Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Open To Work

Tyra Smalls

Halifax County Public Schools
Scottsburg,Virginia
6
years of professional experience

Dedicated preschool paraprofessional with substantial experience in supporting classroom activities and fostering positive learning environment. Proven ability to collaborate with teachers and adapt to dynamic educational needs, ensuring smooth daily operations and consistent student engagement. Recognized for strong teamwork and adaptability.

Work History

Preschool Paraprofessional

4 Years 10 Months
Halifax County Public Schools | 08.2021 - Current
  • Working with 18 students daily in one classroom setting.
  • Assisted teachers in implementing lesson plans and managing classroom activities.
  • Supported students with diverse needs, promoting inclusive learning environments.
  • Facilitated communication between educators, parents, and support staff to enhance student outcomes.
  • Observed student behavior and provided feedback to improve classroom management strategies.
  • Developed and maintained educational materials to support curriculum objectives.
  • Participated in professional development workshops to refine instructional techniques and best practices.
  • Interacted with children one-on-one and in small groups to enhance and support learning activities.
  • Maintained classrooms by disinfecting and sterilizing surfaces and toys.
  • Engaged and entertained children through recreational and educational activities.
  • Improved classroom management by implementing consistent routines and clear expectations for behavior.
  • Supported children's social and emotional development by encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
  • Assisted teacher by developing lesson plans to meet educational goals for each child.
  • Prepared for lessons by gathering educational materials and setting up equipment.
  • Participated actively in ongoing professional development workshops to enhance knowledge of best practices in early childhood education.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between activities, minimizing downtime and keeping students engaged throughout the day.
  • Enhanced preschoolers'' social skills by implementing collaborative group activities and encouraging positive interactions.
  • Guided small group instruction to provide targeted support for students needing additional assistance or enrichment opportunities.
  • Served as a positive role model for students by consistently demonstrating patience, respectfulness, and enthusiasm towards learning experiences.
  • Fostered a love for learning in young students by introducing age-appropriate educational games, puzzles, and interactive materials.
  • Contributed to the development of a safe, nurturing environment by maintaining cleanliness standards and ensuring child safety measures were followed.
  • Supported children''s emotional development through compassionate listening and empathetic communication strategies.
  • Promoted early literacy skills by integrating storytime sessions and phonics-based activities into daily lessons.
  • Boosted student engagement with hands-on learning experiences, incorporating sensory play and creative art projects.
  • Utilized positive reinforcement strategies to encourage appropriate behavior and reinforce desired outcomes.
  • Contributed to a cohesive team atmosphere within the preschool, collaborating closely with colleagues to achieve common goals.
  • Supervised children during in-classroom activities and on playground.
  • Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
  • Assisted lead teacher in creating individualized lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning needs and abilities.

Store Manager

7 Months
TitleMax Title Loans | 10.2020 - 05.2021
  • Managed daily store operations and ensured compliance with company policies.
  • Trained and supervised staff to optimize customer service and efficiency.
  • Assisted in resolving customer inquiries, enhancing satisfaction and retention.
  • Collaborated with team members to streamline processes for improved productivity.
  • Addressed customer complaints promptly and professionally, resolving issues to maintain positive relationships with clientele.
  • Managed daily operations to ensure smooth functioning of the store, maintaining a clean, safe environment for customers and employees.
  • Assisted with hiring, training and mentoring new staff members.
  • Improved customer satisfaction through staff training in customer service and product knowledge.
  • Completed point of sale opening and closing procedures.
  • Managed inventory control, cash control, and store opening and closing procedures.
  • Managed 15 or more calls daily for store promotions, collecting payments and daily reminders.

Cashier/Retail Sales Associate

5 Months
Dollar Tree Stores | 05.2020 - 10.2020
  • Processed customer transactions efficiently using POS systems.
  • Maintained accurate cash drawer balances throughout shifts.
  • Assisted customers with product inquiries and store navigation.
  • Collaborated with team members to enhance customer service experience.
  • Implemented best practices for maintaining cleanliness in checkout area.
  • Greeted customers entering store and responded promptly to customer needs.
  • Welcomed customers and helped determine their needs.
  • Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
  • Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
  • Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing efficient and accurate cash transactions.
  • Adapted quickly to new technologies implemented at POS systems, ensuring seamless transition periods for both staff and customers.
  • Streamlined checkout process for increased efficiency and reduced waiting times.
  • Maintained a balanced cash drawer, ensuring accurate accounting at the end of each shift.
  • Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
  • Assisted customers with inquiries and provided exceptional service, resulting in positive feedback from shoppers.
  • Provided backup support for other departments when needed, showcasing versatility within the retail environment.
  • Ensured compliance with company policies and procedures while processing transactions efficiently.
  • Mentored new employees on cashier duties and best practices, improving overall staff performance.
  • Interacting with approximately 50 or more customers daily.

Education

Associate of Science - General Studies

Southside Virginia Community College | South Boston, VA | 05-2020
  • Rotary/Ancheta Scholarship Recipient
  • Honoree of National Honors Society

Skills

Classroom organization
Gross motor skills development
Adaptive teaching strategies
Strong work ethic and dependable
Reliability
Collaborative and Team-oriented
Caring and empathetic demeanor
Computer and Microsoft office skills
Professionalism
Effective communication

Timeline

Preschool Paraprofessional

Halifax County Public Schools
08.2021 - CurrentRead More

Store Manager

TitleMax Title Loans
10.2020 - 05.2021Read More

Cashier/Retail Sales Associate

Dollar Tree Stores
05.2020 - 10.2020Read More

Southside Virginia Community College

Associate of Science from General Studies
Read More
Tyra Smalls