Daniel Mendez Zugenbuehler
Sunnyvale
Summary
Experienced and child-centered Key Stage 1 educator with over ten years experience teaching early primary learners equivalent to Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. Highly skilled in systematic phonics, early reading and writing, and inclusive classroom practice. Proven ability to plan, deliver and assess a broad and balanced curriculum aligned with Key Stage 1 expectations while supporting pupils' academic, social and emotional development. Collaborative practitioner with experience mentoring early-career teachers and building strong partnerships with parents and carers.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Palo Verde Elementary School
Palo Alto, California, USA
01.2025 - Current
- Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate learning experiences aligned with early KS1 outcomes
- Use formative assessment to inform next steps and targeted support
- Establish structured routines promoting positive behavior for learning
Induction Mentor
Palo Alto Unified School District
Palo Alto, California, USA
01.2024 - Current
- Mentor newly qualified teachers through observation, coaching and feedback
- Support inclusive practice and professional development aligned with teaching standards
Young Fives Teacher
Greendell School
Palo Alto, California, USA
01.2024 - 01.2025
- Designed curriculum supporting transition into Year 1-equivalent learning
- Delivered structured phonics and early literacy instruction
- Created and implemented behavior plans
Kindergarten Teacher
Hoover Elementary School
Palo Alto, California, USA
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Delivered systematic phonics, early reading and writing instruction
- Embedded social and emotional learning into daily classroom practice
- Served on Leadership committee to support school goals
Kindergarten Teacher
El Carmelo Elementary School
Palo Alto, California, USA
01.2017 - 01.2022
- Planned and delivered lessons aligned with Year 1 and Year 2 outcomes
- Used assessment data to monitor progress and inform instruction
- Served on Leadership committee to support school goals
- Led and created Professional Learning committee
Kindergarten Teacher
Canty Elementary School
Chicago, Illinois, USA
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Supported pupils from diverse backgrounds in achieving early KS1 learning objectives
Kindergarten Teacher
Casals School of Excellence
Chicago, Illinois, USA
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Fostered a nurturing teaching environment to support all learners
- Developed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans across core subjects using an integrated arts and technology approach
- Contributed to whole-school planning and collaborative teaching practice
Education
Master of Education (MEd) - Reading Teacher
National Louis University
Chicago01.2018
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - undefined
National Louis University
Chicago01.2012
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Theatre Education
University of Arizona
Tucson01.2009
Skills
- Key Stage 1 Curriculum Planning & Delivery
- Systematic Phonics & Early Reading
- Early Writing & Handwriting Development
- Differentiation & Adaptive Teaching
- SEND & Inclusive Practice
- Assessment for Learning
- Pupil Progress Tracking
- Parent & Carer Engagement
- Mentoring Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
Timeline
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Palo Verde Elementary School
01.2025 - Current
Induction Mentor
Palo Alto Unified School District
01.2024 - Current
Young Fives Teacher
Greendell School
01.2024 - 01.2025
Kindergarten Teacher
Hoover Elementary School
01.2022 - 01.2024
Kindergarten Teacher
El Carmelo Elementary School
01.2017 - 01.2022
Kindergarten Teacher
Canty Elementary School
01.2013 - 01.2017
Kindergarten Teacher
Casals School of Excellence
01.2012 - 01.2013
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) - undefined
National Louis University
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Theatre Education
University of Arizona
Master of Education (MEd) - Reading Teacher
National Louis University