CAIRA NIN
Windsor,CA
Summary
Dedicated and innovative elementary educator with 19 years of teaching experience committed to academic excellence, inclusive instruction, and measurable student growth. Experienced in both departmentalized and self-contained instructional models, delivering rigorous, standards-aligned curriculum across all core subjects. Passionate about integrating the arts across academic disciplines to deepen engagement, strengthen conceptual understanding, and cultivate creative, confident learners.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Elementary School Teacher
Douglas Whited Elementary School
01.2013 - Current
- 19 Years Total Teaching Experience
- Grade-level teacher since 2013 with experience in both departmentalized and self-contained classroom structures.
- Departmentalized for 8 years, teaching Language Arts and Social Studies with an emphasis on literacy development, structured writing instruction, and historical analysis.
- Self-contained teacher for the past 7 years, delivering comprehensive instruction in ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies.
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Currently implementing Ready Math, aligning daily instruction to iReady diagnostic data to ensure targeted support and measurable student growth.
- Utilize iReady diagnostics and progress monitoring tools to guide small-group instruction, reteaching cycles, and intervention placement.
- Deliver structured literacy instruction using Benchmark Advance and Writing by Design.
- Teach NGSS-aligned science through inquiry-based lessons using Mystery Science.
- Integrate visual arts and creative expression across academic subjects to enhance engagement, deepen comprehension, and support diverse learning styles.
- Tiered Intervention & Collaboration
- Strengthen Tier 1 core instruction through essential standards alignment and formative assessment analysis.
- Identify students requiring Tier 2 targeted intervention and Tier 3 intensive support through systematic data review within PLC/CAPS cycles.
- Design and implement structured Tier 2 small-group instruction to close skill gaps in reading and mathematics.
- Support Tier 3 intervention planning through individualized goal setting and consistent progress monitoring in collaboration with specialists.
- Inclusive Practices
- Successfully mainstream SDC students into general education classrooms through differentiated instruction and universal access strategies.
- Collaborate with special education teams to implement IEP goals with fidelity.
- Foster a classroom culture centered on growth mindset, creativity, structure, and high expectations for all learners.
Teacher (4th/5th Combination; 5th Grade)
Higher Learning Academy
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Delivered standards-based instruction across all core subjects.
- Designed multidisciplinary lessons integrating literacy, hands-on learning, and creative engagement strategies.
- Used formative and summative assessment data to drive instructional decisions and develop SMART goals.
- Participated in Charter renewal and contributed to WASC accreditation documentation.
- Served on the Academic Excellence Team to share best practices and strengthen school-wide instructional systems.
5th Grade Teacher
Kohler Elementary School
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Delivered comprehensive instruction in reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, art, health, and physical education.
- Implemented differentiated small-group reading instruction aligned to student data.
- Attended and implemented IEP goals in collaboration with special education staff.
- Integrated technology to enhance student engagement and academic outcomes.
- Coached 3rd–5th grade girls in “Girls on the Run,” promoting leadership, perseverance, and wellness.
Education
California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - English Learner Authorization
California State University
Sacramento01-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development
California State University
Sacramento01-2005
Skills
- Ready Math Implementation
- IReady Diagnostics & Progress Monitoring
- Benchmark Advance Literacy
- Renaissance (STAR & AR)
- Writing by Design
- Mystery Science (NGSS-Aligned Instruction)
- CAPS Tiered Intervention Framework (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3)
- PLC Collaboration & Essential Standards Mapping
- Targeted Student Intervention (TSI)
- Inclusive Teaching Practices
- Mainstreaming SDC Students
- Cross-Curricular Arts Integration
- IEP Implementation
- Data-Driven Instruction
- English Learner Support
- Parent & Community Engagement
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- CAPS Tiered Intervention Framework Training
- PLC Leadership & Essential Standards Deconstruction
- Ready Math Implementation
- IReady Data Analysis & Progress Monitoring
- Writing by Design
- Benchmark Advance Literacy Training
- Inclusive Classroom Practices & Universal Access
- Core Knowledge Curriculum Training
- District Math Adoption Training
- Charter Renewal & WASC Accreditation Process Participation
Certification
- Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) – 2007
- California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET), Multiple Subjects – 2005
Timeline
Elementary School Teacher
Douglas Whited Elementary School
01.2013 - Current
Teacher (4th/5th Combination; 5th Grade)
Higher Learning Academy
01.2009 - 01.2013
5th Grade Teacher
Kohler Elementary School
01.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Arts - Child Development
California State University
California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - English Learner Authorization
California State University