Rachel South
Chicago,IL
Summary
Passionate Teacher with experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering wide range of subjects. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social and learning skills.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Preschool Pod Teacher
Private Family
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Planned and implemented a developmentally and age appropriate curriculum
- Conducted daily activities to meet the social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs of each child
- Introduced play and interactive activities to build listening and language skills
- Developed instructional activities to build background knowledge and thinking skills
- Used creative activities including music, art and dance to facilitate the children's growth
1st Grade Teacher
Brooke Charter Schools - East Boston Campus
01.2015 - 01.2017
- Taught first grade students in all core subjects at one of the highest achieving schools in Massachusetts
- Improved student reading levels an average of 1.5 years over the course of one instructional year
- Developed reading and science units and lesson plans for the entire first grade team
- Analyzed and evaluated assessments in order to plan and guide future instruction
- Developed trusting and respectful relationships with parents in order to communicate their child's progress
- Coached and trained student teacher to successfully become a lead teacher
Kindergarten Teacher
UNO Charter Schools – Santiago Campus
01.2011 - 01.2015
- Awarded UNO Charter School Network Teacher of the Year for 2013
- Achieved highest student reading growth scores in kindergarten for a first-year UNO Charter School
- Appointed Vertical Team Leader for grades K-2 to plan and facilitate professional development meetings
- Selected to lead network wide professional development on student engagement and best reading instruction
- Created and implemented reading and writing curriculum based on common core learning standards
- Analyzed student data to inform instruction and meet the academic needs of all students
- Successfully integrated different forms of technology to enhance student learning
- Oversaw and coached a teaching assistant and student teacher
- Coordinated after-school SES tutoring program
Preschool Teacher
Grand Avenue Preschool
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Instructed preschool students in all subject areas to ensure their readiness for kindergarten
- Utilized play in order to help students develop social, emotional, fine motor, and gross motor skills
- Planned and implemented a variety of lessons based on thematic units and the Creative Curriculum
- Collaborated with other teachers and professionals to consistently improve teaching practices
1st Grade Teacher
Chicago Public Schools – Morton School of Excellence
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Instructed 30 1st grade students in all subject areas according to Illinois State Learning Standards
- Successfully implemented balanced literacy and small group learning centers daily
- Effectively applied a variety of behavior modification techniques in order to motivate students
- Passionately participated in biweekly professional development to improve teaching
Kindergarten Teaching Resident
Chicago Public Schools - The Chicago Academy
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Received training and teaching experience for a full school year in a kindergarten classroom at an Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUSL) training site
- Researched, planned, and implemented engaging and challenging lessons in all subject areas
- Differentiated instruction for a diverse group of learners; including nine English Language Learners (ELL)
Education
Elementary Education
Academy For Urban School Leadership (AUSL)
Chicago, IL01.2009
Master of Arts in Teaching - undefined
National Louis University
Chicago, IL01.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
DePaul University
Chicago, IL01.2006
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Literacy development
- Social-emotional learning training
- Formative assessments and Standard-based grading
- Classroom technology
- Behavior management
- Verbal and written communication
- Child development
Certification
- Professional Educators License (PEL) Elementary Education
- Pending Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Endorsement (May 2026)
Timeline
Preschool Pod Teacher
Private Family
01.2020 - 01.2021
1st Grade Teacher
Brooke Charter Schools - East Boston Campus
01.2015 - 01.2017
Kindergarten Teacher
UNO Charter Schools – Santiago Campus
01.2011 - 01.2015
Preschool Teacher
Grand Avenue Preschool
01.2010 - 01.2011
1st Grade Teacher
Chicago Public Schools – Morton School of Excellence
01.2009 - 01.2010
Kindergarten Teaching Resident
Chicago Public Schools - The Chicago Academy
01.2008 - 01.2009
Master of Arts in Teaching - undefined
National Louis University
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
DePaul University
Elementary Education
Academy For Urban School Leadership (AUSL)
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