Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
References
Timeline
Generic

Despina A. Smith

Ramstein

Summary

Dedicated and compassionate early childhood educator with a strong background as a preschool teacher in a Christian school, emphasizing faith-based values, character development, and foundational academics. Experienced paraprofessional supporting students from Pre-K through 6th grade in both general and special education settings, providing individualized instruction, behavior support, and classroom management. Trusted babysitter with years of experience caring for children of various ages, ensuring safety, nurturing development, and maintaining open communication with families. Passionate about fostering a supportive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for all children.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Paraprofessional

Fairview Elementary- Moore Oklahoma
08.2019
  • Obtained as a certified paraprofessional, trained tasks, including following.
  • Gave over 50 students with questions, offering targeted uphold to improve understanding. Expediting a responsive learning environment and uplift student engagement through personalized assistance.
  • Addressed and resolved 30+ classroom disruptions, operationalizing proactive strategies for a more focused and positive learning environment.
  • Delivered personalized one-on-one accommodations for students in 1st and 5th grade, ameliorating learning outcomes.
  • Tailored teaching strategies increased overall academic performance and stimulate a supportive educational environment.
  • Orchestrated classes to destinations, ensuring a seamless transition between activities. Achieved efficient logistical coordination, optimizing daily schedule for both students and faculty.
  • Provided comforting hugs to dozens, promoting aid and perfecting well-being. Strengthened community connections by offering emotional support, publicizing unity.
  • Supervised lunch and recess for 150+ students, ensuring a safe environment. Carried through vigilant oversight, notably reducing incidents and enhancing student well-being and engagement.
  • Adapted safe and efficient end-of-day car loading for all children, Instituted organizational strategies streamlined daily routines, boosting operational efficiency, and enhancing parent satisfaction.
  • Implemented cohesive lesson plans to teach 10 students for academic and social emotional; undertook one on one time to coordinate with teachers.
  • Applied mentoring program for over 10 student volunteers to mentor kids from underprivileged backgrounds to improve maths and science skills; conducted after school tutoring programs for elementary students
  • Analyzed several types of disruptive behaviors and attended workshops on disruptive behaviors; practiced classroom management to ensure student involvement in class discussions for 2 classes of 20 students.

Babysitter/Childcare Provider

Moore Oklahoma, Ramstein Germany
01.2015 - Current
  • Offered childcare for several children ranging in the age of newborns to 7 years old.
  • Excelled in tailored homework support for 20+ students, nurturing a supportive learning environment. Applied effective communication, leading to revamped comprehension and heightened academic performance across subjects.
  • Introduced innovative educational strategies to 50+ children, expanding comprehension and enriching learning experiences for a dynamic educational environment.
  • Motivated 20+ students to engage in test preparation, facilitating a dedicated study environment. Supplied guidance and favored, contributing to amplify academic performance and student success.
  • Elevated language development, social skills, and comprehension of scientific and mathematical concepts for 30+ children through creative play, including storytelling and games, resulting in a more engaging and effective learning experience
  • Developed and organized 20+ creative activities, inspiring interactive learning experiences. Im student engagement and creativity, contributing to a dynamic and enriching educational environment.
  • Prepared nutritious snacks for a daily average of 50 students, contributing to overall well-being and creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere during snack time.
  • Provided assistance with personal hygiene routines for multiple students, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment. Maintain daily routines to propel a sense of well-being and dignity.
  • Operated Business machines i.e. computers (Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Preschool Teacher

Faith Baptist Church
08.2022 - 06.2025
  • Plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum focused on early literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, and fine/gross motor development
  • Foster a safe, nurturing classroom environment that encourages curiosity, independence, and positive peer relationships
  • Conduct regular assessments to track student progress in language, math, and motor skills; tailor instruction based on individual needs
  • Communicate regularly with parents/guardians through conferences, newsletters, and daily reports to support student growth
  • Collaborate with fellow educators, support staff, and administration to create cohesive lesson plans and classroom strategies
  • Manage classroom behavior using positive reinforcement, redirection, and consistent routines
  • Integrate play-based and hands-on learning activities to engage young learners and support various learning styles
  • Support students with potty training, personal hygiene, and transitions between classroom activities

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Maryland Global Campus
02.2025

Associate of Science - Psychology

University of Maryland Global Campus
08.2024

High School Diploma -

Moore High School
12.2018

First Aid - undefined

CPR Select
07.2019

CPR/AED (adult, child, infant) - undefined

Cpr Select
07.2019

Registered Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate - undefined

Oklahoma State Department of Education
07.2019

Skills

  • Skilled in implementing positive behavior support strategies to promote student engagement, emotional regulation, and a safe classroom environment
  • Strong ability to communicate clearly and professionally with students, parents, and staff to foster collaboration and support student development
  • Experienced in providing individualized support to students with diverse learning and behavioral needs, ensuring alignment with IEP goals and accommodations
  • Proficient in delivering targeted academic and behavioral interventions through small group and individualized support to enhance student learning outcomes
  • Adept at creating and maintaining structured routines that support early childhood development, classroom management, and smooth daily transitions
  • Experienced in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support holistic student development, including speech therapists, occupational therapists, and special education staff

References

  • DeAnna Friebe Teacher at Faith Baptist, deannafriebe@gmail.com, +49 1575 6524912
  • Marcus, Steele, Teacher at Fairview Elementary, marcussteele@moorepublicschools.com, (405)642-3373
  • Heather, Calfee, US Air force, Civ, speedyusafpm@gmail.com, +49 170 2743543

Timeline

Preschool Teacher

Faith Baptist Church
08.2022 - 06.2025

Paraprofessional

Fairview Elementary- Moore Oklahoma
08.2019

Babysitter/Childcare Provider

Moore Oklahoma, Ramstein Germany
01.2015 - Current

First Aid - undefined

CPR Select

CPR/AED (adult, child, infant) - undefined

Cpr Select

Registered Special Education Paraprofessional Certificate - undefined

Oklahoma State Department of Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

University of Maryland Global Campus

Associate of Science - Psychology

University of Maryland Global Campus

High School Diploma -

Moore High School

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Despina A. Smith