Susan OKeefe
East Weymouth
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record in fostering student engagement and development, seeking a position focused on two-year-olds within a collaborative team-teaching model. Expertise in creating inclusive, developmentally appropriate learning environments that drive significant improvements in student outcomes. A strong team player dedicated to supporting colleagues and embracing opportunities for mutual growth. Committed to contributing to a friendly and professional atmosphere that values respect for children, staff, and families, ensuring nurturing and enriching learning experiences for young children.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Nursery Coordinator
First Presbyterian Church of Quincy
Quincy, MA
04.2023 - Current
- Provides care for children infant to 5yrs during church services and events.
- Plans and implements developmentally appropriate and engaging activities for children based on their individual skills and interests.
- Provides guidance and support to church volunteers in the nursery program.
- Provides volunteer services for church activities throughout the year (special prayer hours, monthly KidsFun program, trunk-or-treat and others).
- Develops positive relationships with parent and caregivers which also includes in-home and overnight care of foster children during times of need.
Lead Teacher, Two-Year-Olds Classroom
Goddard School of Quincy
Quincy, MA
09.2024 - 01.2026
- Participated in start-up child education center, helping design and set up classrooms to meet NAEYC standards.
- Plans and implements developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences for toddler-aged children (15mos - 2.9yrs).
- Communicates with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Maintains a fun, active, well-managed classroom with a positive and nurturing atmosphere by clearly and appropriately outlining classroom standards and reinforcing behaviors conducive to learning and engagement.
- Works with teaching staff to plan and implement activities across developmental domains, evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
Insurance Referral Coordinator
South Shore Medical Center
Norwell, MA
09.2016 - 11.2023
- Daily management of patient medical insurance referrals through multi-line telephone system and EMR portal.
- Provided support and assistance to struggling patients by helping them understand the insurance referral process.
- Obtained insurance specific authorization through online portals and telephone contact, including out of network requests.
Lead Toddler Teacher
Greater Quincy Child Care Center
Quincy, MA
09.2012 - 11.2019
- Planned and implemented developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences for toddler-aged children (15mos - 2.9yrs).
- Communicated with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Maintained a fun, active, well-managed classroom with a positive and nurturing atmosphere by clearly and appropriately outlining classroom standards and reinforcing behaviors conducive to learning and engagement.
- Worked with teaching staff to plan and implement activities across developmental domains, evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
Substitute Teacher
Weymouth Public Schools
Weymouth, MA
09.2010 - 06.2012
- Provided both short and long-term coverage during teacher absences across many grades and specialties from PK-Grade 4, including special education classes.
- Executed lesson plans developed by teacher while providing student support as needed.
- Created and executed original lesson plans to extend student learning and engagement at times when teacher absence was longer than expected.
- Created reports to inform teachers of student progress during absence.
- Monitored students and followed/modified lesson plans to ensure continued student success.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Dedham Public Schools
Dedham, MA
09.2008 - 06.2010
- Substantially separate small group of 5-year-old students from diverse cultures with global language delays, attention disorders, hearing impairments and developmental delays; many of whom were on the autism spectrum.
- Planned/modified general education skills/curriculum for high needs students using a variety of modalities (rhymes, songs, movement, pictures, etc).
- Created materials and schedules using BoardMaker software to assist children in organization and learning.
- Stored, maintained and supported the use of personal FM systems for hard of hearing students.
- Communicated with parents through daily communication books to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Used a variety of assessment tools to evaluate student progress and drive further instruction as a bridge to success.
- Training in appropriate crisis management, including safe and respectful restraint practices to use as needed.
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Quincy Public Schools
Quincy, MA
09.2006 - 06.2008
- Population - 5-year-old children from diverse backgrounds with global language delays, attention and retention disorders, developmental delays including many on the autism spectrum.
- Created original, modified curriculum aligning with state standards to meet diverse needs, fostering student progress and success.
- Created materials and schedules to assist children in daily activities using BoardMaker software.
- Daily communication with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies and goals.
- Created a fun, developmentally appropriate classroom that engaged students in learning.
- Used a variety of assessment tools to track student progress and plan/modify/present future instruction.
- Worked closely with other specialists (OT, PT, Speech) to bring a sense of continuity to children's skills and expectations.
Special Education Inclusion Teacher 3rd Grade
Brockton Public Schools
Brockton, MA
09.2004 - 06.2006
- Population - 3rd grade students with special needs (global language disorders, attention and retention disorders, learning specific disabilities in reading, writing and mathematics).
- Worked closely with general education teacher withing a co-teaching inclusion model.
- Instructed students in small groups in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics
- Provided support, modifications and accommodations for students during whole group lessons taught by general education teacher.
- Taught social studies curriculum to large group (both general and special education students).
- Tracked and assessed student progress using a variety of methods to inform future instruction.
- Supported special education students with accommodations taking the MCAS reading test (pilot year).
- Created successful MCAS portfolios for students who qualified/required alternate assessment methods.
Education
Master's degree - Special Education
Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA08.2009
Bachelor's degree - Early Childhood Education and English
Eastern Nazarene College
Quincy, MA08.2000
Associate's degree - Early Childhood Education and Administration
Massasoit Community College
Brockton, MA06.1994
Skills
- Structured learning environment
- Classroom management expertise
- Parent engagement strategies
- Supervision of outdoor activities
- Music integration
- Curriculum design
- Individualized learning adaptations
Certification
EEC license number 9595780
Qualification codes T, LT, D I
I/T, P, D II
Timeline
Lead Teacher, Two-Year-Olds Classroom
Goddard School of Quincy
09.2024 - 01.2026
Nursery Coordinator
First Presbyterian Church of Quincy
04.2023 - Current
Insurance Referral Coordinator
South Shore Medical Center
09.2016 - 11.2023
Lead Toddler Teacher
Greater Quincy Child Care Center
09.2012 - 11.2019
Substitute Teacher
Weymouth Public Schools
09.2010 - 06.2012
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Dedham Public Schools
09.2008 - 06.2010
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Quincy Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2008
Special Education Inclusion Teacher 3rd Grade
Brockton Public Schools
09.2004 - 06.2006
Bachelor's degree - Early Childhood Education and English
Eastern Nazarene College
Associate's degree - Early Childhood Education and Administration
Massasoit Community College
Master's degree - Special Education
Bridgewater State University