Get to know Mrs. H

Hello! My name is Mindy Hillegass. Welcome to my professional portfolio blog! Take your time getting to know me as an educator and feel free to contact me with any questions that you have! Click on the labels to the left if you are looking for something in particular.

I have been working in education for the last eight years and currently teach in a local school district in western Pennsylvania. Two years ago, I  married the love of my life. There is just one problem. Because of my husband's job, I currently live an hour away from my school. If you know anything about the weather in western Pennsylvania, you know the issues that I incur with each commute. Therefore, I am seeking an elementary (K-6) teaching position closer to my home.

My goal as an educator is to provide my students with life skills that will help them succeed inside and outside of school. Everyday I work hard to make sure my students are becoming proficient in the following categories:

• Inquiry based science
• Literacy skills, including speaking, listening, and communicating
• Proficiency in technology

I am anxious to tell you more about my qualifications and why I want to be part of your school district!

Got Experience?

I certainly do! I have been working at a local school district for the last seven years. I have taught at two elementary schools in the district and in three different grades.

 



• Fifth grade teacher, Jackson ES, Central Cambria SD  Sept 09 – Currently
• Third grade teacher, Jackson ES, Central Cambria SD    Sept 08 - June 09
• Fourth grade teacher, Cambria ES, Central Cambria SD  Sept 07 – June 08
• Day to day substitute teacher, Various districts                  Sept 06 – June 07

Official Documents

The following documents are available upon request through email.

• Principal walkthroughs and observations
• References
• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Pennsylvania Standard Teacher Application
• Teaching Certificate
• Undergraduate Transcript
• Praxis Scores
• Clearances

Classroom Enviorment

Enjoy the many pictures of my classroom!

 

 

Classroom Library

 
Student work displayed
 


 

Bucket Filler Program

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Homework Board and Schedule

 

Fist to Five Check (Formative Assessment) and Voice - O - Meter to control noise

Materials are organized and students have easy access

Systems for handing in homework

Print rich bulletin board

  
Students are heterogeneously grouped

  

                                               Bulletin Boards are interactive

Behavior Managment

• Homework Club to encourage completion
• Behaviors modeled, taught, and retaught as needed
• Positive worded classroom rules decided together
• Incorporated school - wide behavior plans 
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Reading

• Use Scott Foresman Reading Street as a core program
• Co - teach in a full inclusion departmentalized reading classroom
• Implement interactive reading notebook
• Word work is incorporated daily. This includes word attack strategies, root word program, and interactive vocabulary study
• Fluency modeled and practiced with reader’s theatre, centers, and poetry
• Speaking and Listening used in Turn and Talks, book talks, and debates
• Various reading skills and strategies modeled, practiced, and assessed throughout the year
• Students participate in Book Clubs and Literature Circles
• Incorporate close readings, a recommended Common Core strategy
• Utilize flexible guided reading groups through Response to Intervention

Science

 

Science is a true passion of mine and I love teaching it to my students! I have taught departmentalized science the last two school years. My lessons are "minds on - hand on" and I utilize inquiry - based science kits to meet the standards.

 

• Use i3 Asset grant training in my lesson plans
• Integrate STEM concepts in my lesson plans
• Completed Floating & Sinking, Electricity, and Levers & Pulleys modules
• Utilize a science notebook for writing and literacy
• Research of Next Generation Science Standards