Jena Smith
Rushville
Summary
Dedicated and responsive professional with proven skills in classroom management, behavior modification, and individualized support. Comfortable working with students of different skill levels to promote learning and boost educational success. Serves as role model by using growth mindset to develop young minds and inspire love of learning.
Forward-thinking professional experienced working in educational settings. Focused on building connections with students to strengthen engagement and help students reach full potential. Knowledgeable about planning projects to diversify instruction, immerse students in subject material, and promote continuous skill-building.
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Responsible and motivated student ready to apply education in the workplace. Offers excellent technical abilities with software and applications, ability to handle challenging work, and excellent time management skills.
Motivated student eager to apply classroom knowledge to real-world experiences, with a strong willingness to learn and contribute. Effective communicator with a collaborative mindset, ready to bring fresh perspectives and a strong work ethic to any team.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sales Associate
Drawve’s
Rushville
05.2024 - Current
- Assisted customers with product selection and provided knowledgeable recommendations.
- Maintained store cleanliness and organized merchandise displays for a welcoming environment.
- Processed transactions accurately using the point-of-sale system to ensure smooth sales.
- Collaborated with team members to restock inventory and manage product availability.
- Monitored stock levels and reported discrepancies to management for timely replenishment.
- Supported promotional events by setting up displays and informing customers about offers.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions, and offered product advice.
- Greeted customers and provided exceptional customer service.
- Performed cashier duties such as accepting payments, issuing receipts and counting money back change.
- Answered incoming telephone calls to provide store, products and services information.
- Assisted customers with product selection, sizing and styling.
- Built and maintained relationships with peers and upper management to drive team success.
- Upsold additional items based on customer interests and needs.
Pre-School Teacher
Kountry Kids Learning Center
Rushville
06.2019 - 05.2024
- Designed engaging lesson plans for diverse preschool learners.
- Fostered a nurturing classroom environment to promote social skills.
- Implemented daily routines to support children's developmental milestones.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss student progress and needs.
- Mentored new teachers on effective classroom management techniques.
- Organized activities that encouraged creativity and critical thinking skills.
- Taught children foundational skills in colors, shapes and letters.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians by regularly communicating student progress.
- Assisted in providing a safe and secure environment for children.
- Conducted classroom activities to stimulate physical, mental, and social development of preschool students.
- Controlled classroom environments with clearly outlined rules and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Implemented hands-on, play-based strategies for experiential learning.
- Incorporated music, art, games, books, blocks, puzzles into daily instruction.
- Supervised outdoor playtime while ensuring safety regulations were followed.
- Developed professional relationships with parents, teachers, directors and therapists.
- Organized educational materials and resources to create an engaging learning environment.
- Provided individual attention to each student as needed during class time.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills through problem solving activities.
- Attended professional development workshops to stay current on best practices for early childhood education.
- Led story time sessions designed to promote literacy skills among young learners.
- Collaborated with colleagues on developing new classroom projects and monthly themes.
- Enhanced sensory abilities by giving children access to numerous textures and shapes.
- Identified children in need of extra support for emotional, health-related or developmental concerns and conceived improvement strategies.
- Established indoor and outdoor safe play environments for toddler-age children.
- Implemented appropriate disciplinary measures when necessary according to school policies.
- Maintained student records according to rigorous confidentiality and privacy regulations.
- Integrated multicultural themes into instruction plans to foster respect for diversity among students.
- Utilized technology such as computers and tablets in the classroom setting.
- Read stories to children and taught painting, drawing, and crafts.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
- Maintained daily records of individual activities, behaviors, meals and naps.
- Monitored student progress to ensure cooperation and growth.
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences to discuss academic progress of each child.
- Directed and supervised children during field trips and special activities.
- Incorporated music, art and theater into lesson planning.
- Organized creative and fun activities, enhancing children's physical, emotional and social well-being.
- Instructed and assisted children in eating, toileting, and resting to help develop healthy personal habits.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
Home Daycare Provider
Self-Employed
Rushville
07.2016 - 06.2019
- Organized daily activities and schedules for children in a home daycare setting.
- Provided age-appropriate learning experiences and educational play for children.
- Ensured a safe, nurturing environment for all children under care.
- Communicated regularly with parents about child progress and daily activities.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans tailored to individual needs of children.
- Managed household tasks including meal preparation and cleanliness of play areas.
- Monitored children's behavior and provided guidance to promote positive interactions.
- Assisted with potty training when needed.
- Organized nap time routines including changing diapers and clothing when necessary.
- Sanitized toys and equipment regularly.
- Kept abreast of current childcare trends by attending professional workshops or conferences.
- Managed daily activities and routines for up to 10 children in a home daycare setting.
- Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication.
- Encouraged creative expression through art projects, storytelling and imaginative play.
- Enforced rules of conduct during indoor and outdoor activities in order to ensure the safety of all participants.
- Developed engaging lesson plans that promoted physical, social, emotional, cognitive growth.
- Provided nutritious snacks and meals according to established guidelines.
- Maintained a safe environment for all children by adhering to safety regulations and procedures.
- Kept detailed records of attendance, meals served, naps taken and other pertinent information related to each child's care.
- Planned and implemented age-appropriate activities such as arts, crafts, music, games, outdoor play and educational lessons.
- Provided first aid or CPR when appropriate.
- Observed and monitored children's play activities.
- Dressed children and changed diapers.
- Encouraged positive behaviors, including patience with teachers and fellow kids.
- Managed administrative program tasks such as taking attendance, updating logs and tracking supplies.
- Updated detailed records for each child with information such as daily observations, meals served and medications administered.
- Instructed children on proper hygiene habits such as hand washing and toileting practices.
- Maintained safe play environment.
- Taught children how to complete basic crafts such as paintings, drawings and decorations.
- Read stories to children, facilitated discussions and tied books into learning opportunities.
- Kept records of daily observations and information about activities, meals served and medications administered.
- Identified signs of emotional or developmental problems in children to alert parents or guardians.
Cashier
Country Market
Rushville
03.2014 - 07.2016
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently.
- Maintained organized cash register and ensured adequate change supply.
- Assisted customers with product inquiries and provided exceptional service.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain store cleanliness and organization.
- Managed inventory by restocking shelves and checking product expiration dates.
- Operated point-of-sale system for transactions and sales reporting.
- Operated cash register efficiently and accurately, processed payments by cash, check, credit card, gift card or automatic debit.
- Accepted cash and credit card payments, issued receipts and provided change.
- Operated cash register or POS system to receive payment by cash, check and credit card.
- Greeted customers and answered any questions they had about the store's products and services.
- Performed other duties as assigned by management.
- Stocked shelves with merchandise when needed.
- Helped customers find specific products, answered questions, and offered product advice.
- Maintained cleanliness of checkout area including countertops, registers, windowsills and floors.
- Delivered high level of customer service to patrons using active listening and engagement skills.
- Worked closely with front-end staff to assist customers.
- Trained new team members in cash register operation, stock procedures, and customer services.
- Provided excellent customer service while promoting loyalty programs to increase sales potential.
- Followed company security procedures for handling large sums of money.
- Helped with purchases and signed customers up for rewards program.
- Scanned merchandise using point-of-sale system for accurate purchase totals.
- Directed trash removal and sanitation procedures to keep aisles and register area organized.
- Discounted purchases by scanning and redeeming coupons.
- Counted money in cash drawers at the beginning of shifts to ensure amounts were correct.
- Processed credit card, cash, and check payments, ensuring all transactions were accurate.
- Maintained work area and kept cash drawer organized.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Johnwood Community College
Quincy, IL06-2024
High School Diploma -
Rushville Industry High School
IL05-2014
Certification - Medical Assisting
Midwest Technical Institute
ILBachelors - ECE With Minor in Special Education
Western Illinois University
Macomb, ILSkills
- Customer service
- Inventory management
- Sales transactions
- Team collaboration
- Cash handling
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Payment processing
- Stocking and receiving
- Meeting deadlines
- Money handling
- Cleaning techniques
- Promotional support
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Child development
- Creative activities
- Parent communication
- Safety protocols
- Behavior monitoring
- Calm and patient
- Elementary education
- Daycare management
- Early childhood education
- Child safety procedures
- At-home daycare professional
- Toileting and feeding
- Training in food handling preparation
- Special needs support
- Excellent classroom management
- Creative lesson planning
- Special education
- Parent-teacher communication
- Personal hygiene support
- Curriculum planning
- Certified in early childhood education
- Early literacy development
- Social skills development
- Empathy and compassion
- Heartsaver first aid (first aid)
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
- CPR Certified
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sales Associate
Drawve’s
05.2024 - Current
Pre-School Teacher
Kountry Kids Learning Center
06.2019 - 05.2024
Home Daycare Provider
Self-Employed
07.2016 - 06.2019
Cashier
Country Market
03.2014 - 07.2016
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Johnwood Community College
High School Diploma -
Rushville Industry High School
Certification - Medical Assisting
Midwest Technical Institute
Bachelors - ECE With Minor in Special Education
Western Illinois University