Amber Soderlund Email & Phone Number

Northfield, Mn

I began working as a Classroom Aide at the WSU Children's Center in January of 2015. The following May, I was promoted to Assistant Teacher. I worked primarily in an infant classroom, but also obtained experiences in the toddler and preschool classrooms. I created relationships with each student in my primary classroom, as well as relationships with the parents. The discussions with parents at both drop-off and pick-up helped develop these relationships. Written daily reports were completed on each child, as well as verbal anecdotes to the parents at pick-up. Upon hiring, I completed trainings on ethics and mandatory reporting.A positive learning environment is important in any scenario. With as many as 14 infants, it is important to keep infants engaged to avoid negative behavior. Positive social interaction is promoted in the infant classroom by holding circle time. During this time, the children see their peers participating and create positive interactions. An important part of my job included constantly scanning the room and always having eyes and ears open to the children. This ensures the environment is a constant safe space for the children to in.

The Winona Middle School first received a grant from the Initial Teaching Alphabet Foundation for the 2013-2014 school year. I was hired through the school district to be an Initial Teaching Alphabet Tutor, and stayed with the position for one and a half years. By using the ITA materials and primarily through repeated oral assisted reading activities, I was able to help promote literacy for struggling readers.

Bachelor’S Degree, Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education, And Reading Instruction

Activities and Societies: National Society of Collegiate Scholars Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Master'S In Teacher Leadership, Educational Leadership