Catarina Garcia Kohnen

Beginning the 2018-2019 school year, I was hired to serve as Valley High School's Literacy TOSA. In this capacity I assisted my colleagues and school site admin with several projects and curriculum. I also-

• Worked closely with the district content specialists to try to update site ELA curriculum and streamline content
• Attended monthly TOSA meetings and several trainings at the district to collaborate and troubleshoot with fellow TOSA's
• Observed site colleagues and completed coaching cycles. Met with site teachers and collaborated with them on lesson designs and improvements
• Attended the Cognitive Coaching trainings at the district over the first two years in my position
• Attended the two-day Elena Aguilar The Art of Coaching training at SDSU in May 2019
• Assisted several teachers in the transition to online learning- whether it was helping to add and edit content in their Canvas courses, showing them shortcuts or sharing best practices as we shifted to distance learning
• Assisted site administration with various tasks that involved editing documents for Model Schools, and WASC and 5th Year Applications
• Created and Facilitated the first VHS Latino History Month program in September of 2021
• Created, coordinated and executed the first VHS Next Steps Fair with graduating Seniors in March of 2022
• Served on the VHS leadership team for our CSI self study in 2018/2019/2020

I taught World History and English 10 at the Escondido Community Day School for the 2014-2015 school year. I was then hired for full time English instruction at Valley High School for the 2015-2016 school year. In the past 7 years at VHS I have taught English 10, 11 and 12 ERWC as well as Learning Center/Campus online and World History.

• Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
• Planned and implemented creative lessons in accordance with district, county, state and federal guidelines.
• Worked closely with the LC lead to follow all proper protocol for Campus Online instruction and attended monthly department meetings
• Actively pursued Professional Development opportunities for Technology training to implement use in the classroom
• Developed computer and technology skills through demonstrations and practice.
• Created a classroom environment in which children could learn respect for themselves and others.
• Established clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects.
• Collaborated with fellow teachers and administration to meet quarterly and yearly educational goals.
• Proofread and evaluated students' writing and gave feedback.
• VHS ELA Department Chair, 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022
• Very active in the after school ASSETS program. I taught the cooking class, ran the Volleyball activities and facilitated the ELD Reading Club, as well as volunteered for the school wide community service project all year long.
• Chair- School Site Council, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018
• Site Coordinator for the American Red Cross Blood Drives, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 school years
• Served as the Safe School Ambassadors program Advisor for the 2015-2016 school year.
• Was an active participant in my EEI cohort.
• Was certified to teach ERWC by CSU through the SDCoEd program.
• Consistently pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences such as CCEA and CABE

• Supervised a roster of 40 Independent Study Students
• Managed the Campus online learning program (E2020) for enrolled students
• Created a blended learning environment which incorporated traditional and on-line learning opportunities for students
• Modified and adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
• Encouraged students to persevere with challenging tasks.
• Identified areas of weakness with individual students and tailored lessons accordingly.
• Maintained accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies and administrative regulations.
• Submitted monthly learning records on time and met all other school deadlines.
• Consistently passed internal school audit of Monthly Student Work Records
• Pursued professional development activities to broaden and deepen knowledge of content and teaching skills.
• Supervised teacher aides and volunteers each year.
• Selected textbooks, equipment and other instructional materials.
  

• Created lesson plans in line with state curriculum and school curriculum standards.
• Taught 2 periods of US History and 2 periods of US Government for grades 11 through 12 each day.
• Chaperoned dances, sporting events and activities on a weekly basis.
• Created engaging and dynamic lessons with an emphasis on improving students’ written and verbal communication skills.
• Tutored students after school and on weekends to prepare them for the Advanced Placement exam in US History.
• Graded student work and kept careful records of grades.