Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Shanahan

Saint Joseph

Summary

I am a genuinely dedicated and energetic elementary teacher with a proven track record of creating a vibrant, safe, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. Bringing 7 years of successful teaching experience in 5th grade, Virtual School, Kindergarten, and not as an ELD teacher, I am eager to contribute my skills and passion for education to a new teaching opportunity. I am known for fostering positive student relationships, and am experienced in using social skills, empathy, and understanding to manage student behavior. I am adept at tailoring lessons to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities through personalized learning and differentiation approaches in the classroom. My commitment to student success is evident through the implementation of engaging and innovative teaching methods, as well as the integration of technology to enhance the learning experience. Collaborative by nature, I work effectively with colleagues, parents, and administrators to create a supportive school community. I continuously seek professional development opportunities, and I am enthusiastic about bringing fresh ideas and a dynamic approach to the school I will teach at. Ready to inspire and empower students in a new academic setting, I am excited to contribute to the success of both the students and the school community.

Experienced with developing and implementing comprehensive ELD programs that enhance language proficiency. Uses innovative teaching strategies to engage students and support their academic growth. Track record of fostering supportive classroom environment and facilitating effective communication.

Professional educator prepared for this role with history of effectively teaching English Language Development. Proven ability to create engaging lesson plans that support student progress in language acquisition. Known for strong team collaboration, adaptability to changing needs, and dedication to achieving educational goals.

Skilled ESL Instructor versed in using effective and efficient methods of teaching while focusing on individual student needs. Experience teaching ESL at elementary and middle school grade levels for students from over 8 different cultural backgrounds. Leverages positive, affirming approaches to encourage learning and assimilation.

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

ELD Teacher

Saint Joseph School District
Saint Joseph, MO
07.2025 - Current
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored for diverse learning needs.
  • Collaborated with educators to assess student progress and create individualized support strategies.
  • Utilized technology tools to enhance language acquisition and facilitate interactive learning environments.
  • Mentored new teachers in best practices for English language development and classroom management.

Kindergarten Teacher

Saint Joseph School District
Saint Joseph, MO
08.2024 - 06.2025
  • Developed engaging lesson plans to foster early childhood learning and development.
  • Implemented classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
  • Collaborated with parents to discuss student progress and address concerns effectively.
  • Utilized educational technology tools to enhance interactive learning experiences for students.

Classroom Teacher, 5th Grade

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)
Ramstein, Germany
09.2019 - 06.2024
  • Dependable and energetic 5th grade teacher of 5 years teaching experience delivering instruction to various levels of learners in a student-centered learning environment. I am committed daily to providing students with the necessary tools and strategies to achieve academic and social-emotional goals while instilling a love of learning through a cooperative teamwork approach.
  • I utilize excellent classroom management initiatives daily based on established procedures while always promoting a safe environment where learning takes place for all of my students.
  • I regularly talk or meet with parents and guardians to discuss their children’s progress and to determine priorities, next steps, and action plans for their children and their resource needs.
  • I also regularly confer with parents or guardians, teachers, counselors, and administrators to resolve students’ behavioral and academic problems.
  • I implement research-based intervention strategies while emphasizing critical areas of focus at the 5th grade general education level.
  • I analyze assessment data weekly to provide differentiated instruction including remediation and enrichment in reading, writing, and math.
  • I regularly participate in school-wide professional development and presentations on general education topics, such as Social-Emotional Learning, Math, and English Language Arts.
  • Daily and/or weekly, I formally and informally assess and provide feedback on performance to staff, families, and students.
  • Daily I utilize smart software and an interactive board; google classroom, docs, slides, forms; word; powerpoint, excel, etc.
  • I collaborate with other teachers daily to plan and schedule lessons promoting learning and student engagement.
  • I create daily lesson plans in accordance with state curriculum and school-wide curriculum standards.

Virtual Teacher

DODEA
Ramstein, Germany
01.2020 - 01.2021
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning outcomes.
  • Utilized various instructional technologies to support diverse learning styles.
  • Fostered a collaborative classroom environment encouraging student participation and critical thinking.
  • Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations ensuring academic standards were met.
  • Coordinated parent-teacher conferences to improve communication between school and home.
  • Led initiatives to integrate social-emotional learning into daily classroom activities.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.

Education

Master's degree - Educational Leadership

Framingham State University
Framingham, MA
04.2026

Bachelor's degree - Teaching - General Education

Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
05.2017

High school diploma - undefined

Saugatuck High School
Saugatuck, MI
05.2011

Skills

  • Classroom Management
  • Mentoring
  • Google Docs
  • Teaching
  • Writing Skills
  • DoD Experience
  • Experience Working With Students
  • Leadership
  • Time Management
  • Math
  • Curriculum Development
  • Behavior Management
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Social emotional learning
  • Tutoring
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Collaborative teaching
  • Student engagement
  • Vocabulary building
  • Progress monitoring
  • Individualized learning
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Multilingual communication
  • Reading comprehension
  • Literacy development
  • Classroom management
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Lesson planning
  • Vocabulary enrichment
  • Interactive learning
  • Small group instruction
  • Interactive teaching
  • Personalized instruction
  • Student evaluation
  • Online teaching

Certification

  • Teaching Certification
  • K-8 Endorsement
  • English Language Arts Endorsement
  • Educator License with Stipulations
  • Professional Educator License
  • Educational Leadership MA

Timeline

ELD Teacher

Saint Joseph School District
07.2025 - Current

Kindergarten Teacher

Saint Joseph School District
08.2024 - 06.2025

Virtual Teacher

DODEA
01.2020 - 01.2021

Classroom Teacher, 5th Grade

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA)
09.2019 - 06.2024

Bachelor's degree - Teaching - General Education

Grand Valley State University

High school diploma - undefined

Saugatuck High School

Master's degree - Educational Leadership

Framingham State University
Sarah Shanahan