Lori Balog
Gettysburg,PA
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Washington County Public Schools, adept at fostering critical thinking and student-centered learning. Skilled in classroom management and relationship building, I have successfully implemented innovative lesson plans and mentored new teachers, enhancing student engagement and academic success. Committed to continuous professional growth and collaboration.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher - 5th Grade
Washington County Public Schools Education
Hagerstown, Maryland
08.2018 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans incorporating a balance of technology with hands-on activities which aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to foster a positive and productive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design and execute interdisciplinary projects that promote critical thinking skills.
- Established strong relationships with students, parents, and community members to support academic success and well-being.
- Analyzed educational data to identify trends, inform instruction, and drive improvements in student achievement.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through strategic groupings and modified lesson plans.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Organized field trips to Washington D.C. and Mt. Vernon
- Continuation of Professional Development coursework such as FAME, SIT, and specific content area PD
- 2023-2025 - National Board Certification Teacher candidate.
- 2022-2023- MSDE 5th Grade Math Course/Problem Based Teaching
- 2022-current -Committee member for PBIS, School Improvement & Steering teams, and Safety Committee
- 2023 - current, Extended Learning Teacher
- 2021 - 2024 Summer Camp Instructor ( Top Chef Math Camp, Outdoor School Science Camp, S.T.E.A.M Camp, Art and Literature Camp)
- 2025 Summer School Instructor (ELA & Math)
Teacher - 4th, 5th Grade
St. Mary Catholic School, The Archdiocese of Baltimore
Hagerstown, Maryland
08.2011 - 08.2018
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans that align with curriculum standards.
- Led professional development workshops focused on innovative teaching practices and educational technology integration.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- 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.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Mount Saint Mary's University
Emmitsburg, MD05.2011
Skills
- Classroom management
- Parent-teacher communication
- Student-centered learning
- Group and individual instruction
- Social-emotional learning training
- Student rapport
- Data-driven instruction
- Teacher Mentor (Maryland Accelerates Program)
Accomplishments
Current NBCT candidate.
Teacher of the Year Nominee, 2024-25
Timeline
Teacher - 5th Grade
Washington County Public Schools Education
08.2018 - Current
Teacher - 4th, 5th Grade
St. Mary Catholic School, The Archdiocese of Baltimore
08.2011 - 08.2018
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Mount Saint Mary's University
NBCT Candidate
Current candidate for National Board Certification Teacher status, focusing on Component 4 (Reflective practices) and Component 2 (Differentiated practices).