Odessa Straughan

Duclos Elementary School

• Took over classroom with less than 3 months left in the school year; started from scratch as if it was September all over again with regards to classroom set up, expectations and work habits
• Created a positive classroom environment that fostered learning and respect among students
• Established cooperative relationships with parents by communicating regularly via email or phone calls
• Built relationships with students and guardians through active communication and positive feedback
• Collaborated with other teachers, administrators, and support staff to ensure student success
• Implemented multiple methods to improve student educational success
• Assessed students' progress through formal and informal tests, quizzes, assignments, and observations
• Created classroom environment that was conducive to learning, including establishing rules and procedures

Duclos Elementary School

• Instructed Kindergarten - Grade 2 classes of 40-45 students in fundamentals of physical education including proper warm-up techniques, safety protocols, rules, and regulations
• Developed and implemented creative physical education activities to engage students in variety of sports, games, and fitness exercises
• Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels
• Created lesson plans that focus on developing physical literacy skills such as running, jumping, throwing and catching
• Encouraged positive behaviour by creating inclusive environments where all students felt safe and respected
• Actively participated in professional development opportunities related to current trends in health and wellness

Duclos Elementary | H.E. Bourgoin Middle | LTA Online

• Substitute teacher (various levels), from Kindergarten - Grade 9
• Easily adapting to work in new settings with different age groups and diverse learning needs, in all subject areas; sometimes with very little guidance/detailed plans
• Quick problem-solving when it comes to multitude of unanticipated “hiccups” in every day classroom situations - able to read the room, and student personalities
• Variety of effective and creative instructional strategies to best suit needs of students
• Enforced classroom routines to keep students on schedule and operating at consistent level

Duclos Elementary School (Grade 4)

• Part-time temporary contract (shared classroom with another teacher); educated students on curriculum guidelines in Language Arts, Social Studies, Wellness and Art
• Planned and organized academic events/activities, both in and outside of school property (field trips, grade 4 farewell)
• Provided one-on-one and small group support to students with their coursework
• Created, conducted and graded assignments and assessments along with providing feedback on student performance
• Consistently commended for exemplary classroom management, well-formed relationships amongst both students and staff
• Report cards and conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss student’s progress
• Guided students through meditations and yoga movement to help them relax and focus on positive thoughts and on how to use mindfulness tools to improve communication skills, increase productivity and reduce stress levels

Overseen by School of Hope - Vermilion, AB

• Privately hired by a group of families to teach their home-school children the core AB curriculum - Math, Science, LA, Social (Grade 4, 7 & 9)
• Provided one-on-one and small group support to students with their coursework
• Created, conducted and graded assignments and assessments along with providing feedback on student performance
• Collaborated with parents and teachers to determine student needs, develop tutoring plans, and assess student progress
• Utilized different methods such as audio and visual aids, lectures, demonstrations, or hands-on activities to enhance learning outcomes

Duclos Elementary School | H.E. Bourgoin Middle School (Grade 3, 7 & 8)

• Part-time & full-time temporary contracts both in-school and online (available upon request)
• Educating students on curriculum guidelines in all subject areas planning and organizing academic events/activities, both in and outside of school property
• Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences
• Report cards and conduct parent-teacher conferences to discuss student’s progress
• Managed classroom behaviour effectively, promoting respect and cooperation

Dr. Brosseau Middle School (Grades 5 - 8)

• Taught core curriculum - Humanities (LA & Social Studies), Science, and Math
• Taught option classes - Foods, Ukrainian, French, Dance, Fitness, Yearbook
• Created and maintained orderly, well-managed and stimulating classroom environment
• Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels
• Administered tests, quizzes and other assignments to gauge students' learning and knowledge of course materials
• Utilized various teaching methods, such as lectures, demonstrations, group activities, and hands-on learning
• Attended variety of professional development workshops centered on learning goals, classroom management, student motivation and engaging learning activities
• Coached badminton and basketball teams
• Organized field trips, school dances and theme days