Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Teacher
Debra Asai

Debra Asai

Keaʻau,HI

Summary

Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Kamehameha Schools Preschools, enhancing student engagement through differentiated instruction and project-based learning. Skilled in fostering parent-teacher collaboration and implementing effective behavior management strategies, I prioritize student development and emotional support, ensuring a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Industrious educator with solid history of successfully stepping into diverse classroom environments and supporting students with solid lectures, discussions and activities. Implement intervention strategies and discipline management techniques to enhance student success. Trained in attendance, assessment and grading requirements.

Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Proactive and goal-oriented professional with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive team success and contribute to organizational growth.

Equipped with strong problem-solving abilities, willingness to learn, and excellent communication skills. Poised to contribute to team success and achieve positive results. Ready to tackle new challenges and advance organizational objectives with dedication and enthusiasm.

Demonstrates strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills, with proven ability to quickly adapt to new environments. Eager to contribute to team success and further develop professional skills. Brings positive attitude and commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Overview

38
38
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Lead Teacher

Kamehameha Schools Preschools
08.2002 - Current
  • Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
  • Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.
  • Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and success.
  • Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
  • Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
  • Communicated frequently with parents about student growth and progress, recommending at-home reinforcement to support struggling students.
  • Organized rooms in line with current educational thinking to maximize educational opportunities for students.
  • Worked one-on-one with students and student teachers to increase overall classroom success.
  • Implemented assessment tools that monitored student progress throughout the year, allowing for targeted interventions when needed to close achievement gaps.
  • Guided student teachers and teaching aides in classroom management, leading by example and thoroughly answering questions.
  • Designed lesson plans for teaching staff and worked closely with administration for compliance with state curricula.
  • Mentored new teachers on best practices for classroom management and instructional techniques, contributing to their professional growth and effectiveness in the classroom.
  • Used data-driven decision-making processes to analyze student performance trends and adjust instructional practices accordingly, leading to improved outcomes.
  • Organized field trips that enriched classroom learning experiences by connecting students with real-world applications of course concepts.
  • Designed and executed project-based learning experiences, promoting teamwork, problem-solving skills, and real-world connections for students.
  • Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
  • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
  • Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
  • Increased educational expertise and knowledge by participating in instructor-oriented workshops.
  • Created lessons and online testing materials to facilitate remote learning.
  • Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
  • Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.

SpEd Teacher

DOE
08.1994 - 06.2002
  • Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples in lesson plans.
  • Partnered with parents and guardians to develop strategies for supporting their child''s learning at home, enhancing overall student success.
  • Conducted regular assessments of student progress, adjusting instructional methods as needed to optimize learning outcomes.
  • Improved student reading comprehension and fluency through targeted interventions and small group instruction.
  • Designed instructional materials tailored to meet the unique learning styles of each student, resulting in increased understanding of course content.
  • Collaborated with other teachers and support staff to provide a comprehensive educational experience for all students.
  • Served as a liaison between special education services, general education teachers, and families to ensure ongoing collaboration and communication regarding student needs.
  • Fostered an inclusive classroom environment where all students felt valued and respected regardless of their abilities or differences.
  • Implemented behavior management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment, resulting in decreased classroom disruptions.
  • Provided specialized instruction in math, reading, and writing for students with diverse learning needs, leading to improved academic performance.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Instructed students with physical and cognitive disabilities.
  • Coordinated special education students and teacher assistant schedules with master schedule.
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
  • Planned daily activities to keep students engaged and on track with learning goals.
  • Helped students with special needs integrate into general classroom environments by advocating for individual requirements and helping teachers solve problems.
  • Facilitated small group instruction to address individual learning needs.
  • Developed and implemented behavior management plans to improve student behavior.
  • Worked closely with parents and guardians to address students' issues on multiple fronts.
  • Improved behavior by modeling positive choices and teaching socially-acceptable options.
  • Provided emotional support to students and families.
  • Promoted memory, cognition and language development with hands-on activities and individualized instruction.

Part-Time Teacher

DOE
08.1987 - 06.1994
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • Developed and executed formative and summative assessments to monitor student progress, adjusting teaching strategies accordingly.
  • Enhanced students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills through project-based learning.
  • Improved student engagement by incorporating interactive learning technologies into lesson plans.
  • Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
  • Prepared quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.

Education

Master's in Education - Elementary Education / SPed

Chaminade University
Honolulu, HI
05-2014

Bachelor of Arts - Education / Sociology

University of Hawaii At Hilo
Hilo, HI
06-1995

Skills

  • Childcare needs
  • Lesson planning
  • Activity planning
  • Conflict resolution
  • Classroom management
  • Child development
  • Behavior modeling
  • Parent-teacher communication
  • Safety awareness
  • Key decision making
  • Parent-teacher collaboration
  • Lesson development
  • Staff development
  • Student engagement
  • Educational leadership
  • Training and mentoring
  • Project-based learning
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Mathematics instruction
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Standards development
  • Student records management
  • Instructional design
  • Social studies instruction
  • Instructional methods
  • Science instruction
  • Emotional support
  • Collaborative teaching
  • Team building
  • Family engagement
  • Educational technology
  • Assessment strategies
  • Feedback and evaluation
  • Compliance
  • Diverse learning styles
  • Safe learning environment
  • Childcare requirements
  • Cultural history
  • Literacy strategies
  • Age-appropriate discipline
  • Instructional improvement
  • Relationship building
  • Behavior management
  • Curriculum implementation
  • Small group instruction
  • Critical thinking
  • Motivating students
  • Learning strategies
  • Positive role model and mentor
  • Community involvement
  • Student-centered learning
  • Student assessment
  • Classroom instruction
  • Curriculum development
  • Learning assessments
  • Student evaluations
  • Social-emotional learning training
  • Performance assessments
  • Innovative lesson planning
  • Serving diverse communities
  • Instructional best practices
  • Alternative learning methods
  • Faculty collaboration
  • Student rapport
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • Group instruction
  • Student needs assessment
  • Cooperative learning experience
  • Literacy development
  • Inquiry-based learning
  • Classroom technology

Certification

CPR & AED

Numerous certificates of trainings from Kamehameha Schools Preschool division

Timeline

Lead Teacher

Kamehameha Schools Preschools
08.2002 - Current

SpEd Teacher

DOE
08.1994 - 06.2002

Part-Time Teacher

DOE
08.1987 - 06.1994

Master's in Education - Elementary Education / SPed

Chaminade University

Bachelor of Arts - Education / Sociology

University of Hawaii At Hilo
Debra Asai