Samantha Fitschen
Pittsburgh
Summary
Dedicated and passionate Teacher and Administrator with proven track record successfully providing student-led, whole child learning. Communicates effectively with administrators, faculty and parents. Successful team-member and co-worker. Well versed in educational standards, innovative teaching methods and Reading Intervention. Expert in performing arts-related content and integrated curriculum.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Teacher
Lightbridge Academy
03.2024 - Current
- Re-evaluated mid-year classroom set-up and updated systems to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement.
- Identified current academic standards and incorporated themed daily activities with Assistant Teachers and Administration, to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
- Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
- Maintained patience and level-headedness in situations that required swift decision-making and fast-paced changes in student ratios, staffing and lesson plans.
Substitute
North Allegheny/Hampton Township School Districts
01.2022 - 12.2023
- Implemented complex course plans in a timely manner, administering curriculums for Pre-K to 5th grade.
- Substituted for all all elementary grade classrooms as well as Learning Support, Reading Intervention, Music, Art, P.E., and Library.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, ensuring a safe and respectful atmosphere for all students.
- Organized and cleaned teaching areas after daily use to maintain high standards for returning teachers or other substitutes.
Teacher
Bright Horizons Child Development Center
05.2019 - 07.2023
- Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education for ages infant to 4.
- Instructed play-based curriculum, supported social-emotional development, and communicated with family to achieve age-appropriate milestones
- Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities in a summer camp-atmosphere for ages 5 to 12.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Music, Theater and Dance Instructor
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center
09.2017 - 05.2019
- Contributed to program development initiatives by offering insights from direct experience working with target demographics within the online-to-in-person educational settings.
- Designed and implemented performing arts offerings such as Drama, Dance, Music and Writing.
- Designed weekly classes and summer camps for primarily IEP students grades K to 12.
- Provided personalized guidance to students seeking additional resources or support services outside of regular class sessions.
Owner, Director and Instructor
New Chicago Dance Studio
09.2010 - 05.2015
- Founded and built a dance studio that served over 300 students in the course of 5 years.
- Developed and taught a curriculum that directly addressed the needs and wants of the community.
- Enhanced dance studio reputation by consistently delivering high-quality performances and events.
- Managed budgets, ensuring financial stability while investing in necessary resources for continued success.
- Collaborated with choreographers, costume designers, and other professionals to produce memorable recitals and productions.
- Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
- Maintained a safe, inclusive environment where students could explore their creativity while developing essential skills as dancers.
- Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Education: Pre-K to 4 -
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance -
Roosevelt University (Chicago, IL)
Skills
- Organizational Development
- Data Management
- Customer Service Management
- Operations Oversight
- Employee Development
- Finance and Accounting Oversight
- Strategic Planning
- Team Management
- Curriculum & Content Building
- Classroom and Activity Supervision
- Documentation and Reporting
- Behavior Management
Applications Experience
Google Teacher Certification Level 1 & Level 2, Google Classroom; Word, Sheets, Slides, Docs, Jamboard, Calendar, Meet, Drive, iCloud. Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Blackboard Connect, Zoom, Nearpod, Flipgrid, Schoology, Clever, Canva, Discord, Slack, Kahoot, Quiziz, Heggerty, Acadience, STAR Reading and Math
Related Experience
- Student Teaching, Dilworth Traditional Academy, Pittsburgh, PA, 08/2021, 12/2021, Prepared and taught lessons for Reading, Social Studies, Grades 4 and 5, Focus on differentiation in teaching benchmark vocabulary lessons, Created an eye tracking station for students that needed handwriting and reading development, Met one-on-one with 11 struggling readers, assessed, developed and administered personalized plans for re-teaching foundational ELA skills
- EFL Instructor, VIPKid, Beijing, 04/2021, 07/2021, Taught English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) to over 60 students, Met with students one-on-one using VIPKid slides, TPR and creative props to teach primarily literacy, along with math and social studies skills. Implemented the positive rewards system provided and gave constructive feedback after each lesson, engaging in a discourse with students and parents about specific areas for improvement.
Certification
- Certified Teacher Pre-K through 4th Grade Early Childhood/Elementary Education through the State of Pennsylvania
Timeline
Lead Teacher
Lightbridge Academy
03.2024 - Current
Substitute
North Allegheny/Hampton Township School Districts
01.2022 - 12.2023
Teacher
Bright Horizons Child Development Center
05.2019 - 07.2023
Music, Theater and Dance Instructor
Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center
09.2017 - 05.2019
Owner, Director and Instructor
New Chicago Dance Studio
09.2010 - 05.2015
Bachelor of Science in Education: Pre-K to 4 -
Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Arts in Theater Performance -
Roosevelt University (Chicago, IL)
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