Jennifer Hersh

2012 DaVinci Science Center Hall of Fame - Grand Master Award for Outstanding Science Teaching

981 Juniper Road Hellertown, PA 18055 484-223-6904

jenlhersh@gmail.com
ePortfolio: jenniferhersh.weebly.com
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Education:
Bachelor of Science in Education, Elementary and Early Childhood, 1993
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
Master of Education, Reading, 1997
East Stroudsburg University, East Stroudsburg, PA

Certifications: Level II Elementary Education K-6 Pennsylvania Certification

Level II Reading Specialist K-12 Pennsylvania Certification

Professional Experiences:
K-4 Curriculum Coordinator, Seven Generations Charter School, Emmaus, PA

2013- Present
Coach K-4 teachers in improving instructional practices, developing standards-based curriculum, integrating
lessons across disciplines, utilizing project-based learning, and constructing service learning projects.
Lead Kindergarten Orientation- presented overview of Kindergarten standards, curriculum, Responsive Classroom, daily schedule, and getting prepared for Kindergarten materials to incoming parents.
Supported K-4 literacy instruction through curriculum mapping and creation of a scope and sequence for each
grade level. Provided professional development and resources for writing instruction including Calkins Units
of Writing, monthly trainings by Penn State Lehigh Valley Writing Project, and a trip to Teachers College of
Columbia for the National Reading and Writing Project annual conference. Provided coaching and modeling
of guided reading with leveled readers, establishing literacy stations, reading and writing workshops for
kindergarten and first grade teachers. Provided training on Plugged In to Reading for third and fourth grade
teachers for literature circles, close reading and power strategies for decoding and comprehension.
Supported K-4 math instruction through curriculum mapping and creation of a scope and sequence for each
grade level with Pearson enVisions math curriculum. Created an multi-grade level accelerated learner weekly
math opportunity.
Collaborated with CLIU21 to provide training for K-4 teachers in data-driven instruction. Created yearly data
action plan and data protocols for teachers to analyze student data and create goals to inform instruction. Established and facilitated Academic Support Team to analyze grade band data trends and needs to improve student achievement. Provided teacher training in the use of Aimsweb and Discovery Education Assessments.
Expert in EIC (Environment as the Integrating Context for learning) framework for place-based, project-based
learning. Supported grades K-4 in writing and strengthening EIC curriculum units including Trees, The Pond,
Weather, Agriculture, Shelters, Forests, Resources, Energy, and LV Watershed.

First Grade Teacher, Seven Generations Charter School, Emmaus, PA

20092013
2012 DaVinci Science Center Hall of Fame- Grand Master Award for Outstanding Science Teaching Awarded
for demonstrating excellence and innovation in teaching, fostering deep and meaningful student learning and
generating exceptional student achievement.
Created comprehensive 1st grade PA Common Core curriculum integrating standards from all disciplines
Expert in constructivist teaching and learning, integrated and interdisciplinary instruction
Fully trained in using the surrounding natural and human communities as context for learning
Specialized in cooperative and independent learning experiences

 Developed three service learning projects per year for first grade students, including creating school vegetable
gardens and farmers market, creating a weather station, and community presentations on wetland conservation.
Differentiated instruction for diverse student needs in an inclusion setting
Collaborated with grade level team members to create a balanced literacy curriculum using authentic literature, author studies, embedded phonics instruction, guided, whole group and independent reading and writing
instruction, literacy stations based on Lucy Calkins Units of Study and National Writing Project modes and
domains
Assessed student literacy using DRA, AimsWeb, and Discovery Education Predictive assessment measures
Designed authentic assessments to evaluate student achievement and inform instruction
Incorporated iPad and Mac technologies in the classroom to support learning needs, including use of Proloquo2Go and CoWriter
Facilitated student led parent teacher conferences to support goal setting in the fall and goal evaluation in the
spring of each school year
Teacher Leader
Member of EIC Curriculum Leadership Team for 4 years
Mentor Teacher-presented professional development on EIC model, writing progress reports, conferencing,
Instructional support tea, parent communication, instructional strategies, differentiation, best practices in literacy instruction, outdoor classroom instruction.

Naturalist Educator, Wildlands Conservancy, Emmaus, PA

2007-2009
Life, environmental and earth science educator for students preK-8 in site based, inquiry based, hands on
programs.

Teacher Education Instructor, DeSales University, Center Valley, PA

2003-2009
Designed and taught elementary methods courses at the graduate level: ED536: Science and Technology
Standards, K-6 and EE513: Literacy Standards K-3.

Teacher Education Instructor, Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA

1999-2003
Designed and taught elementary methods courses: EDU311- Literacy Development & Instruction in the
Primary Grades; EDU317- Curriculum, Assessment & Learning Experiences for Science in Elementary and
Middle School; EDU500- American Education.
Student teacher supervisor for elementary education students.
Elementary Education advisor for undergraduate students.

Kindergarten Teacher, Fogelsville Elementary, Parkland SD, Allentown, PA

1995-2001
Lead Kindergarten teacher responsible for piloting new literacy and math curriculum as well as train and assist other district Kindergarten teachers in curriculum.
Developed and implemented a student-centered teaching approach utilizing morning meetings,integrated curriculum, project based learning, and authentic assessments.
Created developmentally-appropriate learning stations for children to experiment and explore content area
knowledge through cooperative, hands-on learning.
Extensive use of balanced literacy approach using guided reading and writing, shared reading, reading and
writing workshops, embedded phonics, and flexible grouping based on observational, DRA and Aimsweb
data.
Active member of school IST team.
Experienced with inclusionary practices for and differentiation strategies for students with Downs Syndrome,
Autistic, Aspergers and ELL students and applied co-teaching model with learning support teacher.
Mentor teacher for first year teachers and Level 1 certified teachers in PA induction program.
Cooperating teacher for pre-service and student teachers from Lehigh University and Kutztown University.

 Member of District Language Arts CIRC committee- responsible for researching and developing a district
philosophy, standards and objectives, selecting curriculum, instructional methods and materials for language
arts curriculum K-8.
Faculty representative of the PTO.

First Grade Teacher, Polk Elementary, Pleasant Valley SD, Brodheadsville, PA

1993-1995
Created and implemented thematic units using a holistic teaching approach with authentic assessments.
Implemented use of cooperative learning, peer tutoring and self-assessments.
Collaborated with reading specialist to provide push in support for struggling readers.
Implemented learning to read through arts integration and readers theatre; directed three student led
performances during the school year.
Active member of school IST team.
Faculty representative and member of the PTA.

Honors & Additional Professional Development

DaVinci Science Center Grand Master Award, Teaching Hall of Fame 2012
Responsive Classroom, Level 1 Certified, 2014
School Wide Positive Behavior Systems RTII, Level I-III Trained, 2014-2015
Pennsylvania Federal Programs Coordinators Conference (PAFPC), 2015
Penn State Lehigh Valley National Writing Project, 2014-2015
PSSA District Administrators Training, 2014, 2015
Trained by SEER in Environment as Integrated Context curriculum model, 2009
Member Kappa Delta Pi
Recipient: University of Delaware Woman of Distinction Award ,1992

References and Professional Credentials provided upon request and can be accessed at my website
jenniferhersh.weebly.com