Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Published Author
Timeline
Work Preference
Generic

Sharleen A. McCorrister

Teacher
Ottawa,ON

Summary

Seasoned educator and leader adept in differentiated instruction and relationship building. Excelled in creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments, significantly enhancing collaborative learning and problem-solving skills. Leveraged organizational talents and curriculum development to foster academic excellence and continuous improvement across diverse educational settings. Focused and dedicated with expertise in early childhood education, child development and collaborative teaching methods. Experienced in developing lesson plans and confidently offers classroom instruction and a nurturing, creative environment that promotes a healthy balance of traditional and modern approaches.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Elementary Teacher/ Enrichment Program Coordinator

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School
08.2023 - Current
  • Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
  • Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
  • Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
  • Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting teaching strategies as needed for improved outcomes.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students'' understanding of multiple subjects.
  • Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
  • Scheduled and directed field trips and hands-on activities to foster student learning and creativity.
  • Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
  • Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
  • Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
  • Developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by presenting challenges to boost self-esteem and performance.
  • Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
  • Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
  • Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
  • Established strategic partnerships with external organizations, expanding program reach and impact.

Supervisor Montessori School

Peace Tree Montessori School
10.2019 - 08.2023
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
  • Oversaw daily operations of the department, ensuring smooth workflow and timely completion of tasks.
  • Enhanced program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing best practices in supervision.
  • Established strong relationships with parents, community members, and other stakeholders to promote program success.
  • Maintained a safe learning environment by enforcing school policies consistently and addressing any concerns promptly.
  • Ensured compliance with all relevant regulations, maintaining accurate records and documentation as required.
  • Evaluated staff performance regularly, providing constructive feedback and guidance for professional growth.
  • Encouraged collaboration among teachers across subject areas for a more well-rounded education experience for students.
  • Increased student participation rates by developing engaging activities and fostering a positive learning environment.
  • Served as an advocate for the school program, representing its interests in various forums and helping to maintain a positive public image.
  • Coordinated special events such as parent-teacher conferences or field trips to enrich students'' educational experiences further.
  • Promoted diversity within programs by incorporating inclusive curriculum components that catered to various learning styles.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • 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.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
  • Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
  • Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.

Director of School

The Greenwoods Academy
10.2008 - 06.2019
  • Guided strategic planning efforts for long-term visioning and goal-setting within the school community.
  • Developed a positive school culture by fostering strong relationships among faculty, staff, students, and parents.
  • Established effective communication channels between administration, faculty, staff, parents, and students.
  • Improved overall school performance by implementing data-driven instructional strategies and curriculum adjustments.
  • Enhanced teacher professional development through targeted workshops, coaching sessions, and collaborative planning time.
  • Spearheaded fundraising initiatives to secure additional resources for academic programs and facility improvements.
  • Collaborated with community partners to bring valuable resources and services to support student success.
  • Achieved consistently high parent satisfaction ratings by addressing concerns promptly and transparently.
  • Ensured fiscal responsibility through careful budget management and resource allocation.
  • Promoted a safe learning environment by establishing clear behavioral expectations and implementing consistent disciplinary procedures.
  • Improved staff retention rates by fostering a culture of collaboration, support, and ongoing professional development.
  • Diversified hiring practices to create a more inclusive faculty that better reflects the diversity of the student population.
  • Increased student enrollment by effectively marketing the school''s unique programs and extracurricular offerings.
  • Spearheaded training initiatives for teachers by leading classes on topics such as Montessori Education and Curriculum from Toddler to Junior Elementary.
  • Championed integration of social-emotional learning into curriculum leading to enhanced emotional intelligence in students.
  • Established and enforced clear school-wide disciplinary procedures to protect students and staff.
  • Backed up instructors in handling disruptive students and implemented fair protocols to resolve situations.
  • Coordinated outreach events to bring in parents, family members and community at large to support students.
  • Coordinated smooth mealtimes and student transitions.
  • Monitored overhead, prepared budgets and directed spending and resources to support fiscal efficiency.
  • Evaluated programs and monitored implementation and compliance with regulations to achieve objectives.
  • Conferred and resolved education-related issues and problems with students, parents and school officials.
  • Checked on instructor lessons and communication in order to assess quality of education and assistance offered to students.
  • Implemented program-level departmental policies and procedures and managed budgets to support educational program and curriculum.
  • Represented educational program at meetings and conferences to serve as subject matter liaison for array of services and activities assigned.
  • Organized and allocated resources required to meet needs of 75 students and 15 instructors.

International Montessori Teacher-Trainer

Various MACTE Training Programs
07.2004 - 08.2015
  • Evaluated the effectiveness of teacher training programs using data-driven assessments, leading to continuous improvements in instructional practices.
  • Enhanced professional development by conducting teacher training workshops and seminars.
  • Developed curriculum materials for teacher trainers, ensuring consistent quality and effectiveness across departments.
  • Mentored new teachers through coaching sessions and constructive feedback, fostering a supportive work environment.
  • Designed engaging professional development activities that encouraged teachers to reflect on their practice and continually refine their skills.


