Destiny Puente
Naperville,IL
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Chicago Public Schools and District 203, excelling in donor cultivation and strategic communication. Expert in relationship building and program leadership, I have successfully engaged families and secured resources to enhance student learning. Committed to fostering long-term partnerships and driving impactful educational initiatives.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Long-Term Substitute Teacher & Assistant
Kingsley Elementary & Highlands Elementary
Naperville, IL
08.2021 - Current
- Designed and delivered student programs through collaboration with administrators, specialists, and parent stakeholders.
- Organized and led parent-teacher conferences to foster trust and enhance family engagement.
- Analyzed assessment data to inform instruction and support donor research and stewardship reporting.
- Contributed to leadership committees (Team Lead, Word Study, Math) to influence school-wide strategy.
Travel Agent
Gullivers Travel Associates
Moline, Illinois
04.2017 - 01.2020
- Designed customized travel itineraries aligned with client preferences and budgets.
- Coordinated comprehensive travel arrangements including flights, accommodations, and transportation.
- Researched destinations to deliver detailed information and tailored recommendations.
- Managed client communications to address inquiries and resolve travel-related issues.
- Utilized booking systems for accurate and efficient reservation processing.
- Maintained knowledge of airline regulations to ensure compliance with ticketing procedures.
- Organized all travel elements, including flights and insurance, per client specifications.
- Suggested additional services to enhance overall travel experiences.
Title One Reading Assistant
Georgetown Elementary
Aurora, IL
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Facilitated small group instruction funded by Title I, ensuring compliance with program goals and funder requirements.
- Tracked and reported student progress, similar to donor reporting and stewardship communications.
Head Start Teacher
New Field School
Chicago, IL
08.2011 - 06.2014
- Cultivated strong parent engagement and partnerships to support student learning, modeling donor stewardship practices.
- Coordinated home visits and conferences, building long-term trust-based relationships.
Kindergarten & Third Grade Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago, IL
08.2001 - 08.2011
- Secured external resources and partnerships to enhance student learning.
- Developed and executed programs aligned with institutional goals.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education, Concentration in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA01-2001
Skills
- Donor cultivation and stewardship
- Grant writing and fundraising
- Relationship building
- Program leadership
- Prospect research
- Community engagement
- Strategic communication
Professional Affiliation
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, Certified
Selected Achievements
- Secured multiple grants from the Chicago Foundation for Education and Kohl’s Children’s Museum to fund student enrichment programs.
- Founded and led corporate partnerships with Northwestern Mime Company and Motorola, expanding community engagement and financial support.
- Nominated for Golden Apple Teacher Award and achieved National Board Teaching Certification, demonstrating excellence, credibility, and leadership.
- Served as teacher representative on Local School Council and PPLC, advancing organizational initiatives through collaboration and advocacy.
Timeline
Long-Term Substitute Teacher & Assistant
Kingsley Elementary & Highlands Elementary
08.2021 - Current
Travel Agent
Gullivers Travel Associates
04.2017 - 01.2020
Title One Reading Assistant
Georgetown Elementary
08.2015 - 05.2016
Head Start Teacher
New Field School
08.2011 - 06.2014
Kindergarten & Third Grade Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2001 - 08.2011
Bachelor of Science - Education, Concentration in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education
University of Northern Iowa
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