Beth Kress
McDonald
Summary
Dynamic Reading Specialist with a proven track record at South Fayette Township School District, enhancing literacy outcomes through targeted interventions and curriculum development. Skilled in student assessment and fostering engagement, I empower learners with individualized support and cultivate collaborative relationships with educators and families to drive academic success.
Qualified Assistant Professor with background in developing and implementing effective reading programs. Adept at diagnosing reading difficulties and creating individualized strategies that enhance student literacy. Demonstrated ability to foster love for reading and improve student outcomes through innovative teaching techniques and collaborative efforts.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading Specialist, ELA, Co-teacher
South Fayette Township School District
10.2007 - 06.2025
- Analyzed data trends to identify areas of need and inform instructional decision-making processes related to reading interventions.
- Implemented research-based instructional practices to improve overall reading proficiency among students.
- Provided ongoing support for struggling readers by offering one-on-one tutoring sessions and small group instruction.
- Built positive and productive relationships with teachers to drive improvements to reading programs.
- Served as a resource for educators by providing professional development workshops on best practices in literacy instruction.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to optimize growth.
- Enhanced reading comprehension by implementing targeted literacy interventions and strategies.
- Contributed to the development of school-wide literacy initiatives aimed at improving achievement for all students.
- Developed goals and realistic plans for achieving each target.
- Mentored new teachers in literacy instruction methodologies, sharing expertise and best practices for successful outcomes.
- Increased student engagement through the use of interactive reading materials and technology integration.
- Performed assessments and analyzed results to spot students in need of further help.
- Assisted in the selection and adoption of appropriate curriculum materials aligned with state standards and district goals.
- Cultivated a supportive learning environment that encouraged students to take risks and develop confidence in their reading abilities.
- Wrote and delivered customized instruction to individual students and groups.
- Established positive relationships with families, collaborating on strategies to support at-home literacy development efforts.
- Supported English Language Learners by adapting instructional materials and employing culturally responsive teaching practices.
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure consistent implementation of reading interventions across all subject areas.
- Fostered a love for literature among students by incorporating engaging texts from various genres into classroom instruction.
- Improved student reading comprehension levels with development and implementation of targeted literacy intervention program.
- Improved literacy outcomes by developing individualized reading plans tailored to student needs.
- Conducted assessments for identifying reading challenges and recommending appropriate interventions.
Adjunct Professor
Bethany College
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Taught Literacy in the Content Areas courses, providing instruction to up to 10 undergraduate students.
- Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Boosted class participation rates by fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
- Enhanced student comprehension by employing diverse teaching methods and incorporating multimedia resources.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Empowered students to take ownership of their education by facilitating opportunities for independent research projects within specific areas of interest.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi.
- Contributed to curriculum development efforts, ensuring content was up-to-date and relevant to industry trends.
Reading Tutor- Life Skills Classroom
Mount Lebanon School District
10.2005 - 10.2007
- Enhanced reading comprehension by assisting students with tailored literacy exercises.
- Provided one-on-one support to improve student fluency and confidence in reading.
- Boosted student engagement with interactive and age-appropriate reading materials.
- Developed personalized lesson plans to address individual learning needs.
- Aided students in achieving reading milestones by implementing structured learning programs.
- Improved literacy outcomes by fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment.
- Helped students overcome reading challenges with targeted intervention strategies.
- Supported students in building foundational literacy skills to enhance academic success.
Education
Master of Science - Education, Reading And Language Arts
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA05-2007
Bachelor of Science - Education, Early Childhood Education
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
Clarion, PA12-1996
Skills
- Literacy instruction
- Reading intervention
- Curriculum development
- Phonics education
- Language arts
- Student assessment
- Literature analysis
- Classroom management
- Lesson customization
- Instructional strategies
- Reading comprehension
- Learning support
- Student engagement
- Developmental reading
- Progress tracking
- Special education
- Group facilitation
- Individualized tutoring
- Reading fluency
- Skill reinforcement
- Parent collaboration
- Writing support
- Vocabulary building
- Diagnostic testing
- Education technology
- Professional development
- Study skills
- Early literacy
- Multisensory learning
- Critical thinking
- Teacher collaboration
Affiliations
- International Reading Association
- Keystone State Reading Association
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
Certification
- Professional Teaching Certificate Instructional II: Reading Specialist PK-12 -PA Department of Education-June, 2010
- Professional Teaching Certificate Instructional II: Early Childhood N-3-PA Department of Education-June, 2010
- Professional Teaching Certificate Instructional II: English Designation Grades 4-8-PA Department of Education-November, 2023
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
Bethany College
08.2021 - 11.2021
Reading Specialist, ELA, Co-teacher
South Fayette Township School District
10.2007 - 06.2025
Reading Tutor- Life Skills Classroom
Mount Lebanon School District
10.2005 - 10.2007
Master of Science - Education, Reading And Language Arts
Duquesne University
Bachelor of Science - Education, Early Childhood Education
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
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