Jolene Townsend
Newland
Summary
Engaging and adaptable educator with a background in early childhood education. Known for strong communication and relationship-building skills, effectively supporting students with special needs and enhancing classroom engagement through tailored instructional strategies.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher's Assistant
Avery County Schools
Newland, NC
11.2025 - Current
- Supported classroom activities by assisting lead teacher with lesson preparation and student engagement.
- Facilitated small group instruction, reinforcing learning objectives and enhancing student comprehension.
- Organized classroom materials, ensuring a conducive learning environment for students.
- Assisted in the assessment of student progress, providing feedback to enhance individual learning paths.
- Managed classroom behavior by promoting positive interactions and conflict resolution among students.
- Utilized educational technology tools to support instruction and enhance student participation in lessons.
- 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.
- Ensured the safety of all students by adhering strictly to school policies regarding proper supervision during class times as well as extracurricular activities.
- Assisted students with special needs in achieving academic success through individualized instruction and personalized support strategies.
- Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.
- Monitored student behavior in classes, laboratories and on field trips for unsafe or rule-breaking concerns.
Paraprofessional
Burke County Public Schools
Morganton, NC
02.2024 - 08.2024
- Assisted teachers in delivering instructional materials and adapting lessons for diverse learning needs.
- Supported classroom management by implementing behavior plans and promoting positive student interactions.
- Collaborated with special education staff to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for students.
- Facilitated small group activities, enhancing student engagement and comprehension of core subjects.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback to educators on academic performance and behavioral issues.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
- Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
Lead Teacher
First Baptist Preschool
Morganton, NC
08.2023 - 11.2023
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance children's cognitive development.
- Fostered a positive learning environment through effective classroom management techniques.
- Monitored and assessed infant behavior, adjusting strategies to enhance learning outcomes.
- Organized educational activities that encouraged exploration and sensory development in infants.
- Ensured compliance with safety regulations and health standards within the classroom environment.
- Boosted communication skills among infants through engaging storytelling and song sessions.
- Kept classroom and feeding areas clean, neat, and safe.
- Contributed to the emotional growth of infants by providing consistent support, care, and encouragement.
- Promoted development of social, emotional, and communication skills in infants.
- Enhanced infant development by implementing age-appropriate activities and lessons.
- Developed strong relationships with parents by maintaining open communication channels and providing regular updates on their child''s progress.
- Enhanced overall classroom management efficiency by streamlining processes such as attendance tracking, diaper changes, snack distribution, and activity setup.
- Used proper sanitizing techniques for toys, surfaces, and equipment.
- Managed personal hygiene requirements with frequent diaper changes, use of bibs, and monitoring of behaviors.
- Promoted physical development among infants through daily exercise routines and fine motor skill-building activities.
- Managed inventory of classroom supplies, ensuring all necessary materials were readily available for planned activities and lessons.
- Maintained accurate records of each infant''s developmental milestones, achievements, and areas for improvement.
- Ensured a safe and nurturing environment for infants by adhering to strict safety protocols and guidelines.
- Applied play-based strategies to provide diverse approaches to learning.
- Created sensory-rich learning experiences for infants, fostering curiosity and exploration in a controlled environment.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Adhered to parent preferences and legal requirements for feeding breastmilk, formula and solids to infants.
- Implemented individualized learning plans for each infant to ensure progress towards developmental goals.
- Facilitated smooth transitions between daily activities by establishing predictable routines that fostered comfort and security for infants.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships and promote learning.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Implemented curriculum to enhance classes with learning-focused activities.
- Assisted in preparation of meals and snacks to provide children with proper nutrition.
- Documented behavior, development and learning of children to enable tracking history and maintain accurate records.
- Maintained tidy environment to comply with cleanliness and sanitation standards.
- Gathered materials and resources to prepare for lessons and activities.
- Intervened in disruptive behavior, using positive reinforcement strategies to redirect and calm children.
- Taught hand washing and proper use of utensils to promote good hygiene and etiquette habits.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and secure environment.
- Established positive relationships with students and families.
- Incorporated music, art and literature into curriculum.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for curriculum delivery and classroom engagement.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans tailored to individual developmental needs.
- Fostered a nurturing environment, promoting social, emotional, and cognitive growth in infants.
- Collaborated with parents to provide updates on child progress and address concerns effectively.
Student Teacher
Burke County Public Schools
Morganton, NC
09.2022 - 12.2022
Education
No Degree - Birth-Kindergarten
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC05-2027
High School Diploma -
Cloudland High School
Roan Mountain05-2004
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Western Piedmont Community College
Morganton, NC05-2025
Skills
- Positive attitude
- Effective communication
- Calm and patient demeanor
- Computer skills
- Relationship building
- Cleaning and sanitizing
- Classroom support
- Student engagement
- Helping students with special needs
- Behavior redirection
- Individual student assistance
- Material preparation
Accomplishments
- Achieved certification in Autism.
- Achieved certification in Infant/Toddler Care.
- Achieved certification in Early Childhood Preschool.
- Achieved certification in CPR for Infants, Children, and Adults.
- Achieved certification in First Aid.
- Achieved certification in ITS/SIDS.
Certification
- Autism Training - 05/08/2023
- Early Childhood Preschool Training- 05/09/2022
- Infant/Toddler Care Training- 05/09/2022
Timeline
Teacher's Assistant
Avery County Schools
11.2025 - Current
Paraprofessional
Burke County Public Schools
02.2024 - 08.2024
Lead Teacher
First Baptist Preschool
08.2023 - 11.2023
Student Teacher
Burke County Public Schools
09.2022 - 12.2022
No Degree - Birth-Kindergarten
Western Carolina University
High School Diploma -
Cloudland High School
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Western Piedmont Community College