Accomplishments
- Mentor Teacher for Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten educators
- Led a training for colleagues on embedding learning opportunities into classroom routines
- Awarded Teacher of the Month several times while working for Primrose Schools
- Collaborated with Curriculum Coordinator in the development of an accelerated Pre-K program for Primrose Schools
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
Primrose School Of Plainfield
06.2022 - Current
Lead Pre-K Teacher
Primrose School At Naperville Crossings
08.2014 - 06.2020
Kindergarten Teacher
Bella Romero Elementary School
08.2012 - 06.2014
Preschool Special Education Teacher
Early Childhood Center
08.2011 - 06.2012
Master of Arts - Reading
Illinois State University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Illinois State University
Associate of Arts - Education
Highland Community College
Licensed Professional Educator - Elementary Education
Certificate Endorsements - Language Arts and Social Science
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