Brittany Kawakami
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
I am an experienced educator specializing in lesson planning and curriculum development, committed to fostering child development through positive reinforcement and collaborative practices. I am passionate about creating inclusive learning environments that encourage children to reach their full potential. I am skilled in developing engaging activities that support developmental milestones and promote critical thinking.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Preschool Teacher - Kindergarten Transition Class
Sunrise Preschool
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2020 - Current
- Designs engaging lesson plans to foster children's creativity and learning.
- Creates and implements age appropriate activities to support developmental milestones.
- Facilitates a daily Heggrety Phonemic Awareness Program to build foundational reading skills.
- Manages classroom behavior using positive reinforcement strategies.
- Conducts assessments to tailor learning objectives and monitor student progress effectively.
- Leads group activities that encourage social interaction among children.
- Establishes positive relationships with parents and guardians through regular communication of student progress in academic and social/emotional areas.
- Communicates classroom activity to parents daily through the Procare App.
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Monument Academy Charter School
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2013 - 05.2018
- Developed and delivered daily lessons in reading, writing, grammar, mathematics, social studies, science, and a "Character First" program.
- Redesigned lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning styles and foster creativity among students.
- Led weekly team meetings to enhance instructional strategies and support team members.
- Attended monthly lead teacher meetings to share insights and steer team initiatives
- Engaged in weekly professional development sessions to improve teaching practices.
- Evaluated third-grade assignments and documented scores in Infinite Campus.
- Conducted BOY, MOY, EOY Dibbles assessments alongside ongoing progress monitoring to ensure students advance toward individualized goals.
- Facilitated consistent communication with parents via weekly emails and updates to build strong relationships and support children's educational journey.
- Participated in IEP meetings and collaborated with school staff and parents to identify optimal support strategies for that child.
- Partnered with resource teachers and special education paraprofessionals to establish optimal classroom inclusion strategies for students with diverse needs.
3rd Grade Paraprofessional
Monument Academy Charter School
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Organized classroom materials and resources along with maintaining Third Grade website.
- Participated in staff meetings to discuss curriculum enhancements and student support strategies.
- Assisted children in small groups or one on one sessions to support specific learning objectives.
- Supervised students during recess and lunch, ensuring safety.
- Coordinated and facilitated groups practicing reading skills and fostering enthusiasm for reading.
4th, 5th and 6th Grade English Emersion Teacher
School Of Promise
Chiang Mai, Thailand
06.2009 - 04.2012
- Facilitated school establishment and obtained necessary licensing.
- Created English, math, computer, and physical education curriculum customized for student needs within bilingual environment.
- Developed lesson plans alongside Thai counterpart to align curriculum standards.
- Collaborated with local schools to enhance English programs in preschool and elementary settings.
- Coordinated community outreach activities to strengthen local relationships.
- Supported extracurricular programs including swimming, basketball, and craft clubs.
Benefits Rep and Tech Support Assistant
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
Colorado Springs, CO
01.2002 - 05.2009
- Engaged with customers via phone and email to facilitate enrollment in health benefits and address policy inquiries.
- Prepared and submitted paperwork for changes and enrollment, ensuring accuracy.
- Prepared and processed Accounts Payable invoices.
- Handled and logged Help Desk level 1 and 2 technical issues to support user needs.
Education
Master of Arts - Elementary Education With Licensure
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO12-2015
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management And Information Systems
UCCS
Colorado Springs, CO12-2005
High School Diploma -
Liberty High School
Colorado Springs, CO05-2001
Skills
- Inclusive education strategies
- Cultural competency
- Team collaboration
- Classroom management
- Positive reinforcement
- Behavior management
- Child development
- Parent communication
- Conflict resolution
- Play based learning approaches
- Child development
- Parent communication
- Team collaboration
- Student assessments
Certification
Elementary Education Teaching License (currently submitted to CDE for renewal)
Timeline
Preschool Teacher - Kindergarten Transition Class
Sunrise Preschool
08.2020 - Current
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Monument Academy Charter School
08.2013 - 05.2018
3rd Grade Paraprofessional
Monument Academy Charter School
08.2012 - 05.2013
4th, 5th and 6th Grade English Emersion Teacher
School Of Promise
06.2009 - 04.2012
Benefits Rep and Tech Support Assistant
The Christian and Missionary Alliance
01.2002 - 05.2009
Master of Arts - Elementary Education With Licensure
University of Northern Colorado
Bachelor of Science - Organizational Management And Information Systems
UCCS
High School Diploma -
Liberty High School