Samantha Coleman
Schnecksville
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience in K-8 settings, notably at Saint Joseph the Worker School, where I integrated technology and STREAM programs to enhance student engagement. Skilled in classroom management and grant writing, I foster critical thinking and creativity, ensuring a positive learning environment that supports diverse learners.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Northwestern LehighSchool District
New Tripoli
09.2025 - Current
- Managed classroom behavior using positive reinforcement techniques.
- Encouraged students to think critically about their work and ask questions when needed.
- Provided instruction to students in the absence of a full-time teacher.
- Instructed and created plans for two weeks of instructional music for grades K-2 in the interim of a retired teacher and a new music teacher. I was approached to fulfill this position by the two building principals in the district.
Substitute Teacher, K-5
East Penn School District
Emmaus
09.2025 - Current
- Facilitated discussions to encourage critical thinking and student engagement.
- Communicated with head teacher to execute priorities for school day and ongoing lesson plans.
Library/ STREAM teacher, K-8
Saint Joseph the Worker School
Orefield
10.2020 - 06.2025
- Instructed students in the foundations of technology on the computer, internet safety, digital citizenship, as well as basic typing skills on the computer and iPads in a progressive method from K-8.
- Organized library equipment and collections.
- Directed cataloging, media, and instructional services in the library and developed a system of cataloging materials.
- Managed student circulation of library materials such as textbooks, laptops, iPads.
- Instructed classes on proper research techniques using print and digital sources.
- Introduced the STREAM program to the school using a variety of media.
- Blended the classroom learning with STREAM learning as an added elective to receive the best hands-on experience, not previously enhanced as much in the school.
- Used Ozobots, Legos, 3-D printers, as well as other Tinkercad programs to allow students to design their own work.
- I applied for grants to bring additional technology and tower gardens into my classroom to enhance the learning environment.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student performance and needs.
- Evaluated student progress through assessments and provided constructive feedback.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance educational programs and activities.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem solving strategies among students.
- Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain classroom discipline.
- Developed engaging instructional materials for information literacy programs.
Instructional aide in a fifth-grade classroom
Willard Elementary School
Ridgewood
08.1998 - 06.1999
- Provided daily one on one instruction for a visually impaired student, which included adapting daily assignments and assisting with mobility challenges
- Developed, designed and created scenery for the drama production of "Alice in Wonderland" (Spring 1999)
Substitute teacher
Mendham Borough School District
Mendham
05.1998 - 06.1999
- Employed as a substitute teacher for a variety of primary and elementary grades.
Art teacher K-4, ACE Academic Creative Enrichment (1-3) Gifted and Talented Classroom
Holland Township School
Milford
- I taught Art and ACE on a cart, as well as in the classroom.
- Creative, flexible, cooperative, and works well with the staff.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate art into cross-curricular projects.
- Implemented instruction through multiple intelligence strategies.
- Facilitated an integrated layered curriculum, differentiation of instruction, and the elements of the design.
- Participated in the Special Teacher Instructional Teacher Issues Committee.
- Individual After School Tutoring: First-grade student developed phonemic awareness, and fourth-grade student assisted in mathematics.
- I painted a hallway staircase mural of Matisse with a colleague in the summer to decorate a middle school.
Fifth Grade classroom teacher
East Rochester Elementary School
Rochester
- Designed a class web page
- Assisted Technology leaders in the building
- Instructor for Staff Development for Summer Science Camp in July 2001
- Researched and developed material Summer Science Camp in July 2001
- Attended and taught Summer Science Camp in August 2000
- Involved in the D.A.R.E. Program with the Fifth grade and the Rochester Police Department.
- Appointed by the principal to pilot a new Social Studies Curriculum. (1999-2000)
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Art, Certification
Muhlenberg College
05.1998
Skills
- Digital citizenship
- Grant writing
- Classroom management
- Flexible
- Interpersonal skills
- Multitasking capacity
- Technology integration
- Test proctoring
- Art and music instruction
- Creativity in teaching
Certification
- New Jersey Certification
- New Hampshire Certification
- Maine Certification
- Pennsylvania Certification
Awards
- Deans List
- Senior Art Show Gallery
Hobbies and Interests
- Various Art Forms
- Music
- Travel
- Home Decor
Related Work Experience
- Acting Fundraising Chair for Allentown Central Catholic High School Viking Fest (2018-2019)
- Chairperson for Scholastic Book Fair at Springhouse Middle School Gala
- Founding Board Member of Parkland Education Foundation
- Parkland Education Foundation Gala Committee Member
- Jaindl Elementary PTO Member/Volunteer
- Jaindl Elementary Room Parent
- Team Jillian Fundraiser Chair - Supporting Childhood Brain Cancer
- Head Fundraiser for Make Brain Tumors Walk the Plank for Team Jack - Raised over $13,000 for a service dog
- Usborne Books at Home Sales Consultant
- Southern Living at Home Sales Consultant
- Asbury Preschool Mom and Me Teacher 2/3-year-old class
- Asbury Preschool Substitute
Professional Development
- Student Teacher, Lincoln Elementary, Emmaus, PA, Spring 1998
- Student Teacher, Muhlenberg Elementary, Allentown, PA, Spring 1998
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, K-5
Northwestern LehighSchool District
09.2025 - Current
Substitute Teacher, K-5
East Penn School District
09.2025 - Current
Library/ STREAM teacher, K-8
Saint Joseph the Worker School
10.2020 - 06.2025
Instructional aide in a fifth-grade classroom
Willard Elementary School
08.1998 - 06.1999
Substitute teacher
Mendham Borough School District
05.1998 - 06.1999
Art teacher K-4, ACE Academic Creative Enrichment (1-3) Gifted and Talented Classroom
Holland Township School
Fifth Grade classroom teacher
East Rochester Elementary School
Bachelor of Arts - Art, Certification
Muhlenberg College