Amanda Simons

1237 Brown St. Larchwood, IA 51241

(605) 630-3603
amanda.simons@k12.sd.us
https://amandasimons.weebly.com

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Passionate teacher driven to build lasting connections with students, promote technological instruction and
inquiry in the classroom. Dedicated to helping students of all skill levels excel through personalized support
and engaging instruction. Experienced at managing a classroom, social emotional support, and fostering
innovation. Adaptive experiences from the Air National Guard and as a Kindergarten Teacher will enhance the
instructional strategies used in any West Lyon classroom.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
Teacher K-8th Grade License
South Dakota Department of Education - Pierre, SD -05/2021

Bachelor of Science: Elementary Education, Kindergarten Endorsement, K-12 Reading & Technology Minor
Dakota State University - Madison, SD- 05/2021

Teacher Substitute License

Iowa Board of Educational Examiners - Des Moines, IA -10/2020

Associate of Science: Early Childhood Specialist

Southeast Technical College - Sioux Falls, SD- 12/2015
TEACHING SKILLS
• Lessons Aligned to State Standards
• Aspen Certified & PLC Member
• Organized Lesson Planning
• Differentiated Instruction
• IEP Compliance & Collaboration
• Technological Instruction
• Student-Centered Instruction
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
• Graduated DSU Magna Cum Laude, 3.8 GPA
• PLT Praxis Score, 190
• DSU Academic Dean's List, 2018- 2020
• Academic Honors, Bioenvironmental Engineering
Services, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, OH,
2017
• Airman of the Quarter for the 114th Fighter Wing; 2017

WORK EXPERIENCE
Kindergarten Teacher
Liberty Elementary- Harrisburg School District – Harrisburg, SD
08/2021 to present
• Applied Aspen training to develop whole group and personalized behavior plans that enhance student growth
• Utilized curriculum to spark student interest with engaging hands-on activities that challenge all learners
• Designed effective individualized small group instruction based on formative assessments and NWEA data
• Active participant in IEP meetings that collaborates with staff and families to reach student goals
• Build relationships with students and families through phone calls, weekly newsletters, SeaSaw, email,
conferences, IEP meetings, Pawsitive notes, and special events
• Seek professional growth by joining the Multi-tiered System of Supports team (MTSS), utilizing Positive
Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS), and an active participant in the mentorship program

Third Grade Student Teacher

Horizon Elementary- Harrisburg School District – Sioux Falls, SD
01/2021 to 05/2021
• Led rich and effective small groups that focused on reading, literacy, and math instruction
• Implemented curriculums such as Zearn, Fountas & Pinnell, Mystery Science, WIN guided reading, and
Flocabulary into the classroom
• Cultivated a classroom that balances a positive classroom environment, pedagogy, and content through
making real world connections
• Attended annual IEP meetings and collaborated with staff to meet student goals
• Built relationships with students and families with phone calls, SeaSaw, email, conferences, Pawsitive notes

Preschool Paraprofessional & K-6 Substitute Paraprofessional

West Lyon Elementary- West Lyon Community School– Inwood, IA
08/2018 to 12/2020, 08/2014 to 04/2016
• Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching in small and whole group settings to keep
students interested, promoting rich conversations, student-centered activities and experiments
• Fostered positive relationships and student empowerment while compiling quantifiable data for Creative
Curriculum GOLD teaching standards; 38 objectives are measured for each student 3 times a year
• Supported students with varying degrees of special needs, while ensuring IEP compliance in both inclusive
classroom and resource rooms

Bioenvironmental Engineering Technician

Air National Guard – Sioux Falls, SD
10/2012 to Current
• Monitor safety and assess risk levels and mitigation strategies at industrial work centers to ensure
compliance with federal regulations.
• Compose professional documents, emails, zoom meetings, web-based trainings to provide explicit
instruction and guidance for Air National Guard members.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
• MTSS Committee Member • Professional Learning Community Member
• National Science Teacher Association • Donor for United Way & Compassion International

REFERENCES
• Aaron Weaver, Liberty Elementary Principal, (605) 929-2531
• Lisa Norris, District Instructional Coach/Mentor, (605) 254-8622
• Jodi Nielsen, Horizon Elementary Teacher, (952) 693-5433