Stephanie Gardner
Blacksburg
Summary
Dedicated Teacher's Assistant with strong skills in classroom management and differentiated instruction. Experienced working with students at middle and high school (co-taught and AP) level. Committed to fostering student engagement and enhancing learning experiences through effective communication and relationship building.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher's Assistant
Salem High School
Salem, VA
01.2026 - Current
- Teach full 50 minute periods for both AP Language and Composition and 10th grade English Co-Taught.
- Grade AP Essays, student work and quizzes.
- Navigate Canvas and create activities, quizzes, and modules.
- Create and teach original units for 10th Grade Co-Taught.
- Create and teach AP Language and Composition lesson plans.
- Differentiate material to match the needs of learners who have various IEPs and 504 plans.
- Attend IEP meetings.
- Contributed to a more organized classroom setting by maintaining accurate records on student attendance, assignments, and progress reports.
- Tutored struggling students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning concepts.
- Handled class records for attendance, assignment grades and course participation scores.
- Encouraged small groups to discuss topics and explore concepts through hands-on activities..
- Served as a positive role model for students by demonstrating professionalism, respectfulness, and an unwavering commitment to education excellence.
- Enhanced students'' critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities and group collaboration exercises.
- Ensured the safety of all students by adhering strictly to school policies regarding proper supervision during class times as well as extracurricular activities.
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.
- Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
Pet Sitter
Beth Sheely
Blacksburg, VA
06.2023 - 01.2026
- Managed pet care schedules, ensuring timely feeding and exercise for multiple animals.
- Took care of multiple horses, dogs and cats.
- Communicated daily pet status updates to owners, fostering trust and transparency.
- Prepared food and water following instructions from pet owners.
- Gave animals proper attention to promote secure environment in owner's absence.
- Exercised animals regularly with walks and rigorous play activities.
- Communicated professionally with pet owners via phone, email, and text.
- Cleaned out and scooped litter trays and food and water bowls to provide clean environment for pets.
- Maintained a clean and safe environment for pets, ensuring their comfort and well-being at all times.
- Ensured timely feedings, grooming sessions, and exercise routines for pets in accordance with owner instructions.
Teacher's Assistant
Glenvar Middle School
Salem, VA
09.2025 - 11.2025
- Assisted teachers in preparing lesson materials and classroom activities.
- Supported student learning by providing individualized attention and guidance.
- Facilitated small group instruction to enhance comprehension of subject matter.
- Managed classroom behavior to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Taught full 90 minute class periods for Co-Taught 8th grade English and Advanced 8th grade English.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to address student needs and promote academic success.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining open lines of communication with students, parents, and staff.
- Served as a positive role model for students by demonstrating professionalism, respectfulness, and an unwavering commitment to education excellence.
- Supported the lead teacher in developing curriculum materials, ensuring alignment with state standards and educational objectives.
- Enhanced students'' critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities and group collaboration exercises.
- Increased student engagement with dynamic lesson plans designed to accommodate diverse learning styles.
- Provided timely feedback to students on their performance, allowing them to make adjustments as needed for continued improvement.
- Assisted students with special needs in achieving academic success through individualized instruction and personalized support strategies.
- Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by class teacher.
- Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
- Completed daily reports on attendance and disciplinary performance.
Teacher's Assistant
Blacksburg High School
Blacksburg, VA
12.2024 - 05.2025
- Coordinated with educators to implement effective teaching strategies tailored to diverse learners.
- Monitored student progress and communicated updates to teaching staff regularly.
- Implemented classroom organization systems to streamline daily operations and resources.
- Improved student comprehension by implementing innovative teaching methods and incorporating visual aids in lessons.
- Taught 30 minute mini lessons on creative writing for 9th grade students
- Differentiated materials to suit the needs of different kinds of learners.
- Built relationships with the cooperating teacher and students in the classroom.
- Copied, organized and distributed classroom assignments or other paperwork.
Teacher's Assistant
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
09.2024 - 01.2025
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on the latest teaching trends and methodologies, enhancing overall effectiveness as an educator.
- Fostered strong relationships with parents through regular communication about student progress and areas for growth, ultimately contributing to improved home-school partnerships.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share best practices, resulting in consistent teaching approaches across multiple classrooms.
- Facilitated effective learning experiences for students by utilizing a variety of instructional techniques to meet their unique needs.
- Created lesson plans and lectures for incoming Freshmen in the Theatre Arts major.
- Organized materials in classroom spaces based on lecture plans, activity stations or other requirements outlined by teachers.
Babysitter
Beth Sheely
Blacksburg, VA
06.2022 - 01.2025
- Provided attentive care to children, ensuring safety and well-being during activities.
- Developed engaging playtime activities that fostered creativity and learning.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding children's needs and daily activities.
- Maintained a structured environment for children, promoting routine and discipline.
- Took care of kids who were of the ages, 4, 11, and 15, making sure that they follow their night and morning routines.
Volunteer
Delaware Theatre Company
Wilmington, DE
11.2020 - 03.2021
- Assisted with set design and construction for various productions.
- Supported front-of-house operations during performances, ensuring guest satisfaction.
- Collaborated with production team to streamline rehearsal schedules and logistics.
- Engaged with patrons as a liaison, providing information about events and programs.
- Assisted with special events and programs.
- Supported engaging, fun, and smooth-running events by helping with organization and planning.
- Communicated with staff members to stay informed about volunteer opportunities and events.
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
- Represented organization positively and professionally while providing community with much-needed services.
Education
Bachelor's in Secondary Education - English Education
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Blacksburg, VA05-2026
High School Diploma -
Appoquinimink High School
Bear, DE05-2020
Skills
- Positive attitude
- Effective communication
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Computer skills
- Relationship building
- Classroom management
- Complex Problem-solving
- Works well with co-workers
- Grading assignments
- Material preparation
- Student supervision
- Reading and writing support
- Teacher support and collaboration
- Behavior management
- Small group instruction
- CPR and first aid
- Progress monitoring
- Behavior modeling
- Powerpoint presentations
- Preparing instructional materials
- Excel
- Classroom technology
- Special education support
- Differentiated instruction
- Organized
- Planning and coordination
- Strong work ethic
- Responsible
- Highly motivated
- Experienced in leadership
Certification
- Emergency First Aid, CPR (Hands-On Practice), and AED Certification [7/2025]
- Dyslexia Awareness Training [10/2025]
- Behavior and Intervention Awareness Training [10/2025]
- Cultural Competency Training [10/2025]
- Child Abuse Recognition and Intervention Training [10/2025]
- Virginia Teaching License - [expected in May 2026]
Timeline
Teacher's Assistant
Salem High School
01.2026 - Current
Teacher's Assistant
Glenvar Middle School
09.2025 - 11.2025
Teacher's Assistant
Blacksburg High School
12.2024 - 05.2025
Teacher's Assistant
Virginia Tech
09.2024 - 01.2025
Pet Sitter
Beth Sheely
06.2023 - 01.2026
Babysitter
Beth Sheely
06.2022 - 01.2025
Volunteer
Delaware Theatre Company
11.2020 - 03.2021
Bachelor's in Secondary Education - English Education
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
High School Diploma -
Appoquinimink High School
Teacher of Promise [2026]
The Teachers of Promise nomination was hand selected by universitites and supervisors fro most promising future teachers at those universities. The Teachers of Promise Institute was established in 2004 and is used to honor and support future teachers. The Teachers of Promise Institute hosts a two-day event that features various sessions aimed at enhancing the skills and confidence of future teachers. Participants receive a commemorative label pin during a ceremony that marks their entry into the teaching profession, connecting them to a broader community of educators.