JEN WURSTA
New Castle,DE
Summary
Enthusiastic dual certified educator with a knack for making learning exciting with a touch of "flair". Motivated by the belief that all children can be successful learners and deeply committed to the implementation of highly effective instructional practices to improve all student learning and academic performance. Passionate advocate for the needs of all students who is proficient in compassionate feedback, patience and positive reinforcement in diverse settings.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
4th Grade Teacher-special Education Classroom
Pleasantville Elementary School
New Castle, DE
08.2021 - Current
- Delivered effective and differentiated classroom instruction to range of neurodiverse students.
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to enhance class morale and engagement.
ELA/Special Education Teacher
Gunning Bedford Middle School
New Castle, DE
08.2017 - 06.2021
- Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
- Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
- Director of Costuming for school musicals-envisioned and designed custom costumes for musicals with a cast of 50-70 students
Teacher
Olive B Loss Elementary School
08.2004 - 06.2017
- Created and executed multi-faceted differentiated instruction that engaged learners in critical and higher order thinking skills.
- Pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences and teacher training workshops in LFS, Math Discourse, Children and Poverty, and Inquiry Based Learning
- Co-Coordinator of the Odyssey of the Mind program for our building (3 years)
- Taught multiple grade levels (1st Grade-5 years, 2nd Grade-3 years, 4th Grade-4 years)
- Multiple nominations for teacher of the year for building
- Created and maintained educational blog to communicate activities and information to parents
2nd Grade Classroom Teacher
Buckingham Elementary School
08.2000 - 07.2004
- Successfully implemented county curriculum in all subject areas
- Took students on state standards based field trips, which included Baltimore Zoo, Ward Museum, and Municipal buildings.
- Served as Co-chairperson of Science Fair Committee, 2002-2003; Elected head Chairperson 2003-2004
- Met regularly with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
Education
No Degree - Special Education Certification- ARTC Program
University of Delaware
Newark, DEMaster's of Education - Instruction of Gifted And Talented Children
Wilmington University
New Castle, DEMaster's of Education - Applied Educational Technology
Wilmington University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Salisbury State University
Salisbury, MDSkills
- Implementation of instructional best practices
- Trained in Responsive Classroom
- Meets Delaware 's NCLBs Highly Qualified Teacher requirements
- National Board Certified
- Creative lesson planning to engage all students
- Strong written and verbal communicator
Certification
- DE Advanced Teaching Certificate National Board
- Special Education Certification
- Certification, Early Childhood Generalist
Timeline
4th Grade Teacher-special Education Classroom
Pleasantville Elementary School
08.2021 - Current
ELA/Special Education Teacher
Gunning Bedford Middle School
08.2017 - 06.2021
Teacher
Olive B Loss Elementary School
08.2004 - 06.2017
2nd Grade Classroom Teacher
Buckingham Elementary School
08.2000 - 07.2004
No Degree - Special Education Certification- ARTC Program
University of Delaware
Master's of Education - Instruction of Gifted And Talented Children
Wilmington University
Master's of Education - Applied Educational Technology
Wilmington University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Salisbury State University