Miranda Duncan
Joplin
Summary
Professional educator with strong background in early childhood education, specializing in fostering nurturing and engaging learning environment. Adept at creating and implementing creative lesson plans that cater to diverse learning styles. Known for effective communication, collaboration with colleagues, and adapting to evolving classroom needs. Skilled in classroom management, curriculum development, and promoting social and emotional growth in young learners.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Kindergarten and first grade teacher/Elementary Music teacher
St.Ann's Elementary
08.2019 - 05.2025
- Taught independently in a split classroom setting teaching kindergarten and first grade for a full year, then taught Kindergarten the next six years. As well as taught pre-k through 6th elementary music for 7 years/ organize the yearly christmas program.
- Increased student participation in school performances by creating diverse musical opportunities for students of all skill levels. Established the 'St.Cecilian Singers' and joined with the local community for events.
- Experience subbing grades prek-6th
- Encouraged and prepared students to become independent readers through systematic, multi-sensory instruction in phonemic awareness and decoding skills. Trained in applying Heggerty Phonics program and Hands 2 Mind.
- Observed and assessed student performance and charted progress. Arranged parent-teacher conferences to address student progress and collaboratively set goals for areas of improvement.
- Collaborated in planning, organizing and implementing instructional programs to facilitate academic, intellectual, and social development. Implemented and was the lead instructor for St.Anns 'STREAM' program(Science, technology, religion, engineering, arts, and mathematics)
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with educational trends and improve pedagogical skills.
- Monthly training in mandatory reporter risk retention through VIRTUS.
- Mentored new teachers in practices for early childhood education.
- Enhanced student learning by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into daily lessons.
- Developed and implemented individualized educational plans for special needs children. Worked with Title 1 implementing speech therapy goals and the science of reading in classrooms prek through 2nd.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Established a positive learning environment through consistent classroom management techniques and clear expectations for behavior and achievement.
Private Instructor
ERNIE WILLIAMSONS MUSIC STORE
03.2017 - 01.2023
- Provided private lessons to students ages 3-78
- Prepared and organized christmas/spring concerts
- Developed tailored lesson plans for each student, resulting in improved understanding and retention of material.
- Explained music theory, aural skills and fundamental concepts to teach students to understand, analyze, perform and create music.
- Motivated students to practice music by offering positive reinforcement and encouraging progress.
- Prepared students for auditions for institutions by aiding with music selection, assigning practice hours required for mastery of piece and assessing progress and accuracy in playing.
Sales Associate
JC Penny SEPHORA
06.2016 - 01.2017
- Makeup application education and training
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Maintained calm demeanor and professionally managed issues in busy, high-stress situations.
Sales Associate
Maurices
05.2014 - 12.2014
- Boosted customer satisfaction levels through exceptional service, addressing concerns promptly, and providing a welcoming store environment.
- Educated clients on current promotional offerings and products using persuasive selling tactics.
- Assessed customer needs and utilized suggestive selling techniques to drive sales.
Education
Vocal Performance Major - Vocal studies
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU)
Joplin, MO12.2020
High school diploma -
Neosho High School
Neosho, MO05.2014
Skills
- Collaboration
- Strong work ethic
- Organization
- Multi-tasking
- Problem solving
- Adaptability
- Event planning and execution
- Communication
- Science of Reading
- Dual language teaching
- Piano
- Voice
- General Music education
- CPR
- Positive reinforcement
- Critical thinking
- Classroom management
- Curriculum development
- Differentiated instruction
- Early childhood development
- CPR Certification
- Early reading
- Music and movement
Professional Organizations
- N.A.f.M.E (National Association for Music Education), Vice President of Membership, 2017-18, Vice President of Programming, 2018-19
International Experience
- MSSU CHAMBER TOUR, 2014, IRELAND
- MSSU CHAMBER TOUR, 2018, SCANDINAVIA
Performance Experience
- Heartland Opera: Elixir of Love, Giannetta
- Heartland Opera: Cabaret! Love.. Really?
- Heartland Opera: Carmen - chorus
- Heartland Opera: La Traviata - chorus
- Dr. Hubert Bird's, The Other Side of The Storm - octet soprano lead
- Concerto Aria Winners Performance - il est doux il est bon, Massenet
- Heartland Opera summer donor event solo performances - Una donna quindici anni, Mozart
Awards
- Concerto Aria Competition Scholarship Award
- Ida Platt Scholarship Award
- MSSU Music Scholarship
- Missouri Southern: Pippin - ensemble
- Honors Performance Series - Carnegie Hall, NY
- ACDA National honor choir HSMC
- NATS
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Kindergarten and first grade teacher/Elementary Music teacher
St.Ann's Elementary
08.2019 - 05.2025
Private Instructor
ERNIE WILLIAMSONS MUSIC STORE
03.2017 - 01.2023
Sales Associate
JC Penny SEPHORA
06.2016 - 01.2017
Sales Associate
Maurices
05.2014 - 12.2014
Vocal Performance Major - Vocal studies
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU)
High school diploma -
Neosho High School