I spent 3 years as lead teacher planning, facilitating, and analyzing data for multiple programs including Critical Thinking, US History, Language Arts, Physical Education, and Art serving over 300 students. I also developed with support of school administration, a Critical Thinking & Leadership program supporting students in SEL & academic goals. In this role I acted as a case manager for multiple students with combinations of ACES, SPED, & SEL specific needs facilitating the program. In my years here I also acted both as a department representative on the Building Leadership Team and as a member of the Intervention team, assisting the school in meeting yearly goals. In the last year I was given the opportunity to lead professional development for SEL in the classroom and educator well-being. Prior to these 3 years, I spent 2 years in this district supporting middle school students as a SPED paraprofessional both on Zoom & in person in meeting their individualized academic and Social-Emotional-Behavioral goals. Regardless of my role I approached my responsibilities with a people-centered heart and a data-driven mind.

My key responsibilities were all centered on helping students reach their own academic and social-emotional goals. In regards to academics I taught the common core for 6th grade and by identifying essential standards used proficiency based grading. I also tracked student progress through various assessments, and adapted my teaching and interventions based on this data. This led me to achieve awards for High Student Academic Growth forboth school years in ELA, math, and science. Also through this position I have been able to build rapport with students, parents and staff at Jim Bridger. In order to do this I created a classroom culture based on respect, relationships, and the power of diversity. Through this position I have also learned how to work as a data-driven team, how to track and monitor student progress, and how to work with adults with different philosophies of education.

In this community-school based partnership, my key responsibilities were to develop rapport with the children, assist in daily homework, create and implement various activities, manage large groups of children in a safe environment, communicate with parents and other team members, and advocate for students. I also was responsible for long-term planning in regards to national programs. Through this role I was able to help students improve their grades, physical health, and self-confidence. Throughout my time I also would step in and assist the club director in interviews, membership data, and yearly planning with outside advocates for special events.

My key responsibilities were to run small academic groups, manage student behavior, assess student learning, complete organizational projects, and assist the lead teacher. Through this job I was able to learn many different academic and behavioral skills to assist me in teaching students with and without special needs. Each year I received a good evaluation and was requested to continue employment for the next school year.