Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Certification
Timeline
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Katie Lester

Peru

Summary

Military veteran changing career path to enhance family life. Dynamic and adaptable educator with a proven track record at Lighted Way, excelling in classroom management and student engagement. Demonstrates the ability to enhance learning environments and foster academic growth. A compassionate substitute teacher with distinguished knowledge of child development. Skilled at working closely with students to maintain progression and the prevention of behavioral issues.

Overview

1
1
year of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Substitute Teacher + Paraeducator

Lighted Way
08.2023 - Current
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education, following IEP guidelines for all 10 students in each classroom.
  • Upheld classroom and student routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
  • Assisted paras to keep 10 students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Maintained day-to-day classroom management with students and their 1-on-1 para, to promote learning initiatives and discipline.
  • Assisted the school nurse with medication disbursements, and provided students with necessary medical care as needed on a daily basis. Had first hand knowledge of individual student seizure plans, as well as knowledge of needed medication and seizure medication administration procedures.
  • Aided the smooth transition of students and paras during bi-weekly class field trips to community places. This included the use of a people mover, and helped to increase the exposure of students with special needs to their local community, and help stabilize community outing routines for students.

Student Teacher/ Co-Teacher

Northwest Elementary
08.2024 - 12.2024
  • Engaged in a 4 month co-teaching semester, where I worked with a highly experienced mentor teacher for over 600 hours of clinical experience.
  • Followed and administered pre-determined, curriculum specific lessons to a class size of 19 first grade students. Created and administered an additional 4 individual lesson plans for participation and assessment of a personal portfolio, as well as the EdTPA portfolio.
  • Modified content of lessons for students that required needed scaffolding.
  • Assisted the mentor teacher in all aspects of the classroom experience, including giving tests, grading papers, enforcement of the behavior system, and assisting students with everyday academic needs.
  • Attended professional development meetings, as well as grade level meetings, to collaborate with the first grade teaching team.

Education

Master of Arts - Elementary Education

Northern Illinois University
Dekalb, IL
05-2025

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

University of Illinois At Springfield
Springfield, IL
05-2014

Certification

Professional Educator Licensure- Complete in May 2025

Substitute Teacher License- Valid until 2026

Timeline

Student Teacher/ Co-Teacher

Northwest Elementary
08.2024 - 12.2024

Substitute Teacher + Paraeducator

Lighted Way
08.2023 - Current

Master of Arts - Elementary Education

Northern Illinois University

Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice

University of Illinois At Springfield

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Katie Lester