Londa Joy Neely

Neely4@illinois.edu

708- 289-5710

Education
B.S., Early Childhood Education, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL

May 2014

Ed.M., Special Education, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL

May 2016

Illinois Professional Educator License, with

-Early Childhood Education (ECE) Endorsement
-Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Letter of Approval
-English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement
IEIN: 944977 for licensure verification

Graduate Traineeships/Fellowships
These learning opportunities were made possible through funding from a federal grant entitled
Preparing Culturally Responsive EI/ECSE Personnel (PCRP).
Playgroup Facilitator

Spring 2016

Used triadic strategies to facilitate and strengthen interactions between parents and
children through various play activities in an inclusive playgroup setting.
Crisis Nursery Intern
Fall 2015
Graduate Assistant, Department of Special Education, Champaign, IL

Fall 2014

Experience
Student Teacher, Urbana Early Childhood School, Urbana, IL
Fall 2015
Created an inclusive environment that fostered the communication,
cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development of preschool age children
Creative Curriculum & experience using Teaching Strategies Gold
Field Practicum, Urbana Early Childhood School, Urbana, IL
Spring 2015
Student taught in an inclusive preschool at-risk classroom that included English Language Learners
whom were Spanish speaking
Student Teacher, Robeson Elementary, Champaign, IL
Spring 2014
Student taught in a first grade classroom; academic areas included math, science, literacy, social
studies, and technology
Helped develop and implement an academic RTI plan for the classroom
Experienced with SmartBoard technology
Student Teacher, Lincoln Elementary, Monticello, IL
Fall 2013
Student taught in an inclusive pre-kindergarten classroom, included interdisciplinary teaming
Experienced with SmartBoard technology
Field Practicum, Bottenfield Elementary, Champaign, IL
Spring 2013
Student taught in a multi-cultural and diverse social economic status kindergarten classroom;
academic areas included math, science, and literacy.
Field Practicum, Champaign Head Start, Champaign, IL
Fall 2012
Student taught in a multi-cultural and bilingual classroom with infants to three year olds.

Work Experience
Co-Teacher, Mothers Morning Out Preschool, Champaign, IL
Spring 2016 - Present
Toddler classroom teacher, providing social and emotional development,
cognitive development, and self-help skills development opportunities for
children 18-24 months.
Early Intervention Training Program, Champaign, IL
Administrative assistant

Spring 2015 - Present

Full-Time Substitute Teacher, Next Generation School, Champaign, IL

Aug. 2010 Aug. 2015
Created a safe experience for preschool age children to learn basic
life-skills, pre-math skills, and language skills
Skilled in nurture-heart classroom management

Volunteer/Leadership Experience
March 2016 Neely, L., Kim, L., Hahn, K., Houghton, M., Zhu, R. How Routines and Schedules Can Support Social
Emotional Development of Young Children: Strategies and Tips for Teacher and Parents. Presented at the
2016 Annual Illinois Head Start Association Conference, Springfield, IL.
October 2015 Price, C., Neely, L., & Hughes, M. Recruiting and retaining African-American students in higher
education: Issues, practices and strategies. Presented at the 31st Annual Division for Early Childhood
(DEC) International Conference on Young Children with Special Needs and Their Families, St. Louis, MO.
Project Leader, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL
2015-2016
Lead a project that examined teachers perceptions of effective family
engagement on the outcomes of children with disabilities in inclusive preschool settings.
Volunteer, Crisis Nursery, Urbana, IL
2010 - Present
Provided
a
safe
haven
for
children
in
the
Urbana-Champaign
community.

Built relationships with young children by being consistently at the nursery with a positive and
welcoming attitude.
Small Group Leader/Director/Coordinator, Flossmoor, IL
2006-Present
Operation Snowball, Snowflake & Snowflurry
Created a safe environment for groups of diverse students (9-18 years old) and promoted selfexpression.

Honors
Presidents Award Program
Sigma Alpha Lambda
National Leadership and Honors Organization
Phi Sigma Theta
National Honors Organization
Liz Barry Service Award
Outstanding work in the community.

2010 - 2014
2010 - 2014
2011- 2014
2011 - 2012

Service in Community/University Organizations

Division for Early Childhood (DEC), Student Member

M.A.F.E (Minority Association of Future Educators), President
Best Buddies, College Buddy
B.A.T.S (Beautiful and Together Sisters), President
Operation Snowball, Snowflake, and Snow-flurry, Coordinator
Residents at Large, Programing Chair
Special Olympics Volunteer

2014- Present
2013 - 2014
2010 - 2012
2011 - 2012
2006 - Present
2010 - 2011
2009 2011

References
Mary-alayne Hughes, Ph.D.
Clinical Professor
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department of Special Education
Champaign, IL 61820
217-333-0260
mahughes@illinois.edu
Cheryl Light Shriner, Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Department of Special Education
Champaign, IL 61820
217-333-0260
slight@illinois.edu
Renee McElwain
Teacher for Urbana School District #116
Urbana, IL 61802
217-384-3616
rmcelwain@usd116.org
Alicia Liay von Bodman
Teacher for Champaign Unit 4 Schools
Champaign, IL 61821
217-351-3884
liayal@champaignschools.org