Jessica Ann Cadena
Austin,TX
Summary
Dynamic bilingual Science Teacher dedicated to developing connections with students to boost engagement and overall learning while helping to build important life-long skills. Motivated by the belief that all children can be successful learners. Committed to providing students with necessary tools to achieve academic goals, instilling a love of learning and cooperative teamwork. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies. Offering 4 years of experience teaching Science in versatile education environments.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
AP Biology Lead
Pflugerville ISD ~ Weiss High School
08.2024 - 05.2025
- STAAR test scores for my students exceeded the local high schools, the region, and state scores.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Offered guidance on test-taking strategies for standardized exams such as AP Biology or SAT subject tests, leading to improved scores for many students.
- Supported students in preparing for standardized tests such as the SAT Biology Subject Test or AP Biology Exam through tailored instruction focusing on test-specific content areas.
AP Biology, Chemistry, & Physics Instructor
Austin ISD ~ Akins High School
08.2020 - 06.2024
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Utilized various teaching tools and technologies to enhance student learning.
- Fostered a collaborative classroom environment promoting critical thinking.
- Implemented assessment strategies to evaluate student progress effectively.
- Mentored students in scientific inquiry and problem-solving skills.
- Collaborated with faculty to integrate interdisciplinary approaches in teaching.
- Facilitated hands-on learning by creating and supervising laboratory activities and discussions.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding of complex physics concepts.
- Utilized various teaching tools, including simulations and demonstrations, to facilitate interactive learning experiences.
Pre-AP & On-level Chemistry Instructor
Edgewood ISD~ Fine Arts High School
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Developed and implemented engaging chemistry lesson plans aligned with state standards.
- Facilitated hands-on laboratory experiments to enhance student understanding of chemical principles.
- Assessed student performance through regular quizzes, exams, and practical evaluations.
- Fostered a collaborative classroom environment promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Integrated technology into curriculum to support diverse learning styles and enhance engagement.
- Participated in professional development workshops to stay current on educational best practices and methodologies.
- Enhanced student understanding of complex topics by incorporating engaging visual aids and hands-on experiments.
On-level Biology Instructor
NEISD ~ Mac Arthur High School
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Worked collaboratively with other teachers to review data and develop instructional strategies to address student learning objectives.
- Pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences and teacher training workshops.
- Conducted student-led after-school tutoring program to teach under-privileged students.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to devise and implement coordinated educational strategies and student support networks.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Assisted students of all ability levels to develop life-long learning skills and good study habits.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligning with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated laboratory experiments to enhance student understanding of biological concepts.
Pre-AP Biology Instructor
NISD ~ Communications Arts Magnet School
06.2017 - 06.2018
- 100% of my students passed the Biology STAAR test. Many of them achieved high passing scores.
- Successfully improved student participation in the classroom and diversified instruction through integration of interactive technology based lessons.
- Collaborated with a team of faculty to establish a lunch time tutoring program for students in need of additional help.
- Implemented a Buddy System program for 9th grade students to increase student development and enthusiasm for learning.
- Fostered meaningful relationships among students through the establishment of Garden club projects.
- Met with parents to resolve conflicting regarding educational priorities and extra curricular activities.
- Facilitated group sessions and provided one-on-one tutoring support.
Earth & Space Science Instructor
NISD ~ William J. Brennan High School
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Developed activities and integrated technology to diversify instruction.
- Modified the general education curriculum for special-needs students based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
- Developed, created, and taught new lessons plans based on current and relevant Earth & Space themes and course objectives to promote student interest.
- Successfully improved student participation in the classroom through integration of creative role-playing exercises.
- Improved student's analytical skills by introducing state-of-the-art computer program technologies.
- Planned and implemented classroom lessons that were consistent with Northside Independent School District regulations and Board of Education goals.
- Facilitated group sessions and provided one-on-one support.
- Maintained safety and security of all youth under care.
- Consistently received positive teacher evaluations from supervisors.
- Corresponded with parents through email, or telephone calls to resolve educational priorities and issues.
- Fostered meaningful relationships among students through the establishment of the Earth & Space Science Club.
- Facilitated hands-on experiments to enhance student understanding of scientific concepts.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
Science Instructor/Life Coach
San Antonio ISD ~ Estrada Achievement Center
08.2015 - 06.2016
- Modified the education curriculum for students battling mental health and addiction issue based upon a variety of instructional techniques and technologies.
- Facilitated group sessions and provided one-on-one support.
- Maintained safety and security of all youth under care.
- Developed program to work with students and increase interest in higher learning.
- Corresponded with parents through email, telephone or postal mail to resolve conflicting educational priorities and issues.
- Used range of instructional approaches and classroom of activities to draw students into material and enhance understanding.
- Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior, social development and physical health.
- Instituted mentoring program between middle and high school students, to increase student development and enthusiasm for learning.
- Enforced school’s student discipline code and dealt with problem situations.
Education
Master’s of Science in Nursing ~ Leads - enrolled - Nursing
University of Texas At Austin
Austin, Texas01-2027
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, TX2012
Undergraduate Coursework for B.S. in Biology -
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX01-2005
Skills
- Excellent verbal, Interpersonal, and written communication skills
- Proficient in English and Spanish
- Skilled in MS Word, Gradebook, PowerPoint, Google Slides, Google docs, Google Drive, etc
- Familiar with SmartBoard technology
- More than five years experience working with Canvas LMS
- Experienced in conducting class online
- Motivated to collaborate with other other science education professionals
- Can work well independently or collaborate with a group
- Classroom management techniques
- Laboratory management
- Student engagement
- Effective lesson planning
Certification
- First aid and CPR certified.
- Certified in Composite Science grades 7th - 12th
- CPI training (Needs to be renewed)
Timeline
AP Biology Lead
Pflugerville ISD ~ Weiss High School
08.2024 - 05.2025
AP Biology, Chemistry, & Physics Instructor
Austin ISD ~ Akins High School
08.2020 - 06.2024
Pre-AP & On-level Chemistry Instructor
Edgewood ISD~ Fine Arts High School
08.2019 - 05.2020
On-level Biology Instructor
NEISD ~ Mac Arthur High School
08.2018 - 06.2019
Pre-AP Biology Instructor
NISD ~ Communications Arts Magnet School
06.2017 - 06.2018
Earth & Space Science Instructor
NISD ~ William J. Brennan High School
08.2016 - 06.2017
Science Instructor/Life Coach
San Antonio ISD ~ Estrada Achievement Center
08.2015 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Science - Biology
University of the Incarnate Word
Master’s of Science in Nursing ~ Leads - enrolled - Nursing
University of Texas At Austin
Undergraduate Coursework for B.S. in Biology -
Texas A&M International University
Entrepreneurship
The Traveling Tutor
- Private tutor for elementary, middle and high school students in all subject areas.