Ashley Bak
Walker
Summary
Adept at fostering student achievement, I enhanced collaboration and critical thinking at Vista Charter Academy. With expertise in grammar teaching and classroom management, I've led significant improvements in reading comprehension and standardized test performance. My approach, blending empathy with rigorous curriculum implementation, has consistently elevated academic success and student engagement.
Professional educator skilled in English Language Arts instruction, fostering critical thinking, and enhancing reading and writing abilities. Strong focus on collaborative team efforts and adaptable to dynamic classroom needs. Reliable and goal-oriented with expertise in curriculum development, student engagement, and classroom management. Effective communicator with passion for cultivating positive learning environment.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Vista Charter Academy
08.2017 - Current
- Increased student participation with engaging lesson plans that fostered collaboration and communication skills.
- Promoted critical thinking skills by encouraging students to analyze texts from multiple angles and make connections across themes.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance in classroom management techniques.
- Assisted in the development of curriculum materials, aligning content with state standards for 8th Grade English Language Arts.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to enhance achievement outcomes.
- Developed strong relationships with students and parents through regular communication and feedback to support academic success.
- Implemented data-driven instructional strategies to address individual student needs, improving overall performance on standardized tests.
- Adapted lessons to accommodate diverse learners, ensuring all students were able to access the material successfully.
5th/6th Grade Special Education Paraprofessional
Nickels Intermediate
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Developed strong rapport with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during daily interactions both inside and outside the classroom setting.
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe and productive learning environment for all students involved.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more focused and positive classroom environment.
- Collaborated with teacher to create customized classroom environment integral to students' needs.
Reading Interventionist
Central Elementary School
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Supported the development of phonemic awareness and decoding skills through targeted activities, promoting fluent reading in struggling learners.
- Interpreted student assessment data to ascertain best intervention methods.
- Conducted one-on-one and small group sessions to provide targeted support, fostering a positive learning environment and boosting confidence in reading abilities.
- Actively participated in professional learning communities focused on literacy instruction, sharing best practices and staying current with evolving educational trends.
- Delivered differentiated instruction based on individual learning profiles, addressing diverse needs within the classroom setting effectively.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Aquinas College
Grand Rapids, MI06-2026
EL Endorsement - Education
Aquinas College
Grand Rapids, MI05-2020
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Aquinas College
Grand Rapids, MI06-2015
Skills
- Grammar teaching
- Collaborative learning
- Vocabulary building
- Teaching strategies
- Curriculum implementation
- Literary analysis
- Writing instruction
- Reading comprehension
- Team collaboration
- Classroom management
- Verbal and written communication
- Group leadership
- Lesson planning
- Feedback delivery
Accomplishments
*Nominated for Teaching of Excellence in 2022
Timeline
8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Vista Charter Academy
08.2017 - Current
5th/6th Grade Special Education Paraprofessional
Nickels Intermediate
08.2016 - 06.2017
Reading Interventionist
Central Elementary School
08.2015 - 06.2016
Master of Arts - Education
Aquinas College
EL Endorsement - Education
Aquinas College
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Aquinas College
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