Heather Villanueva
Elementary Educator
Salina,KS
Summary
Enthusiastic and knowledgeable elementary educator ready to inspire and guide young minds. Strong background in curriculum development, classroom management, and student engagement. Known for fostering collaborative environments and achieving educational goals. Adaptable and dependable, with focus on teamwork and effective communication.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
Work History
At-Risk Reading Interventionist
USD 305 Salina Public Schools
Salina, KS
10.2021 - Current
- Design and implement intensive Tier 2 and Tier 3 reading interventions for at-risk learners using LETRS-aligned strategies, specifically targeting phonemic awareness, phonics, and fluency gaps.
- Analyze student performance data from i-Ready to create flexible instructional groups and monitor progress, ensuring interventions are precisely matched to student needs.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers and administrators to align intervention strategies with Tier 1 core instruction.
- Maintain a highly organized, shared instructional environment that fosters a classroom family atmosphere, ensuring that even in small-group settings, students feel a sense of belonging and academic confidence.
- Partner with the Building Literacy Coach and grade-level teams to model best practices in the Science of Reading, supporting a school-wide transition toward research-based literacy instruction.
- Served as a mentor to new teachers providing guidance and support to ensure their success in meeting student needs.
Kindergarten Teacher
USD 305 Salina Public Schools
Salina, KS
08.2014 - 10.2021
- Implemented consistent routines and Social-Emotional Learning strategies that fostered independence and a love for school.
- Designed daily instruction across all core subjects—Math, Science, Social Studies, and Literacy—using hands-on, inquiry-based methods.
- Facilitated Math centers and manipulative-based explorations to build strong number sense and problem-solving skills.
- Utilized ESOL strategies to support English Language Learners and students with varying abilities.
- Built lasting partnerships with families through transparent, frequent communication, including parent-teacher conferences to ensure a unified approach to student success.
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
USD 305 Salina Public Schools
Salina, KS
08.2013 - 05.2014
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects that reinforced important concepts across multiple subjects.
- Improved student reading comprehension through targeted literacy strategies and guided practice sessions.
- Established strong relationships with parents through regular communication, involving them in their child''s education and fostering a supportive home-school partnership.
- Provided personalized feedback on assignments, enabling students to improve their understanding and performance in key subject areas.
- Developed creative lesson plans that incorporated hands-on activities and real-life connections, promoting critical thinking skills.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to differentiate lessons according to individual student needs, ensuring academic growth for all learners.
5th Grade Teacher
Oxnard School District
Oxnard, CA
08.2012 - 06.2013
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons, connecting subject matter across various topics.
- Improved classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and setting clear expectations for behavior.
- Served as a liaison between school administration and parents, addressing concerns or questions regarding student performance or curriculum content promptly.
- Assessed student progress regularly using formative and summative assessments, modifying instruction as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Incorporated differentiated instruction techniques to meet the diverse needs of all learners within the classroom.
- Increased overall class participation by creating an inclusive environment that valued all students'' opinions and ideas.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating diverse teaching methods, including visual aids, group activities, and hands-on experiences.
6th Grade Teacher
Oxnard School District
Oxnard, CA
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into lesson plans.
- Actively participated in school-wide committees focused on improving overall campus culture, fostering collaboration between educators for enhanced student experiences.
- Developed data-driven instructional strategies to address individual student needs and improve academic outcomes.
- Led parent-teacher conferences effectively, discussing student performance openly while maintaining sensitivity towards individual family situations.
- Utilized various assessment methods to monitor student progress and adjust instruction accordingly throughout the school year.
- Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development, integrating cross-curricular concepts into lesson plans for a more comprehensive learning experience.
- Differentiated instruction for diverse learners, ensuring all students had access to appropriate materials and resources.
Intervention Services Provider
Oxnard School District
Oxnard, CA
08.2008 - 06.2011
- Delivered intensive, small-group interventions in both English Language Arts and Mathematics for students in grades K–6.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers and special education staff to implement and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.
- Provided a structured, supportive environment for students with diverse learning needs.
- Maintained detailed records of student growth and performance, providing regular updates to teachers and administrators
Education
Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction
Peru State College
Peru, NE07-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Teaching And Learning
California State University, Channel Islands
Camarillo, CA 05.2001 -
Skills
- Promoting active student participation
- Facilitated small group learning
- Effective classroom management
- Educational planning
- Effective collaboration
- Engaging educational activities
- Collaborative communication with parents
- Social skills development
- Effective reading strategies
- Resilience in learning
Certification
LETRS
Timeline
LETRS
11-2024
At-Risk Reading Interventionist
USD 305 Salina Public Schools
10.2021 - Current
English for Speakers of Other Languages
07-2018
Kindergarten Teacher
USD 305 Salina Public Schools
08.2014 - 10.2021
1st Grade Elementary Teacher
USD 305 Salina Public Schools
08.2013 - 05.2014
Kansas State Teaching License
07-2013
5th Grade Teacher
Oxnard School District
08.2012 - 06.2013
6th Grade Teacher
Oxnard School District
08.2011 - 06.2012
Intervention Services Provider
Oxnard School District
08.2008 - 06.2011
Bachelor of Arts - Teaching And Learning
California State University, Channel Islands
05.2001 -
Master of Science - Curriculum And Instruction
Peru State College