ELANA FARISS
Lynchburg
Summary
Professional educator experienced with classroom management and student engagement strategies. Utilizes effective communication to foster productive learning environment. Knowledge of instructional techniques tailored to diverse learning needs. Adaptable and motivated with strong work ethic and ability to thrive in a team or individually based settings. Compassionate and skilled in helping children with special needs and providing academic support in public school settings.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Lynchburg City Schools
09.2022 - Current
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing clear expectations and consistent consequences for all students.
- Monitored student performance and provided feedback to inform instruction.
- Developed creative instructional strategies to keep students engaged and motivated.
- Conferred with parents or guardians, other teachers, counselors and administrators to resolve students' behavioral and academic problems.
QMHP-T
Harvest Outreach Center
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Providing therapeutic day treatment services for students in the public school setting
- Teaching students how to utilize daily living, and coping skills
- Providing behavioral support as needed
- Engaging students in therapeutic group sessions to teach psycho-education
- Monitor progress being made towards student’s ISP goals by collaborating with school personnel, family, teachers, and others involved in the student’s treatment plan
- Collaborate with staff in planning and implementing individualized pro-social skills curriculums, behavior modification programs, and recommended interventions
QMHP-T
EHS Mental Health Skill Building
09.2021 - 12.2021
- Assisting individuals that have mental health diagnoses in meeting life challenges and helping them to work through their struggles
- Training clients in basic life skills
- Helping clients access community resources
- Providing support, and compassionate understanding
- Teaching clients coping skills
Instructional Assistant
Lynchburg City Public Schools
09.2009 - 10.2021
- Promoted student learning by providing individualized and small group support to reinforce classroom topics
- Monitored students in classroom, hallways, cafeteria, and throughout the building to supervise, enforce rules, and support lead teachers
- Supervised students on field trips
- Conducted special assessments and tutoring sessions to support individual student needs
- Assisted clinic nurse with record keeping, routine duties, and caring for students
Century21 After School Program Assistant
Lynchburg City Public Schools
02.2002 - 03.2002
- Cared for up to15 children ranging in ages from5 to12
- Used techniques such as positive reinforcement and behavior modeling to instill discipline in children
- Assisted children in development of social, communication, and problem solving skills
- Read stories, facilitated discussions, and tied books into learning opportunities
- Implemented and oversaw activities centered on promoting learning and imaginative play
- Established and maintained safe, supportive, and welcoming environments for children of many different backgrounds
Education
BS - Psychology; Life Coaching
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA09.2020
Associate of Applied Science - Massage Therapy
Miller-Motte Technical College
Lynchburg, VA04.2006
Skills
- Student engagement
- Positive reinforcement
- Multi-subject instruction
- Special needs support
- Instructional strategies
- Activity planning
- Group and individual instruction
- Lesson plan implementation
- Reporting and documenting
- Individualized care
- Teaching life skills
- Excellent communication
Accomplishments
- Recognized by multiple schools as an excellent substitute.
- Specialized in substituting for special education classes.
- Taught 2nd and 3rd grade special education classroom for 6 months.
Awards
Virginia Ten Miler, Miller-Motte Technical College, AAS in Massage Therapy, magna cum laude, First Aid Certification, American Red Cross
Community Service
- Girl Scouts of America, Assistant Girl Scout Troop Leader, Riverton, NJ, Assisted Group leader with weekly activities, and camping trips
- Rivermont Presbyterian Church, Volunteer Nursery Care, Lynchburg, VA, Cared for groups of children during worship services, organized activities, prepared meals.
- Volunteer Home Health Aid, Forest, Virginia, Cared for disabled veteran, prepared meals, assisted with daily routines, helped with exercises and physical therapy
Certification
- Virginia Driver's License
- CPR/Red Cross Certification
Timeline
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Lynchburg City Schools
09.2022 - Current
QMHP-T
Harvest Outreach Center
01.2022 - 06.2022
QMHP-T
EHS Mental Health Skill Building
09.2021 - 12.2021
Instructional Assistant
Lynchburg City Public Schools
09.2009 - 10.2021
Century21 After School Program Assistant
Lynchburg City Public Schools
02.2002 - 03.2002
Associate of Applied Science - Massage Therapy
Miller-Motte Technical College
BS - Psychology; Life Coaching
Liberty University
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