LAURA N.

BALASH
449 Temona DrivewPittsburgh, PA 15236
412-335-8732wbalash.laura@gmail.comwhttp://MrsBalash.weebly.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE

I am seeking the opportunity to educate children through developmentally appropriate practices. I wish to
incorporate childrens interests to spark motivation and passion for learning.

EDUCATION
2012-2013
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
Masters in the Art of Teaching, Elementary Education QPA: 4.0
2008-2012
University of Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, PA
Applied Developmental Psychology, B.S.
QPA: 3.8
Childrens Literature Certificate
2004-2008
Bethel Park Senior High School
Bethel Park, PA
High School Diploma
QPA: 4.37

KEY COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

Creative Lesson Design

Common Core Standards
Collaborative Learning
Website Development

Student Objective Feedback

CAF Menu Incorporation
SPARKS Incorporation
Text-Dependent Analysis Writing

Communication
Collaboration
Organization
Time Management

EXPERIENCE
August 2012-Present: Baldwin-Whitehall School District
McAnnulty Elementary School

January 2016 - Present: Building Substitute Teacher

Implemented lesson plans in kindergarten and first grade classrooms.
Communicated a detailed report of student progress and behavior for regular teacher.
Conducted make-up curriculum tests and oral reading fluency data collection in a small group setting.

Whitehall Elementary School

October 2015- December 2015: Long Term Substitute, 5 th Grade

Responsible for English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Reading Intervention instruction of two 5th grade
classes resulting in increased 4Sights scores for fifty-two students.
Communicated regularly with parents, faculty and administration concerning the needs of students.
Enacted individual behavioral plans and data collection for several students.
Created supplemental materials for narrative writing, text-dependent analysis writing, and grammar
components of an evolving curriculum.
April 2015- June 2015: Long Term Substitute, 3 rd Grade
Responsible for English Language Arts, Science, and Reading Intervention instruction of two 3rd grade classes.
Communicated regularly with parents, faculty and administration concerning the needs of students.
Participated in ASSET training to inform planning of Science Chemical Testing module.
Collaborated with 3rd grade teachers to write Text-Dependent Analysis prompts in preparation for 4th grade.
March 2015-June 2015 and August 2015-October 2015: Building Substitute Teacher
Prepared 4Sight Data Analysis Reports for Baseline Testing of third, fourth, and fifth grade students.
Implemented lesson plans in various classrooms ranging from second to fifth grade.
Communicated a detailed report of student progress and behavior for regular teacher.
Collaborated with faculty, staff, and administration daily to accomplish school wide PSSA motivators.
M arch 2014-April 2014: Short-Term Substitute Teacher
Planned and implemented lesson plans in the same second grade classroom for four weeks.
Analyzed students formative assessments to plan subsequent lessons.
Managed the emotional and social needs of second grade students, while implementing behavior plans.
August 2012- June 2013: Intern
Observed, co-taught, and taught a second grade classroom throughout the 2012/2013 academic school year.
Took over full teaching responsibility for all subject matter by Mid-March.
Researched and implemented interventions for several students.



September 2013 - Present: South Western Pennsylvania School Districts

Day-to-Day Substitute Teacher

Developed clear communication skills with kindergarten through sixth grade classrooms.
Implemented behavior and lesson plans set by regular teacher to maintain smooth transitions for students.
Developed technology skills through FM Transmitters, SmartBoards, Ipads, and Scratch programs.

June 2013 December 2013: Allegheny County Library Association

Consultant
Developed engaging online quests for children to continue summer reading and research skills.
Reviewed peer quests for launch on the website.
Gained online learning and technology skills.

June 2013 - Present: Whitehall Tendercare

Teacher
Taught Preschool 1 classroom with ten three-year-old children.
Developed lessons to meet PA Early Learning Standards and Tendercare curriculum.
Implemented individualized behavior plans for children based on observation.

Fall 2011-Summer 2012: Pittsburgh Association for the Education of Young Children
Summer 2012: Consultant

Organized an Action Day in Harrisburg to advocate for early childhood education.

Met with several state Senators and Representatives to share statistics and areas of need in education.
Completed several projects to support the professional development of early childhood educators.

Fall 2011- Spring 2012: Intern

Gained experience in the work of advocacy for the education of young children.
Planned and coordinated events sponsored by PAEYC.
Gained experience in an office environment implementing professional development.

Spring 2011-Summer 2012: University of Pittsburgh, School of Education

Summer 2011-2012: Summer Institute Student Assistant

Co-taught course on activities and play for child and youth care workers alongside Dr. Karen VanderVan.
Scheduled experts in the field of child and youth work as guest speakers.
Corresponded with students and instructors.
Spring 2012: ADP Symposium Helping Children W ho Are Enduring Trauma Coordinator
Collaborated with Dr. Mary Margaret Kerr to offer professional development for childcare workers.
Coordinated Dr. Roberta Shomburg of Carlow University, Hedda Sharapan of Fred Rogers Company, and
Ranger Adam Shaffer of Flight 93 National Memorial to present their expertise at the Symposium.
Created and organized symposium materials for speakers and attendees.
Fall 2011-2012: Undergraduate Research Assistant- Dr. Andrew Schneider-Muoz
Worked closely with Dr. Schneider-Muoz to organize and implement a Youth Worker course.
Presented on the field of Child and Youth Care at the OACYCP Conference and the University of Pittsburgh.
Scheduled and planned events for special guests of the University of Pittsburgh.
Spring 2011: Undergraduate Teaching Assistant- Child Development and Social Policy
Graded weekly essay quizzes and final project Policy Memos.
Met with students to answer questions concerning the course.
Taught a class on No Child Left Behind policy and implications for teachers.

AWARDS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

2012 Positive School Climate Committee: Organized anti-bullying program at Whitehall Elementary School.
2012 Sarah F. and Elizabeth Graf Endowed Scholarship Recipient: Scholarship is awarded to gifted individuals
majoring in elementary education at the undergraduate and graduate level.
2011 Pitt Play-a-Palooza: Co-Chair, coordinated a free play event of open-ended materials for Pittsburgh community.
2011 Business Manager, My Pitt Pals: Connected elementary students to college students through writing letters.
2010 Wilkinsburg Boys & Girls Club Volunteer: Designed lessons for students on PowerPoint, baking, and careers.
2010 Secretary, Phi Eta Sigma: Elected by members and responsible for correspondence and organizing events.
2009-2011 YMCA Camp Counselor: Collaborated to conduct outdoor games and activities for children aged 4-12.
2009 Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society: Acceptance based on a required 3.5 QPA
2009 National Society for Collegiate Scholars: Acceptance based on a required 3.4 GPA