Jennifer Kootstra
Hamilton
Summary
Experienced Spanish teacher with a strong background in language instruction and curriculum development. Implemented innovative teaching methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Demonstrated effective classroom management and communication skills to create a conducive learning environment.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Part time Spanish teacher
Bethlehem Lutheran School
08.2022 - 05.2025
- Part time Spanish teacher for grades 1st-8th grade
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance Spanish language skills.
- Created supportive learning environment for foreign students to nurture budding language development.
- Explained concepts and assignments in both native and non-native languages.
- Participated in Festival of the Arts, 7th-8th grade recitation of Psalms 23 in Spanish
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by fostering open communication between students and addressing any conflicts or concerns promptly.
- Cultivated passion for Spanish language among students by integrating music, art, and literature from Spanish-speaking countries into curriculum.
Full Time Spanish Teacher
Cherry Creek Charter Academy
08.2008 - 06.2010
- Full Time Spanish Teacher for grades 3rd-8th grade
- Developed engaging Spanish curricula to enhance student language acquisition and cultural understanding.
- Facilitated immersive language lessons that improved student participation and enthusiasm for learning Spanish.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as Spanish Club meetings and cultural events to promote language immersion outside of the classroom setting.
- Used written exercises to test and develop reading and writing foreign languages.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate interdisciplinary approaches, enriching students' overall educational experience.
- Evaluated student performance using various assessment tools, providing constructive feedback, and working closely with struggling learners to improve outcomes.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on pedagogical trends and enhance teaching skills further.
- Established strong relationships with parents, keeping them informed of their child''s progress and offering tips for supporting language development at home.
Spanish Teacher
Laredo Middle School
08.2005 - 06.2008
- Spanish Teacher 6th-8th grade
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Developed engaging lesson plans that enhanced student participation and language acquisition.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary units that highlighted influence of Spanish language and culture across subjects.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
- Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
- Girls Track Coach/Distance running Coach
- Completed Colorado Teacher's Induction program
- Enhanced students' understanding of Spanish grammar by designing and implementing interactive exercises.
- Developed and administered quarterly assessments to gauge student progress and collect data for data based instruction planning.
Long Term Substitute Spanish Teacher
Thunder Ridge High School
08.2004 - 12.2004
- Long Term Substitute Spanish Teacher, Spanish 1A/1B
Long Term Substitute Spanish Teacher
Cheyenne Middle School
01.2004 - 03.2004
- Long Term Substitute Spanish Teacher, 7th grade
Full Time Spanish Teacher
Harker Heights High School
01.2003 - 12.2003
- Full Time Spanish teacher, Spanish I/ II
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Modern Language Education- Spanish
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, Oklahoma12.2002
Skills
- Spanish language educator
- Experienced in Spanish language
- Experienced in crafting interactive lessons for elementary and middle school students
- Translation proficiency
- Cultivating strong partnerships
- Faculty teamwork and assistance
- Differentiated instruction
- SMART boards
- Enforcing rules and expectations
- Program development
- Adaptability to change
- Classroom management
- Creative lesson design
- Vocabulary expansion
- Interactive teaching
- Safe, positive learning environment
Certification
- Oklahoma Professional Teaching Certificate: Spanish Pre-k-12 (expired)
- Texas Teaching License: Spanish 2003 (expired)
- Colorado Professional Teaching License: Spanish K-12, March 28, 2008 (expired)
- Ohio Permanent Non Tax Certificate, August 2022 (permanent)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Part time Spanish teacher
Bethlehem Lutheran School
08.2022 - 05.2025
Full Time Spanish Teacher
Cherry Creek Charter Academy
08.2008 - 06.2010
Spanish Teacher
Laredo Middle School
08.2005 - 06.2008
Long Term Substitute Spanish Teacher
Thunder Ridge High School
08.2004 - 12.2004
Long Term Substitute Spanish Teacher
Cheyenne Middle School
01.2004 - 03.2004
Full Time Spanish Teacher
Harker Heights High School
01.2003 - 12.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Modern Language Education- Spanish
University of Central Oklahoma
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