Jessica Holben
Mohrsville,PA
Summary
Accomplished Reading Specialist with expertise in the Science of Reading, progress monitoring, intervention planning, and effective communication. Proven ability to foster supportive learning environments and drive student achievement through data-informed instructional strategies. Excels at helping children build confidence and develop a genuine joy for reading. Committed to building collaborative relationships that promote effective reading instruction. Driven by a deep care for children and literacy.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Reading Specialist
Parkland School District
08.2017 - Current
- Designed and implemented individualized reading interventions for diverse student populations.
- Assessed student reading levels using various diagnostic tools to inform instructional strategies.
- Provided professional development workshops for educators on effective reading instruction techniques.
- Manage and lead team of Title I Instructional Assistants.
- Create and implement intervention schedules and plans.
- Analyzed student progress data to identify trends and adjust instructional approaches accordingly.
- Mentored new staff in best practices for supporting struggling readers and fostering a positive learning environment.
- Facilitated family engagement activities promoting literacy at home, strengthening community involvement in education.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mentored new teachers in literacy instruction methodologies, sharing expertise and best practices for successful outcomes.
- 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.
Elementary School Teacher
Parkland School District
08.2001 - 06.2017
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment to encourage student participation and collaboration.
- Utilized various assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adapt instructional strategies.
- Integrated technology to enhance learning experiences and improve educational outcomes.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects that promote critical thinking skills.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on classroom management and instructional techniques.
- Organized parent-teacher conferences to strengthen home-school communication and support student success.
- Led school committees focused on curriculum development and enhancing educational programs.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, providing constructive feedback and adapting teaching methods accordingly.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Established a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students.
- Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement, participating in professional development workshops and collaborating with colleagues on best practices.
- Communicated effectively with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication regarding student progress and addressing concerns as needed.
- Utilized data-driven instruction techniques to analyze student performance trends and adjust teaching methods accordingly for optimal results.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as field trips and special events, enriching the educational experience for all students involved.
- Participated in after-school tutoring programs, offering individualized support for students struggling academically.
- Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
- Fostered love of reading in students by curating classroom library with wide range of genres and levels.
- Encouraged student leadership by establishing roles and responsibilities within classroom.
- Managed classroom resources efficiently to ensure conducive learning environment, optimizing use of educational materials and space.
Student-Specific Teaching Assistant
Parkland School District
08.2000 - 06.2001
- Supported classroom instruction by preparing materials and coordinating activities for diverse learning needs.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
- Worked with teacher to optimize learning plans based on student test grades and evaluations.
- Built and maintained professional relationships with students and faculty members.
- Supported instructional staff in implementing individualized education plans for diverse student needs.
- Collaborated with teachers to develop and adapt educational materials for students with special needs.
Education
Teacher Leadership Certificate Program - Educational Leadership
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA05.2009
Master of Education - Reading Instruction
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
East Stroudsburg, PA12-2005
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, PA05-2000
Skills
- Intervention planning
- Materials preparation
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Team building
- Creative problem solving
- Effective communication
- Organizational skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Multisensory teaching
- Progress monitoring
- Literacy coaching
- Reading motivation
- Professional development facilitation
Timeline
Reading Specialist
Parkland School District
08.2017 - Current
Elementary School Teacher
Parkland School District
08.2001 - 06.2017
Student-Specific Teaching Assistant
Parkland School District
08.2000 - 06.2001
Teacher Leadership Certificate Program - Educational Leadership
Lehigh University
Master of Education - Reading Instruction
East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania