Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Employableskills
Employmentobjective
References
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Desarae Dawkins

Rialto,CA

Summary

Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Substitute Teacher K-6

Scoot Education
2023.01 - Current
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to accommodate varied student learning styles.
  • Adapted lesson plans for diverse learners, ensuring all students had access to grade-level content and could participate fully in classroom activities.
  • Evaluated student progress using formative and summative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to maximize learning outcomes.
  • Managed daily classroom routines efficiently, promoting a structured environment conducive to learning.
  • Enforced school and class protocols for transitions and safety expectations.
  • Increased parent involvement through effective communication and regular progress updates on their child''s academic and behavioral performance.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, fostering a positive learning environment that promoted academic growth.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in education and improve teaching techniques.


Hybrid Instructor: In Person/Virtual

DD's Learning Center
2020.01 - Current
  • Develop and organize a digital learning classroom infiltrating various digital resources.
  • Models a direct implicit instruction inclusive for individuals and small groups in all subject areas of K-8
  • Analyzes and coordinates students' formative and summative assessment data to support instructional decision-making and responsiveness to learners' outcomes
  • Implements an effective synchronous and asynchronous learning activities
  • Employs interactive teaching methods, such as polls and quizzes, to gauge student understanding in real-time during lectures.
  • Communicates accumulative academic reports to parents through bi-weekly, and trimester updates


K-4 Lead Music Teacher

KIPP So Cal: Pueblo Unido
2023.03 - 2023.06
  • Improved student musicianship by incorporating a variety of teaching methods and techniques through practical methods in history and theory of general music, practice and singing
  • Developed a successful end of year virtual Spring concert, showcasing students'' talents and hard work.
  • Incorporated musical instruments and movement during lessons; multilingual songs using improvisation and Kodaly methods to support memorization.
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions, and chords.
  • Fostered creativity by encouraging improvisation, composition, and arrangement within the classroom setting.
  • Motivated students to build confidence in preparing for music practicality and exams as individuals and within small groups
  • Encouraged social interaction and collaboration among students to foster camaraderie and teamwork.

Co-Teacher/ Teacher Assistant/Vocal Teacher

Odyssey Charter School
2018.08 - 2020.06
  • Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
  • Guided small group activities in math, language, and social science utilizing manipulatives, assistive technology and comprehensive resources for all learners
  • Implemented (Language Intervention) LI Program to low level readers
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students'' learning experiences outside the traditional classroom setting.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Lead and created a vocal workshop for middle school students incorporating music theory, vocal technique and music appreciation and performance
  • Improved students'' vocal techniques by implementing customized lesson plans and exercises.
  • Developed students'' confidence in their singing abilities through constructive feedback and encouragement.

After School Science Teacher

The Discovery Science foundation/Discovery Cube: Education Department
2016.09 - 2018.06
  • Conducted education science programs at various elementary schools within the Santa Ana Unified School District
  • Prepared lesson plans, materials, and STEM related content knowledge for various students
  • Utilized data to inform instructional decisions, social conflicts and personalized learning.
  • Enhanced classroom environment for effective learning by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications of scientific concepts.
  • Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
  • Instructed students individually and in groups, using various teaching methods, such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.

Teacher Associate/ After School Music Teacher

The Pegasus School
2015.01 - 2016.09
  • Supported independence and collaborative learning through fundamental instructions of critical thinking
  • Enforced students' awareness of personal knowledge and responsibilities through repetition and progressive incentives
  • Developed curriculum which promoted social, cognitive, and academic skills
  • Administered creative play that corresponds relatively to daily classroom activities and social interactions
  • Produced a vocal chorale between grades PK-6, implementing harmony, breathing and vocal techniques within small groups
  • Guided and counseled students with adjustment or academic problems, or special academic interests
  • Planned and conducted activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.

Pre-Algebra Tutor

Bridges Community/ACE Program-Summer Algebra Institute
2011.07
  • Applied pre-algebra pedagogy style according to the classrooms pace and students learning level
  • Elucidated abstract concepts into concrete realities through algebra equations
  • Employed institution's goals of algebra concepts through student assessment and reform
  • Provided feedback to students, using positive reinforcement techniques to encourage, motivate, or build confidence in students
  • Provided private instruction to individual or small groups of students to improve academic performance, improve occupational skills, or prepare for academic or occupational tests
  • Monitored students' performance in academic environments, such as classrooms, or computing centers
  • Developed teaching or training materials, such as practice worksheets, study materials, or quizzes
  • Maintained records of students' assessment results, progress, or academic performance, ensuring confidentiality of all records.

Volunteer/ Community Services Arts and Music Teacher Assistant

Orange County Children's Therapeutic Art Center
2013.03 - 2014.06
  • Established lessons and extensive activity plans in collaboration with primary instructors
  • Supported learning abilities through kinesthetic, visual and audible musical activities
  • Prepared intermediate musicians for quarterly recitals infiltrating breathing, rhythm and performance practices
  • Organized and lead activities designed to promote physical, mental, and social development through stimulated games, arts and crafts, music, and storytelling
  • Planned, supervised and coordinated class projects, field trips, guest speakers, and experiential activities to support students' development
  • Provided constructive feedback to students, using positive reinforcement techniques to motivate, and build confidence in students
  • Taught students study skills, note-taking skills, and test-taking strategies
  • Provided private instruction to individual or small groups to improve academic and occupational performance skills that will support preparation in academic assessments
  • Assess students' progress throughout tutoring sessions.

Education

M.D. - Education

Azusa Pacific University
12.2024

BA Music Vocal Performance -

University of California Irvine
01.2016

AA Liberal Studies -

Santa Monica College
01.2011

Skills

  • Microsoft Programs: Teams, Excel, Publisher, Works, Office, Outlook Express, PowerPoint, Word 2000, XP, Finale, Spectrum, Email, Google Software, Zoom, Social Media, Various Educational Applications, and Internet, Typing 75-100 wpm
  • More than 10+ years of essential customer support,
  • Over 11 years of successfully educating grades K-8 with explicit and implicit pedagogical instructions
  • 15+ years of administrative, strong organizational and planning skills consisting of both large and small projects
  • Ability to interact with confidence and professionalism with individuals at all levels
  • Utilize critical thinking, decision making, and problem-solving skills
  • Extremely organized individual capable of handling a wide variety of tasks
  • Patience and Empathy
  • Collaboration and Teamwork

Employableskills

  • Judging Objectives
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Navigating Applications
  • Complex Problem-Solving
  • Educational Counseling
  • Quality Assurance
  • Analyzing Data
  • Researching
  • Differentiation
  • Inclusive Instructions

Employmentobjective

Secure a position with an organization that challenges and encourages continued learning experiences which lead to greater responsibility and advancement in learning and technology.

References

Available upon request

Certification

  • CPR Training - September 2025

Languages

Spanish
Professional Working
Amharic
Elementary

Timeline

K-4 Lead Music Teacher

KIPP So Cal: Pueblo Unido
2023.03 - 2023.06

Substitute Teacher K-6

Scoot Education
2023.01 - Current

Hybrid Instructor: In Person/Virtual

DD's Learning Center
2020.01 - Current

Co-Teacher/ Teacher Assistant/Vocal Teacher

Odyssey Charter School
2018.08 - 2020.06

After School Science Teacher

The Discovery Science foundation/Discovery Cube: Education Department
2016.09 - 2018.06

Teacher Associate/ After School Music Teacher

The Pegasus School
2015.01 - 2016.09

Volunteer/ Community Services Arts and Music Teacher Assistant

Orange County Children's Therapeutic Art Center
2013.03 - 2014.06

Pre-Algebra Tutor

Bridges Community/ACE Program-Summer Algebra Institute
2011.07

M.D. - Education

Azusa Pacific University

BA Music Vocal Performance -

University of California Irvine

AA Liberal Studies -

Santa Monica College
  • CPR Training - September 2025
Desarae Dawkins