Taniya Mills
Aurora,CO
Summary
A hard-working, self-motivated educator with 6+ years of experience in child care, customer service, and classroom management. Strong background in developing and implementing engaging curriculum. Adept at fostering collaborative learning environment that encourages student growth and achievement. Known for reliability and flexibility, ensuring smooth and effective teaching operations. Keeping classrooms organized and students on-task to facilitate effective learning. Diligent and adaptable in meeting individual student needs with warm, safe educational environments.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher
Catch A Star Academy
06.2025 - Current
- Planning, preparing, and delivering lesson plans and instructional materials that facilitate active learning in a highly individualized setting;
- Provide necessary accommodations for students with learning differences;
- Monitoring student progress through periodic assessments; and
- Facilitated connections between historical events and current affairs, making subject matter more relevant and interesting to students.
- Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support student development
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Organized and led educational field trips that complemented classroom learning, broadening students' real-world understanding.
- Facilitated hands-on science experiments to foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to enhance student critical thinking skills.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Employed appropriate teaching methods to cater to individual educational needs of each student.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans to address student issues.
Paraprofessional
Catch A Star Academy
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Lead small group instruction to support differentiated student learning.
- Provide one-on-one academic assistance and guidance to students.
- Support literacy development by reading with students and promoting comprehension skills.
- Assist classroom teachers with lesson preparation, materials organization, and grading.
- Maintain a well-managed, positive, and organized classroom environment.
- Monitor and supervise students during lunch, recess, and transitions.
- Assist in coordinating and supervising field trips and special activities.
- Perform administrative and clerical tasks, including copying, laminating, and maintaining records.
- Conduct light cleaning and organization of classrooms, lunchroom, and bathrooms.
- Support meal preparation and distribution as needed.
- Answer incoming phone calls and provide assistance to staff, students, and parents.
- Encourage student engagement, confidence, and a growth mindset through positive feedback.
- Foster a safe, respectful, and encouraging classroom culture.
- Collaborate with teachers and staff to enhance student academic and social success.
Lead & Assistant Teacher
Fitzsimmons Early Learning Center
09.2020 - 05.2024
- Monitoring kids ranging from infants, toddlers, and two-year-olds.
- Held lead teaching positions for toddlers and twos.
- Assisted with hands-on classroom activities.
- Communicated daily with parents.
- Completed documentation of children’s daily needs.
- Implemented center procedures.
- Assisted lead teachers in classroom management and daily operational tasks.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning experiences.
Teachers Assistant
Primrose School of Lowry
06.2018 - 07.2018
- Assisted with kids ranging between 4-5 years old.
- Supervised personal hygiene and accident management.
- Completed daily classroom functions and expectations.
- Implemented school curriculum.
- Observed school rules and regulations.
- Completed safety and legal documentation.
AmeriCorps NCCC
10.2019 - 07.2020
- Full-time, team-based, residential program partnering with YMCA & Hope City non-profit.
- Rebuilt homes impacted by natural disaster.
- Collaborated with local leaders in community outreach.
- Visited schools and offered fire safety workshops.
- Distributed and sorted food at a local food bank.
- Cold called list of clients for ‘Listos California’ about emergency response plan of action.
Team Member
Chick-Fil-A
02.2018 - 10.2018
- Completed CFA team member training.
- Served guests that met restaurant expectations.
- Fully trained in front of house positions.
- Managed money transactions.
- Offered customer service interactions.
- Assisted with daily functions and closing procedures.
Teachers Aid
Happy Days Learning Center of Aurora, Inc.
06.2017 - 07.2017
- Assisted with the preparation and distribution of lunch for the center.
- Monitored preschool-aged students.
- Supervised classroom cleanliness.
- Responded to students daily needs.
Education
Unfinished - Elementary Education
Center For Urban Education - University of Northern Colorado
Denver, COHigh School Diploma -
William Smith High School
Aurora, CO05-2019
Skills
- Initiative
- Adaptability
- Accountability
- Customer Service
- Volunteer Work
- Problem Solving
- Educational field trips
- Social-emotional learning training
- Small group instruction
- Lesson planning
- Student assessment
- Classroom management
- Parent collaboration
- Curriculum development
Certification
- Mandated Reporter
- CPR and First Aid Certified
- Educator of the Year Award-The EduCtr, Salute to Excellence in Education
- Listos California-Cold Caller Award
- Segal AmeriCorps Education Award
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
ECE Educator of the Year Award
Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala – TheEduCtr, 2023
- Honored as Early Childhood Educator of the Year for outstanding excellence and dedication in the field of education.
- Recognized among top Educators of Color in Colorado for demonstrating high standards of teaching and leadership.
- Award presented by Colorado Legislators and community leaders at the Salute to Excellence Gala in Denver, CO.
- Celebrated for professional impact, commitment to student success, and contributions to the education community.
Timeline
Teacher
Catch A Star Academy
06.2025 - Current
Paraprofessional
Catch A Star Academy
09.2024 - 06.2025
Lead & Assistant Teacher
Fitzsimmons Early Learning Center
09.2020 - 05.2024
AmeriCorps NCCC
10.2019 - 07.2020
Teachers Assistant
Primrose School of Lowry
06.2018 - 07.2018
Team Member
Chick-Fil-A
02.2018 - 10.2018
Teachers Aid
Happy Days Learning Center of Aurora, Inc.
06.2017 - 07.2017
Unfinished - Elementary Education
Center For Urban Education - University of Northern Colorado
High School Diploma -
William Smith High School