LAURA HARRELL SMITH

153 Kuhn Road, Moore, South Carolina 29369 H: 8644150618 C: 8644150618 laurasmith0618@gmail.com

P ROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Energetic classroom teacher specializing in reading and language arts instruction. Also strong in the areas of science and social studies. Teacher focused on implementing highly effective instructional practices to improve student learning and academic performance.

SKILLS
South Carolina Teaching Certificate with Elementary Education endorsement Strong written and verbal communicator Creative and purposeful lesson planning Instructional best practices Experiential learning Self-motivated Promethean Board aptitude DRA familiarity RTI familiarity International Reading Association School Representative Working in after-school programs Reading and math tutor Literacy Leadership Team grade level representative EL learner best practice instruction familiarity Created curriculum and taught in after school Light House Writer's Club

WORK HISTORY
Classroom Teacher, 08/2012 to Current Pauline-Glenn Springs Elementary Pauline, SC Instructed up to 28 students individually and in groups. Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations. Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests. Met regularly with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress. Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior, social development and physical health. Encouraged interactive learning by incorporating educational software and the Internet. Supervised students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, schoolyards and on field trips. Completed and filed all necessary paperwork for classroom activities, including meal count sheets and attendance logs. Created an enjoyable and interesting learning environment for an average of 15 students each year. Maintained accurate and complete records for 60 students. Encouraged students with special academic interests to fully pursue those subjects. Worked with other teachers and administrators to evaluate and revise elementary school programs. Pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences and teacher training workshops. Worked in conjunction with Student Assistance Team to revise and develop IEPs with and without BIPs. Fostered team collaboration between students through group projects. Completed training courses to keep up-to-date with new teaching methods and developments in the field. Enforced the school's student discipline code to deal with problem situations. Assessed students' reading levels using classroom reading inventory assessments.

Drafted lesson plans and submitted them for review and feedback in a timely manner. Created writing curriculum in conjuction with other teachers in the district on the Literacy Leadership Team. Preserved the confidentiality of student records and information at all times. Took part in professional organizations and continuing education courses. Created and taught engaging math lessons and activities. Determined student strengths and weaknesses through MAP, STAR testing and weekly assessments. Developed students' computer and technology skills through demonstrations and practice. Cooperated with parents to support students' learning and healthy development in school and at home. Created a classroom environment in which children could learn respect for themselves and others. Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from cultures around the world. Selected age-appropriate stories and read them aloud during daily story time. Fostered oral language development and critical thinking skills during literary discussions.

Classroom Teacher, 08/2009 West View Elementary Spartanburg, SC Mainstreamed special needs learners in a regular education classroom in preparation for middle school. Worked in collaboration with special education teacher to create developmentally appropriate accommodations for special needs learners. Worked in collaboration with EL learner teacher specialist to create developmentally appropriate curriculum for EL learners in the areas of math and reading. Taught advanced reading class for gifted learners. Taught small group and whole class reading instruction in a heterogeneous setting. Taught in Palmetto Writer's Guild, after school club Summer School Teacher , 06/2012 Jesse Bobo Elementary Spartanburg, SC Summer School Reading Teacher, 06/2012 to 07/2012 Lone Oak Elementary Spartanburg, SC Creative Thinking Summer School Teacher, 06/2013 to 07/2013 Lone Oak Elementary School Spartanburg, SC Summer Reading Camp Teacher, District 6 Schools

EDUCATION
Master of Arts: Curriculum, Instruction, & Reading, 2014 University of Phoenix - Phoenix, AZ Emphasis in reading Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education, 2008 University of South Carolina Upstate - Spartanburg, SC

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Teacher for Summer Reading Camp for District 6 Teacher of the Year candidate 2012 Designed and conducted a well-received professional development workshop for University of South Carolina Upstate for Fall Renewal of Spartanburg Writer's Project in 2012 2010 PTO Mini Grant for Character Analysis T-shirt Book Project Distinguished Reading Teacher of the Year District 6 Schools 2010