DANA PICHARDO
San Diego,CA
Summary
With 18 years teaching experience, I am eager to continue my career in education by securing a position in elementary education. I am passionate about fostering an inclusive classroom environment, building a strong sense of community, and delivering effective reading instruction. I am committed to collaborating with colleagues and engaging with families to support student growth and success.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading Interventionist
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
04.2023 - Current
- Implemented the SIPPS (Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words) program to enhance reading skills for struggling readers, resulting in measurable improvement in literacy outcomes.
- Conducted small groups (around 50 students per day) tailoring instruction to meet diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Developed and maintained progress monitoring tools to assess student growth and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers and special education staff to create cohesive literacy plans and support for students with varying abilities.
- Actively participated in professional learning communities focused on literacy instruction, sharing best practices and staying current with evolving educational trends.
K/1 Combo Teacher
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
09.2024 - 01.2025
- Transitioned from upper grade reading intervention teacher to K/1 combo class mid year, demonstrating adaptability and commitment to meeting diverse student needs.
- Successfully managed a kindergarten/first-grade combo class in a challenging environment, focusing on fostering a positive and inclusive classroom culture for diverse learners
- Collaborated with support staff and counselors to create individualized behavior plans for students on contracts, resulting in improved classroom conduct and increased student engagement.
- Established strong relationships with students and families to foster trust and communication, providing resources and support for English language learners and their families.
- Integrated social-emotional learning (SEL) practices into the daily routine to help students develop self-regulation skills and improve interactions with peers.
- Employed differentiated instruction techniques to meet the varied academic and behavioral needs of students, promoting a supportive atmosphere for all learners.
- Conducted regular assessments to monitor student progress in both academic and behavioral areas, adjusting instructional strategies based on individual and group needs.
Instructional Assistant in the Resource Program
Poway Unified School District
01.2019 - 04.2023
- Closely collaborated with administration, teachers, and other staff members to ensure students are supported across all school settings and are successfully accessing general education curriculum.
- Member of the Elementary Co-Teaching piloting program- collaborated and planned with 4th grade teacher to develop and implement mathematics instruction in the alternative co-teaching model.
- Consistently assessed students to create targeted work that supported their learning needs.
- Worked with students who had a wide variety of learning and behavioral needs.
- Routinely uses research based multisensory reading instruction practices with grades TK-5.
- Used student IEP information and student IEP goals to independently create engaging activities for students to work on their goals.
Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
08.2008 - 06.2014
- Taught 2nd & combo classes
- Experienced in inclusive teaching of all students- mild/moderate and moderate/severe special education students in the classroom
- 2009-2014- Member of Instructional Leadership Team
- Served as a teacher leader to plan, execute, and implement staff development and Professional Learning Community work
- Planned and participated in implementation of common core roll out with staff
- Worked closely with principal and special education teachers to collaborate on curriculum, planning, and student supports
- 2012-2014- Practitioner of Common Core Curriculum
- Researched and applied practices into the classroom
- Attended Common Core Curriculum training and used new knowledge to train other teachers
Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
01.2003 - 01.2008
- Taught 2nd, 3rd, & 2/3 combo
- Grade level team leader
- Served as intermediary and site level communicator between grade level team members and leadership team
- Facilitated Professional Learning Community (PLC) meetings with grade level members according to planned agenda by instructional leadership team
Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Taught Kindergarten & 2nd
- A predominantly military-connected student population, provided stability and support during challenging times, including the immediate aftermath of 9/11 when many parents were deployed
Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
09.2000 - 06.2001
- Taught Kindergarten
- Served as a flex teacher in a multi-track year-round school, in a highly diverse classroom with students speaking up to 10 different languages.
- Adapted to classroom transitions every three weeks while delivering consistent high-quality education.
Education
Master of Arts - Education, Emphasis in Reading Instruction
National University
San Diego, CA06.2005
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential -
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA06.2000
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA06.1999
Skills
- Effective Communicator: Clear and concise communication with students and parents (via ClassDojo)
- Patient and Flexible: Skilled in adapting teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of students
- Instructional Expertise in: Barton Reading & Spelling System, Read Naturally, TouchMath, Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Cirriculum, SIPPS (Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, & Sight Words)
- Technology Integration: Proficient in using digital tools and educational software to enhance instruction, including: i-Ready for individualized student assessments and progress tracking, Renaissance (formerly Illuminate) for managing and analyzing student data, including report cards, & ESGI to collect and report data to inform instruction
- Culturally Responsive Teaching: Ability to create an inclusive classroom that respects diverse backgrounds and learning needs
- Assessment and Data Analysis: Skilled in using formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress and adjust teaching methods accordingly
- Collaborative Teamwork: Effective collaboration with staff, parents, and administrators to support student success
Certification
- Love & Logic training (2021-2022)
- Trained in AVID College Readiness System (2013)
- Served on PTA Board as Staff Representative (2011-2013)
- Jones Elementary “Founders Day” Award of Excellence (2012)
- Certificated GATE & Nurturing Scholars Teacher (2011-2012)
- NCLB Compliant with General Subjects/Elementary & Social Sciences (2005)
- EL Authorization (CLAD)- Embedded in credential (2000)
Timeline
K/1 Combo Teacher
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
09.2024 - 01.2025
Reading Interventionist
La Mesa-Spring Valley School District
04.2023 - Current
Instructional Assistant in the Resource Program
Poway Unified School District
01.2019 - 04.2023
Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
08.2008 - 06.2014
Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
01.2003 - 01.2008
Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
01.2001 - 01.2003
Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
09.2000 - 06.2001
- Love & Logic training (2021-2022)
- Trained in AVID College Readiness System (2013)
- Served on PTA Board as Staff Representative (2011-2013)
- Jones Elementary “Founders Day” Award of Excellence (2012)
- Certificated GATE & Nurturing Scholars Teacher (2011-2012)
- NCLB Compliant with General Subjects/Elementary & Social Sciences (2005)
- EL Authorization (CLAD)- Embedded in credential (2000)
Master of Arts - Education, Emphasis in Reading Instruction
National University
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential -
San Diego State University
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology
San Diego State University
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