Cathleen Summers
Fairfax
Summary
Proactive team leader with extensive experience in curriculum development and differentiated instruction. Skilled in leveraging data to create targeted interventions and maintain strong parent-teacher communication to support student growth and achievement.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
7
7
Certifications
Work History
4th Grade Teacher
Westlawn Elementary School
Falls Church
08.2021 - Current
- Served as Team Lead for two years and led grade-level Collaborative Learning Team meetings, as well as participated in 'Think Tank' meetings discussing school-wide data and logistics.
- Designed and delivered engaging, standards-aligned lesson plans across math, language arts, science, and social studies.
- Created a safe, inclusive classroom environment that fostered collaboration, diversity, and positive student behavior.
- Used assessment data and standardized test results to design targeted interventions and individualized instruction.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet diverse learning needs, including differentiated and technology-enhanced instruction.
- Collaborated with colleagues and special education staff to support IEP students and plan interdisciplinary projects.
- Maintained consistent communication with families through conferences and progress updates to support student development.
- Served as program coordinator for after-school programs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development focused on curriculum alignment, assessment strategies, and instructional improvement.
Graduate Assistant
James Madison University
Harrisonburg
08.2020 - 05.2021
- Assisted the College of Education faculty in research projects and academic activities.
- Developed instructional materials for undergraduate courses and workshops.
- Created social media posts for the Literacy Department to highlight children's literature with diverse characters and/or written by diverse authors.
- Supported faculty research and publication efforts through editing, formatting, and content review of educational texts.
Resident Advisor
James Madison University
Harrisonburg
08.2017 - 05.2018
- Facilitated community building through event planning and resident engagement activities.
- Provided conflict resolution support between residents to maintain a harmonious living environment.
- Assisted new residents with orientation and acclimation to campus life and resources.
- Assisted in the management of room assignments and move- and -out processes to ensure smooth transitions.
- Fostered a culture of inclusivity and diversity within the residence hall.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA05-2021
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA05-2020
Skills
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Collaborative team leadership
- Curriculum development
- Differentiated instruction
- Data analysis
- Social-emotional learning
- Parent-teacher communication
Certification
Language Essentials for Teachers in Reading and Spelling (LETRS)- 2023
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
4th Grade Teacher
Westlawn Elementary School
08.2021 - Current
Graduate Assistant
James Madison University
08.2020 - 05.2021
Resident Advisor
James Madison University
08.2017 - 05.2018
Master of Arts - Teaching
James Madison University
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies
James Madison University