Latasha Pollard
Lafayette
Summary
Professional educator with experience in fostering supportive and effective learning environment. Proven track record of enhancing student engagement and academic success through collaboration with faculty and adaptability to evolving classroom needs. Strong skills in communication, organization, and instructional support. Known for reliability and results-driven approach in educational settings.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Teaching Assistant
St. Martin Parish Head Start Academy
03.2023 - Current
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
- Provided additional support for students with special needs, ensuring they received appropriate accommodations and resources.
- Designed and implemented engaging classroom activities, resulting in higher student interest and motivation.
- Maintained safety and security by overseeing students in recess environments.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational best practices and enhance teaching skills.
- Contributed to positive learning environment by addressing individual student needs, promoting equity and inclusion.
- Facilitated small group discussions to enhance students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Assisted in organization of school events, enhancing school community and student experience.
- Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lecture plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.
- Provided feedback on student's work, guiding improvements and encouraging continuous learning.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents through regular communication about student progress, concerns, and achievements.
Lead Pre-K Teacher
Little Blessings Daycare And Preschool
10.2017 - Current
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
- Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Monitored students' academic, social and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Fostered reasoning and problem solving through active exploration games and activities.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Addressed behavioral and learning issues with parents and daycare management.
- Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
- Monitored students' academic, social, and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
- Regularly communicated with parents about their child''s progress, addressing concerns promptly and working together towards shared goals for academic success.
- Developed strong relationships with each child under my care, recognizing their unique strengths and areas for growth while supporting their overall well-being at school.
- Continually updated knowledge on early childhood education trends and research findings, applying this information to improve the quality of instruction delivered to students.
- Developed a positive classroom environment by implementing effective classroom management techniques, fostering respect and collaboration among students.
- Developed weekly lesson plans and activities to engage children and promote learning.
- Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Protected children in-class, at recess and off-site with observational skills and positive reinforcement for good behavior.
Floater Teacher
Butterflies And Beyond
08.2008 - 09.2017
- Exercised great adaptability in transitioning between assigned classrooms.
- Counseled students needing occasional emotional support.
- Built and maintained environment that stimulated learning and supported student achievement.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Organized and cleaned teaching areas after daily use to maintain high standards for returning teachers or other substitutes.
- Took over class for regular classroom teacher, managing assignments, student needs and recordkeeping.
- Managed personal hygiene requirements with frequent diaper changes, use of bibs and monitoring of behaviors.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Instructed children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting and toileting.
Education
CDA - Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
North Western State University Of Louisiana
06-2024
Skills
- Encouraging Participation and Inclusivity
- Communicating with Parents and Teachers
- Enthusiasm for Students and Teaching
- Teaching Method Adaptations
- Helping students with special needs
- Behavior redirection
- Classroom management
- One-on-one and small group instruction
- Teacher support and collaboration
- Instructional support
- Strong work ethic and dependable
- Promoting social and emotional development
Timeline
Teaching Assistant
St. Martin Parish Head Start Academy
03.2023 - Current
Lead Pre-K Teacher
Little Blessings Daycare And Preschool
10.2017 - Current
Floater Teacher
Butterflies And Beyond
08.2008 - 09.2017
CDA - Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
North Western State University Of Louisiana
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