Lead Montessori Teacher

Cambridge Montessori School
09.2001 - 06.2007
  • Prepared classroom and materials according to montessori pedagogy and needs of children.
  • Greeted parents and children at arrival and departure times to make families feel welcomed into environment.
  • Supported and guided staff in classroom to achieve desired goals set forth for children.
  • Developed and implemented individualized learning plans, group lesson plans and classroom activities consistent with instructional guidelines.
  • Worked cooperatively with staff to provide training, support, guidance and constructive feedback.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Conducted conferences to establish and maintain consistent and clear communication with parents.
  • Contributed positively to school community and fully supported school mission and goals.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Adhered to licensing policies and procedures to help classrooms run smoothly.
  • Established inspiring classroom setting with systems and procedures that managed student behavior, movement and learning.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Guided children to resolve disagreements and documented issues, incidents and behavior problems for appropriate follow-up.
  • Implemented age-appropriate discipline practices and guidance methods for children and informed and trained staff on procedures.
  • Enhanced classroom management by implementing effective strategies and maintaining a positive learning environment.
  • Organized field trips that connected classroom content with real-world experiences, enhancing student understanding of subject matter.
  • Contributed to school-wide initiatives by participating in professional development opportunities and sharing best practices with peers.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, promoting a comprehensive understanding of subjects.
  • Evaluated student performance through assessments and observations, using data to inform instruction and drive improvement efforts.
  • Promoted a culture of inclusivity within the classroom, celebrating diversity and fostering respect among students.
  • Increased parent satisfaction by maintaining clear communication channels and conducting regular progress meetings.
  • Maximized student potential by providing individualized support and addressing unique learning needs.
  • Actively participated in faculty meetings, contributing valuable input on curriculum development and school policies.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, fostering personal growth and academic success through mentorship.
  • Monitored and tracked children's progress on daily, weekly and monthly basis.
  • Observed children and interpreted classroom needs.
  • Provided nurturing and stimulating educational environment for 24 students.
  • Coordinated with other teachers to develop lesson plans focused on intellectual, emotional, and social development.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
  • Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
  • Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
  • Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
  • Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
  • Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
  • Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
  • Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
  • Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.

Education

ECE Management/Administration Certification - Management Studies

Algonquin College
Ottawa, ON
06.2010

Bachelor of Arts - Classical & Religious Studies

University of Ottawa
Ottawa, ON
01.2001

Montessori Education Diploma - Montessori Early Childhood - Kindergarten Studies

Canadian Montessori Academy Training
Ottawa, ON
06.1998

Skills

  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Relationship Building
  • Lesson Planning
  • Team Collaboration
  • Parent-Teacher Communication
  • Classroom Management
  • Positive Reinforcement
  • Classroom Organization
  • Organizational Skills
  • Collaborative learning
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Oral communication
  • Behavior Modeling
  • Student Motivation
  • Field Trip Coordination
  • Student Records Management
  • Activity Planning
  • Student needs assessment
  • Student Monitoring
  • Play-Based Learning
  • Safety awareness
  • Attention to Detail
  • Patience and Persistence
  • Google Classroom
  • Teacher Collaboration
  • Student-Centered Learning
  • Time Management
  • Safe, Positive Learning Environment
  • Curriculum Development
  • Team Teaching
  • Class Management
  • Multitasking and Organization
  • English Fluency ESL
  • Self Motivation
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Professionalism
  • Time management abilities
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Adaptability

Accomplishments

  • Commended for exceptional teaching and support to students.
  • Dedicated numerous volunteer hours at local Hospice
  • Instrumental in organizing community donations to international NGO and local charities.
  • Published author
  • Founder of The Greenwoods Academy
  • Member of Board of Directors HHA
  • Certification Compassionate Palliative Care
  • Member American Montessori Society
  • Member Reiki Canada

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual
French
Professional Working
Spanish
Limited Working

Published Author

Tao of Fey Illustrated Children's Poetry Book 2019

Featured poem in Love and Catastrophe Poetre 2022

A Time for All Seasons A Reflective Collection of Nature Poems 2023

The Death Whisperer 2023

Timeline

Elementary Teacher/ Enrichment Program Coordinator

Bishop Hamilton Montessori School
08.2023 - Current

Supervisor Montessori School

Peace Tree Montessori School
10.2019 - 08.2023

Director of School

The Greenwoods Academy
10.2008 - 06.2019

International Montessori Teacher-Trainer

Various MACTE Training Programs
07.2004 - 08.2015

Lead Montessori Teacher

Cambridge Montessori School
09.2001 - 06.2007

ECE Management/Administration Certification - Management Studies

Algonquin College

Bachelor of Arts - Classical & Religious Studies

University of Ottawa

Montessori Education Diploma - Montessori Early Childhood - Kindergarten Studies

Canadian Montessori Academy Training

Work Preference

Work Type

Part TimeFull TimeContract Work

Work Location

On-SiteHybrid
Sharleen A. McCorristerTeacher