LEILA LESTER 

My goal is to create a compelling environment where children develop agency and ownership of their learning 
and collaborate as active participants in our classroom community. 

1807 Willowtree Ln. Apt. 5A  l​eilalester.weebly.com  lclester@umich.edu 

Ann Arbor, MI 48105    313.918.5729 
 
Michigan Provisional Elementary Certification   May 2018 
Elementary: K-5 All Subjects, K-8 All Subjects Self Contained Classroom 
Language Arts: K-8 
ESL: K-8 
 

EDUCATION 
Master of Arts in Educational Studies with Elementary Certification 
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI  August 2018 
 

Bachelor of Arts in Special Education 

Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI  August 2017 
Urban Educators Cohort Program 
 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE 
Pattengill Elementary School (4th grade)  Ann Arbor, MI 
Student Teacher  September 2017-April 2018 
● Collected and analyzed formative and summative assessment data to design and modify standards-based 
curriculum materials 
● Integrated UDL principles in lesson planning to develop lessons accessible to students of all abilities 
● Applied concepts of balanced literacy framework to provide consistency in all aspects of literacy instruction 
● Fostered classroom community and used cultural knowledge of students to inform lesson planning 
 

Summer Learning Institute (2nd grade)  Ann Arbor, MI 

Pre-student Teacher  July 2017-August 2017 
● Created and modified lesson plans to meet the needs of the individual student in math and literacy 
● Assisted in the facilitation of students’ rotation through math and literacy centers 
● Used running records as a method of formative and summative assessment to monitor literacy progress 
 

North Elementary (5th grade)  Lansing, MI 

Pre-student Teacher  September 2015-May 2016 
● Differentiated instruction to support needs of English language learners, many of whom were refugees 
● Designed and taught an hour-long lesson plan for each core subject 
● Conducted functional behavior analysis of individual student and developed behavior intervention plan 
 

Marble Elementary School  East Lansing, MI 

Student Observer  September 2014-December 2014 
● Shadowed special education resource room teacher 
● Interviewed teacher to gain insights about implementation of IDEA and other special education laws 
● Used field observations to support learning in a laws of special education course 
 

Mt. Hope Elementary School (4th grade)  East Lansing, MI 

Student Observer  January 2014-May 2014 
● Explored relationship between parents of urban youth and schools in coursework using field observations 
● Interviewed a parent, a teacher, and students to gain insight into views on learning 
● Designed an educational math game presented at Math Parent Night 
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RELATED EXPERIENCE 
IXL Learning Center  Hamburg, MI 
Lead Infant Teacher  August 2016-November 2016 
● Initiated the development of a curriculum framework for lesson planning in the absence of one 
● Formed relationships and rapport with families of children in my classroom 
● Directed and supported assistant staff to maintain a consistent quality of care 
 

Bennett Elementary (3rd grade)  Detroit, MI 

Urban Immersion Fellow  June 2014-July 2014 
● Provided intervention support in classroom of primarily Spanish-speaking English language learners 
● Observed the multitude of ways community assets can be leveraged in classroom practices 
● Designed video project with 2 fellows focusing on community and school asse​ts

Spartan Child Development Center  East Lansing, MI 

Professional Staff Substitute  April 2015-May 2016 
● Interacted with caregivers and developed relationships with families 
● Facilitated activities planned by lead teacher and improvised as needed 
● Supervised 1-3 aide staff in classroom in addition to all responsibilities of Aide Staff  
Aide Staff  October 2014-April 2015 
● Assisted in planning lesson activities based on High Scope curriculum 
● Collected anecdotal notes used by lead teachers to substantiate progress toward developmental milestones 
● Interacted with children from 6 week-5 years; primarily in infant and toddler classes 

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