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Savannah Heidloff
4th Grade Teacher at Oak Park Elementary District 97
Professional Background
Savannah Heidloff is an energetic and creative educator who currently teaches 4th grade at Oak Park Elementary District 97. With a passion for instilling a love of learning in students of all ages, Savannah's teaching philosophy revolves around culturally-responsive instruction that engages students through experiential learning. She possesses a wealth of experience that includes over two years of teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to diverse student populations both in South Korea and Chicago. This rich background contributes significantly to her ability to communicate and connect with students across different cultural backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and encouraging learning environment.
In the world of education, collaboration is essential, and Savannah looks forward to working alongside fellow educators in her forthcoming teaching endeavors. With a commitment to the growth and development of her students, she draws on her experiences and knowledge to adapt her teaching techniques to meet the needs of every learner.
Education and Achievements
Savannah Heidloff's academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in English from Illinois State University, which provided her with the strong language skills necessary for effective communication and teaching. She furthered her education by obtaining a Master of Education in Elementary Education and Teaching from DePaul University. These advanced studies have equipped Savannah with a comprehensive understanding of pedagogy, educational psychology, and curriculum design, making her a well-rounded educator.
In addition to her teaching qualifications, Savannah holds a Type 03 Certificate with Middle School endorsements in Language Arts and Social Science. This certification demonstrates her proficiency in delivering lessons that are not only informative but also foster critical thinking and inquiry-based learning among her students.
Notable Experiences
Savannah's teaching journey has not been confined to the classroom alone. She has served as a server and trainer at Maya del Sol, where she honed her abilities to manage responsibilities and work in a fast-paced environment. This role helped enhance her interpersonal skills, which prove invaluable in a classroom setting.
Moreover, her experience as a student teacher at Washington Irving Elementary School and as an adjunct faculty member at BIR Training Center has further enriched her teaching repertoire. At Plus Academy, where she worked as an English teacher, Savannah provided vital English language education to students, reinforcing her expertise in ESL.
Travel and Cultural Awareness
Savannah’s enriching travel experiences to countries such as China, Thailand, Germany, and Spain have played a pivotal role in her personal and professional development. These journeys have not only broadened her perspective on global cultures but have also deepened her understanding and appreciation for cultural nuances in the classroom. By promoting cultural awareness and appreciation among her students, Savannah encourages them to view learning as a lifelong journey and helps cultivate a global mindset.
Specialties
With a focus on elementary education, experiential learning, and ESL, Savannah has specialized her teaching methodologies to effectively address the varying needs of her students. She incorporates real-world experiences into her lessons, allowing students to engage in active learning and develop critical thinking skills through practical application.
As an educator who is committed to cultural responsiveness, Savannah adapts her instruction based on data derived from student assessments, enabling her to tailor her teaching to enhance individual student outcomes. This data-informed approach ensures that her students not only grasp content but also develop a genuine interest in learning, which is essential to their academic success.
Achievements
- Attained a Type 03 Certificate with endorsements in Middle School Language Arts and Social Science.
- Developed expertise in culturally-responsive instruction catering to diverse learners.
- Gained over two years of practical experience in ESL teaching, enhancing language skills for non-native speakers.
- Fostered cultural appreciation in educational settings through international travel and diverse teaching experiences.