Danica M. Kosinski-Perzel
Ojai,CA
Summary
I am a passionate and dedicated student and employee with a strong aspiration to become an educator, committed to employing a hands-on, experiential approach in both classroom and extracurricular settings. I am eager to inspire and engage students by creating a dynamic learning environment that prioritizes the joy of discovery and intellectual curiosity. I will demonstrate exceptional collaboration skills, working closely with supervising teachers to deliver equitable and inclusive instruction tailored to diverse learning styles. I strive to design stimulating and challenging lessons that not only promote academic growth but also foster critical thinking, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Seasonal Substitute Teacher
Patagonia
Ventura, CA
05.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with staff to support student learning and development initiatives.
- Promoted a safe and secure atmosphere within the classroom setting.
- Provided support to all classrooms and students when needed.
Part-time Recreation Specialist
Ojai Recreation Department
Ojai, CA
02.2023 - Current
- Duties include: weekly gymnastic coaching, bi-weekly after-school activity supervision, and annual spring and summer camp counseling.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Helped participants enjoy activities while ensuring adherence to protocol.
Student Teacher, Preschool
Easterseals
Ventura, CA
09.2025 - 12.2025
- Assigned student teaching hours for BA.
- Two days per week for 14 weeks.
- Collaborated with mentor teachers for curriculum development.
- Facilitated classroom activities to enhance student participation.
- Collaborated with teachers to plan and achieve educational goals and objectives.
- Developed a deeper understanding of teaching strategies with increasing responsibility for student learning.
- Encouraged positive relationships between students by promoting collaboration within groups.
- Created lesson plans to incorporate mandated topics and include immersive activities for student engagement.
- Conducted classroom observations to assess student performance.
- Facilitated group discussions among students on relevant topics.
- Prepared teaching materials and visual aids to support lesson objectives.
Student Teacher, Infant/Toddler
Patagonia
Ventura, CA
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Assigned student teaching hours for BA.
- Two full days per week for 14 weeks.
- Assignments included conducting observations, practicing curriculum design, doing assessments of needs, implementing activities, and developing learning stories.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Engaged students and boosted understanding of material using focused instructional strategies and hands-on activities.
- Assisted lead teacher in managing classroom behavior and maintaining a positive learning environment.
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
Preschool Teaching Assistant
Orfalea Child Development Center
Ventura, CA
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Part-time teaching assistant and student worker.
- Duties included classroom management, weekly group time, activity implementation, observations, anecdotal notes, curriculum planning, and assessment.
- Created and coordinated age-appropriate enrichment activities for social, emotional, and intellectual development.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers, and school administrators.
- Prepared lesson materials and visual aids to reinforce lesson concepts.
- Supervised children and participated with them in activities.
Student Teacher, Preschool
Orfalea Child Development Center
Ventura, CA
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Assigned student teaching hours for AS.
- Duties included classroom management, observations, anecdotal notes, running records, curriculum planning, activity implementation, and assessment.
- Maintained positive working relationships with fellow staff and management.
- Observed children to record development.
- Engaged with children on an individual basis to build positive, trusting relationships.
- Created a safe, stimulating environment conducive to learning.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Studies
CSU Channel Islands
Camarillo, CA05.2026
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Ventura College
Ventura, CA05.2023
High School - Math & Science, English & History, Music (Choir, Marching Band, Color Guard)
Norhoff High School
Ojai, CA06.2019
Skills
- Curriculum design
- Team collaboration
- Parent communication
- Activity planning
- Group and individual instruction
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Eager to learn and improve
- Prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion
Languages
- English
- Minimal Spanish
- Minimal ASL
Certification
CPR/AED/BLS Certification: American Red Cross
Accomplishments
Dean's List: Spring '24, Fall '24, Spring '25, & Fall '25
References
1. Lori Cloutier (Former Mentor Teacher) - (805) 901-9656
2. Lawanna Greene (Former Mentor Teacher) - (805) 665-8583
3. Joanie Ryan (Former Mentor) - Joan.ryan@patagonia.com
4. Marisol Jauregui (Former Mentor) - Marisol.juaregui@patagonia.com
Timeline
Student Teacher, Preschool
Easterseals
09.2025 - 12.2025
Seasonal Substitute Teacher
Patagonia
05.2025 - Current
Student Teacher, Infant/Toddler
Patagonia
01.2025 - 05.2025
Part-time Recreation Specialist
Ojai Recreation Department
02.2023 - Current
Preschool Teaching Assistant
Orfalea Child Development Center
08.2022 - 12.2022
Student Teacher, Preschool
Orfalea Child Development Center
01.2022 - 05.2022
Bachelor of Science - Early Childhood Studies
CSU Channel Islands
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Ventura College
High School - Math & Science, English & History, Music (Choir, Marching Band, Color Guard)
Norhoff High School