April Gaddis
Bon Aqua
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Gordon Jewish Community Center, specializing in curriculum development and classroom management. Proven ability to foster a nurturing environment that enhances child development and creativity. Skilled in communication and observation, successfully implementing individualized lesson plans that promote engagement and learning outcomes. Committed to continuous professional growth and collaboration.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Toddler Teacher
Gordon Jewish Community Center
Nashville, TN
07.2020 - 03.2025
- Assisted in maintaining a clean, organized classroom that met required health and safety standards according to state regulations.
- Created a safe, nurturing environment that fostered creativity, curiosity, and exploration among toddlers.
- Led small group activities designed to enhance language skills, fine motor abilities, and problem-solving techniques among toddlers.
- Provided structured daily routines that balanced physical activity, cognitive development, social-emotional growth, and rest periods.
- Developed individualized lesson plans tailored to each child''s needs, promoting overall growth and development.
- Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
- Worked closely with fellow teachers to share ideas, exchange feedback, and collaborate on curriculum planning efforts across classrooms.
- Collaborated with parents to establish consistent routines and maintain open communication channels for optimal child support.
- Supported children during transitions between activities or environments by providing clear instructions and guidance as needed.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating age-appropriate activities and play-based teaching methods.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
Teacher
Active Learning Center
Nashville, TN
08.2016 - 07.2020
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
Teacher/Assistant Director
Almost Home Daycare
Franklin Tennessee
02.1992 - 08.2015
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
Education
Bachelor of Science -
Post University
Woodbury, CT05-2026
High School Diploma -
Franklin High School
Franklin TN05-1994
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Behavior assessment
- Child development
- Communication skills
- Observation and assessment
- Creative thinking
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Progress reporting
Accomplishments
- Supervised groups of up to [Number] children from three months to [Number] years of age.
- Transitioned facility from paper to electronic filing system.
- Improved child retention rates by [Number]% through teacher and program improvement.
- Managed classroom of [Number] children ages [Number] to [Number], maintaining a safe, nurturing environment.
- Increased new enrollment and return enrollment by [Number].
- Trained [Number] of [Center Name] employees.
Certification
- Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate (TESL/TEFL/TESOL) - Various Accrediting Bodies such as TESOL International Association.
- Music Together Teacher Training – Music Together LLC, for teachers incorporating music into early childhood education.
- Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship Membership– Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship, not a certification but a professional membership recognizing commitment to Steiner/Waldorf education principles.
- National Administrator Credential (NAC) - National Institute of Child Care Management.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Toddler Teacher
Gordon Jewish Community Center
07.2020 - 03.2025
Teacher
Active Learning Center
08.2016 - 07.2020
Teacher/Assistant Director
Almost Home Daycare
02.1992 - 08.2015
Bachelor of Science -
Post University
High School Diploma -
Franklin High School
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