Lauren McPherson
San Ardo
Summary
Dynamic educator with a strong focus on student engagement and effective assessment strategies. Proven ability to create tailored lesson plans and foster a positive classroom environment, driving academic success and critical thinking.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Education Specialist
IEM Charter Schools
Placerville, CA
08.2020 - Current
- Analyzed student performance data to inform instructional strategies.
- Designed assessment tools to evaluate student learning outcomes effectively.
- Assessed individual student needs to create lesson plans addressing academic strengths and interests of students, while fostering development, and growth.
- Provided individualized support for students with special needs, adapting instructional approaches to meet their unique learning requirements.
- Established a positive classroom environment, fostering mutual respect and open communication among students.
- Implemented data-driven instruction by regularly assessing student progress and adjusting lesson plans accordingly.
- Mentored new teachers in effective instructional strategies, contributing to a supportive professional community within the school.
- Met with parents and guardians to assist in understanding and supporting educational objectives, learning expectations and behavior standards.
- Increased parent involvement through regular communication about student progress and collaborative goal-setting for academic success.
- Evaluated student work using formative assessments and provided constructive feedback, promoting continuous improvement in academic performance.
- Assessed student performance and utilized feedback to increase educational program success.
Teacher, Fourth & Fifth Grade
Salinas City Elementary School District, Loma Vista Elementary
Salinas, CA
08.2018 - 06.2020
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance student comprehension.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles within the classroom.
- Facilitated collaborative projects that promoted teamwork and critical thinking among students.
- Monitored student progress through assessments and provided timely feedback to support academic growth.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units that integrated multiple subjects for enriched learning experiences.
- Participated in ongoing professional development workshops and seminars to stay current with educational trends and further enhance instructional skills.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet diverse student needs, resulting in improved comprehension and retention of information.
Teacher, Fourth & Fifth Grade
Spreckels Union School District, Spreckels Elementary
Spreckels, CA
08.2011 - 06.2018
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Implemented assessment strategies to evaluate student performance and progress.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that encouraged student participation.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance instructional practices and share resources.
- Advocated for student needs by actively communicating with parents and support staff.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
Teacher, Grades 3-6
Oasis Charter Public School
Salinas, CA
03.2005 - 06.2011
- Developed engaging lesson plans that align with curriculum standards.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Assessed student progress and adapted instruction to meet diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create a supportive educational environment.
- Led professional development workshops focused on instructional technology integration.
- Established positive relationships with students and families to promote community engagement.
- Evaluated educational programs and contributed to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
- Fostered positive learning environment that encouraged student curiosity and critical thinking.
- Implemented classroom management plan that reduced disruptions, creating more conducive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate cross-disciplinary lessons, enriching students' educational experience.
- Increased parental involvement in students' education by organizing regular communication and events.
- Pioneered sustainability project that educated students on environmental issues and solutions.
- Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading programs.
- Designed curriculum materials for special education students, facilitating inclusive learning.
- Organized and led educational field trips that complemented classroom learning, broadening students' real-world understanding.
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
Education
Multi-Subject Teaching Credential - Education
Cal State TEACH
Monterey06-2004
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, CA06-2002
Skills
- Leadership trained
- Student engagement
- Educational technology
- Online teaching
- Project-based learning
- Assessment strategies
- Individualized education plans
- Language arts instruction
- Mathematics instruction
- Assessment tools
- Learning assessment
- Online learning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Verbal and written communication
- Relationship building
- Interpersonal and social skills
- Team building
Timeline
Education Specialist
IEM Charter Schools
08.2020 - Current
Teacher, Fourth & Fifth Grade
Salinas City Elementary School District, Loma Vista Elementary
08.2018 - 06.2020
Teacher, Fourth & Fifth Grade
Spreckels Union School District, Spreckels Elementary
08.2011 - 06.2018
Teacher, Grades 3-6
Oasis Charter Public School
03.2005 - 06.2011
Multi-Subject Teaching Credential - Education
Cal State TEACH
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
University of California, San Diego