CATARINA MARTINS
Newark,NJ
Summary
Dedicated early childhood educator and first-year lead PreK-3 Teacher with diverse experience in classroom and community settings. Skilled in lesson planning, Creative Curriculum implementation, and social-emotional learning. Currently completing the Rutgers University alternate route teacher preparation program and holds a New Jersey Preschool–Grade 3 Certificate of Eligibility and Provisional Certificate. Seeking roles in PreK to Grade 3.
Overview
3
3
Languages
2
2
Certifications
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead PreK-3 Teacher
RAINBOW LAND LEARNING CENTER
Newark, NJ
02.2026 - Current
- Delivered strong PreK-3 classroom outcomes through leadership responsibility for daily instruction, routines, student learning, and family communication.
- Created weekly lesson plans, classroom calendars, learning experiences, and activities aligned with Creative Curriculum and New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards.
- Advanced foundational learning in early literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, creative expression, physical development, and approaches to learning through instruction, play, exploration, and materials-based practice.
- Promoted social-emotional growth by teaching expectations, friendship skills, emotional regulation, problem-solving, independence, and positive classroom behavior.
- Supported readiness to learn through predictable routines and safe, inclusive classroom environment built for belonging and engagement.
- Tracked student growth through Teaching Strategies GOLD data and classroom observations, then used findings to adjust instruction.
- Improved engagement by tailoring activities and support to individual developmental needs, interests, and strengths.
- Kept families informed of student progress, classroom experiences, routines, and concerns through regular communication.
- Strengthened classroom practice through collaboration with teaching staff, administrators, and support personnel on instruction and student support.
- Created organized, engaging learning environment with prepared materials, student work displays, and classroom centers.
- Improved classroom quality through ECERS and TPOT reflection and feedback.
- Led after-care program for over 50 children.
Summer Day Camp Counselor
ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK CYO
Kearny, NJ
06.2019 - Current
- Planned and implemented age-appropriate activities and daily schedules in collaboration with a team of counselors to enhance participant experience.
- Supervised and supported children in a large summer program, ensuring safety, engagement, and fostering positive relationships.
- Communicate with directors, families, first-aid staff, and colleagues regarding student experiences, expectations, and concerns.
- Maintained daily logs and incident reports while training and leading counselors-in-training to develop their skills and confidence.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Finance
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY — Rutgers Business School
New Brunswick, NJ05-2023
Alternate Route Program - Education
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ09-2026
Skills
- Early Childhood Education
- Creative Curriculum
- Preschool teaching standards
- Developmentally Appropriate Practice
- Lesson Planning
- Teaching assessment strategies
- Classroom Management
- Differentiation
- Behavior Support
- Social-Emotional Learning
- Observation & Documentation
- Family Engagement
- Collaboration
- Community building
- Organization
Personal Information
Title: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR | PREK-3 TEACHER | NJ CERTIFIED CE + PROVISIONAL
Certification
- NEW JERSEY PRESCHOOL THROUGH GRADE 3 (P-3) TEACHER CERTIFICATION | Certificate of Eligibility (CE) + Provisional Certificate
- Rutgers University Alternate Route Teacher Preparation Program — Currently enrolled.
- Participating in the Provisional Teacher Process while completing required alternate-route coursework and professional development.
- First-year teacher professional development and ongoing training focused on effective early childhood teaching.
- Current evaluation experience with ECERS and TPOT as part of professional growth and classroom practice.
LANGUAGES & CERTIFICATIONS
English — Fluent | Portuguese — Fluent | Spanish — Basic
COMMUNITY TEACHING & LEADERSHIP
- Lady of Fatima Church, CCD Teacher, Newark, NJ, 4 years
- Lady of Fatima Church, Teaching Assistant Volunteer, Newark, NJ, 2 years
- Archdiocese of Newark, Counselor-in-Training Volunteer, 3 years
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Portuguese
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Lead PreK-3 Teacher
RAINBOW LAND LEARNING CENTER
02.2026 - Current
Summer Day Camp Counselor
ARCHDIOCESE OF NEWARK CYO
06.2019 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Finance
RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY — Rutgers Business School
Alternate Route Program - Education
Rutgers University