1. Carrie A. Nelson
2406 Willow Lane
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008-3456
Cell: 847.624.2270 Home: 847.368.8534
mrscarrienelson@yahoo.com
Areas of Expertise: Curriculum Development, Leadership, and Organization
Problem Solving and Adaptability
Written and Verbal Communication Skills
Team Building and Management
Instruction and Assessment
Professional Experience:
July 2012 – June 2015 Third Grade Teacher (currently on leave with child)
Embers Elementary School, Niles, IL
 Assisted in the development of a promotional video for the school
 Supported three teachers-in-training—two from Madrid, Spain and one from
Des Plaines, IL
 Incorporated daily poetry writing and monthly poetry recitals
 Researched and scheduled appropriate field trips that complemented studies
 Communicated students’ academic and behavioral progress to parents on a
weekly basis through newsletters, email, letters, and phone calls
 Published a weekly newsletter that highlighted what was learned in class
 Developed lesson plans that align to exit goals and carried out instruction and
assessment in all core subjects; incorporated project-based learning
 Modeled strategies, motivated students & provided interventions when needed
August 2011 – May 2012 Chair of Annual Fundraiser; All-School Substitute Teacher
Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL
 Oversaw 22 committees in the development of ideas and execution of plans to
make the annual fundraiser a memorable and successful one for all involved
 Filled in for teachers on an as-needed basis
August 2008 – June 2011 Fourth/Fifth Grade Teacher
Jefferson Elementary School—Berkeley School District 87, Bellwood, IL
 Assisted the principal in representing our school at community events
 Member of the PBS (Positive Behavioral Support) Team and SIP (School
Improvement Plan) Committee; analyzed data from ISAT, MAP, AIMSWEB,
and Terra Nova test results and collaborated with teachers and administrators
in coming up with means to improve upon identified weaknesses
 Taught after-school reading and math clubs for third and fourth grade students
 Collaborated with grade-level team; developed lesson plans aligned with state
standards and provided instruction and assessment to my students
 Communicated students’ academic and behavioral progress to parents on a
weekly basis through newsletters, email, letters, and phone calls
Summer 2008 & 2009 First Grade Writing Instructor
Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL
 Developed learning objectives and interactive lessons to assist incoming first
graders with their writing skills

2. November 2007 – July 2008 Director of Development for Summer School Programs
Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL
 Created an education-based program from the ground up, designing
enrichment classes for Pre-K 3, Pre-K 4, K, and 1, complete with learning
outcomes and lesson plans
 Wrote policies and procedures; devised a budget
 Developed the registration mailer and advertisements for publication in the
local paper and postings in businesses
 Interviewed and hired high-quality teachers, training them in classroom
management & instructional techniques
April 2008 – June 2008 Long-Term Kindergarten Substitute
Madison School – Skokie and Morton Grove School District 69, Skokie, IL
 Collaborated with a team of seven other kindergarten teachers
 Developed lesson plans and provided instruction and assessment to students
 Communicated students’ academic and behavioral progress to parents on a
weekly basis
August 2007 – April 2008 First Grade Teacher’s Assistant & Lunchroom Supervisor
Henry Winkelman School – West Northfield School District 31, Glenview, IL
 Provided reading and writing support to class during small group and whole-
class settings
 Corrected homework, making note of any weaknesses that I identified
 Assisted teacher with centers and transitions
 Supervised all grades during the designated lunch times
May 2004 – October 2006 Freelance Item Writer
Riverside Publishing Company, Itasca, IL
 Developed mathematics test questions for standardized tests for the states of
Georgia and Maryland on an as-needed basis
August 1999 – June 2007 Multi-Grade Teacher, Single-Grade Teacher, and School Curriculum Developer
Embers Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL
 Taught up to 4 grades in one room all school year
 Created the learning objectives for all core subjects (language arts, math,
history, geography, and science) in grades K-5
 Researched and presented various companies’ science programs to the
principal and faculty for adoption of new program for entire school
 Created a mid-quarter report form for teachers to use in grades K-5 (to
encourage frequent assessment and communication)
 Developed and implemented staff training programs for assessment measures
and classroom management to all faulty
 Provided leadership and strategic direction with head of school to revise the
academics section of school website
 Assisted in the physical move of the school, from a rented space in Northfield,
IL to our own property in Park Ridge, IL in December 2001/January 2002
 Developed curriculum, assessment measures, and instructional techniques for
the grades I taught; encouraged active learning
 Communicated students’ academic and behavioral progress to parents on a
weekly basis
 Published a weekly newsletter that highlighted what was learned in class

3. August 1998 – June 1999 Math and Science Teacher for Junior High (6, 7, 8)
Sacred Heart School, Melrose Park, IL
 Improved upon existing math and science curricula by incorporating hands-on
activities, more effective instruction, and meaningful assessments
 Developed strategies to promote the school, particularly the junior high
June & July 1998-2000 Curriculum Researcher, Developer, and Teacher
of “Mock Trial” (social studies/oral communications class)
for junior high students enrolled in the Chicago Preparatory Summer Program held at
Dominican University, IL
 Created the curriculum for the entire summer school class, including
assessments
 Facilitated group learning, encouraging students to differentiate facts and
develop persuading arguments and thoughtful questions
Sept. 1995 – August 2003 Processor and Accountant
Midwest Security Insurance Services, Inc., Park Ridge, IL
 Quoted insurance rates for producers and processed policies
 Worked in accounts payable, receiving all incoming checks and applying
them to policies; paid the office bills
 Answered and directed phone calls, filed, ordered supplies, and sent out mail
Education:
M.Ed in Education Curriculum and Instruction
Summa Cum Laude, November 2003
GPA: 3.960/4.000
University of Phoenix, Arizona (Online Program)
BA in Elementary Education, Distinction in English
Magna Cum Laude, May 1998
GPA: 3.877/4.000
Illinois Elementary Certification (Type 03, Current)
Middle Grade Endorsement: Language Arts
State & NCLB Approved Paraprofessional
Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois
Honors: * Illinois Reading Council member and past presenter
* Distinguished senior in the field of Elementary Education
(an award bestowed on only one student in the graduating class)
Volunteer Work:
Annual Fundraiser, Meals on Wheels, Hot Lunches, Faculty Appreciation Luncheon (Embers Elementary – Niles, IL)
Annual Bake Sale, Hot Lunches, Faculty Appreciation Breakfast, St. Nick Day (Northridge Prep – Niles, IL)
Making/Serving Breakfast (Fisher House – Hines, IL)