Hi, I’m
Karen Huffman
Buffalo,NY
Summary
Dedicated Science Teacher with 20+ years of experience teaching general science, earth science, physics and physiology concepts to pupils. Plans and delivers science program that includes demonstrations, lectures, discussion and student experiments to develop language, logic and problem-solving skills in classroom. Uses variety of research-based instructional practices and current resources to support instructional goals and student needs.
Detail-oriented team player with strong organizational skills. Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously with a high degree of accuracy.
Hardworking and passionate job seeker with strong organizational skills eager to secure a customer based position. Ready to help team achieve company goals.
Overview
18
years of professional experience
12
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Charter Middle School of Applied Technologies, sBuffalo, NY
7th Grade Science Teacher
08.2022 - Current
Job overview
- Established and implemented behavioral protocols and monitored student behavior, performance, social development and physical health.
- Devised and used formative and summative assessments and maintained accurate and complete records as required by laws, policies and regulations.
- Instructed students using variety of classroom methods and adapted methodology and instructional materials to meet student needs, abilities and Individualized Educational Plans.
- Developed and implemented both group and individual lesson plans for students in accordance with established science curriculum.
Slow Roll BuffaloBUFFALO, United States
Volunteer Coordinator
05.2020 - Current
Job overview
- Developed volunteer policies and procedures, codes of conduct, and volunteer standards.
- Recruited and trained new volunteers on volunteer program goals and objectives.
- Managed volunteer calendar and verified coverage of key roles during volunteer unavailability.
- Participated in community outreach events to promote volunteer opportunities and enlist new volunteers.
- Created volunteer handbook to provide information on volunteer roles, responsibilities and expectations.
- Developed and maintained relationships with local organizations to identify volunteer opportunities and resources.
- Coordinated and implemented special events for volunteer service appreciation.
Erie Community CollegeORCHARD PARK, United States
Instructor of Biology
07.2006 - 08.2022
Job overview
- Evaluated students' academic and social growth, kept appropriate records, and prepared progress reports to gauge performance.
- Introduced freshmen and sophomore students to biology through general classes.
- Developed and presented engaging lectures, labs and activities for students.
- Supported students seeking careers in biology by advising on educational and vocational choices.
- Prepared online lectures and videos for remote learning.
- Helped students better understand text through lectures, discussions and assignments.
- Taught specialized biology classes for students in major and those completing graduate-level work.
- Gave struggling students personalized support during office hours or via email.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Genesee Community CollegeBatavia, NY
Associate Professor
01.2011 - 08.2019
Job overview
- Helped students to develop and demonstrate broad, integrative and specialized knowledge, essential habits of mind, communicative fluency and effective problem-solving skills.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Updated curricula and lesson plans for primary instructors, researching developments in relevant fields and updating materials to reflect most recent data and statistics.
- Proctored mid-term and final examinations, assisting students with assignment comprehension and monitoring for indications of cheating.
- Sustained professional contact with colleagues and engaged in continuing professional activities to upgrade and augment existing skills or develop new ones.
- Enhanced effectiveness of curriculum and lectures using computer-assisted instruction programs and audio-visual equipment.
- Managed interpersonal conflict situations requiring tact, diplomacy and discretion, supporting culture of diversity, equity and inclusion with students, employees, alumni and other stakeholders.
- Mentored students and advised on career paths, degree requirements and post-graduate education options.
- Made contributions in curricular development and innovation in teaching strategies.
- Graded assignments and examinations, recording grades in grade book and reporting to primary course instructor on average performance and students requiring special attention.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Shifted between informal and formal methods of teaching to create multi-layered web of learning incorporating experiments, practical activities, discussions, and projects into lessons.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Established and maintained inclusive, collegial and collaborative culture within classroom.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, resulting in clear subject matter discussion with students.
- Used different learning modes and types of technology to engage students in achieving learning outcomes.
Mt. Mercy AcademyBuffalo, NY
High School Science Teacher
08.2005 - 01.2011
Job overview
- Selected and requisitioned appropriate books and instructional aids to complement lesson plans.
- Taught science courses using lab-based learning model to deepen subject mastery.
- Developed and administered detailed science curriculum to high school students.
- Encouraged student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and participation in middle and high school national science competitions.
- Coordinated and collaborated with other faculty members during lesson plan development.
- Planned, prepared, and taught lesson plans, giving students individual support.
- Supported student comprehension of scientific principles through individualized instruction.
- Built variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
- Kept abreast of technological advances in mathematics and adapted curriculum for individual, small group and remedial instruction to meet diverse needs of high school students.
- Provided guidance and mentoring to students regarding academic, social and emotional issues.
- Communicated with students and parents regarding academic progress, assignments, and behavior.
Education
University of TexasAustin, TX
Ph.D. from Biology
09.1987 - 05.1995
Indiana UniversityBloominton, IN
Bachelor of Science from Microbiology
01.1983 - 06.1987
Buffalo State College
certification only
Permanent certification in Biology 5 – 12, Chemistry 5 – 12, General Science
University Overview
5- 12
Skills
Student records management
Group and individual instruction
Classroom management
Testing and grading
Student engagement
Organizational ability
IEP familiarity
Literacy skills
Smartboard operation
Learning assessments
Creative problem solving
Complaint resolution
Organization
MS Office
Excellent Communication
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Problem-Solving
Dependable and Responsible
Multitasking Abilities
Planning and Coordination
Timeline
7th Grade Science Teacher
Charter Middle School of Applied Technologies, s
08.2022 - Current
Volunteer Coordinator
Slow Roll Buffalo
05.2020 - Current
Associate Professor
Genesee Community College
01.2011 - 08.2019
Instructor of Biology
Erie Community College
07.2006 - 08.2022
High School Science Teacher
Mt. Mercy Academy
08.2005 - 01.2011
University of Texas
Ph.D. from Biology
09.1987 - 05.1995
Indiana University
Bachelor of Science from Microbiology
01.1983 - 06.1987
Buffalo State College
certification only
Permanent certification in Biology 5 – 12, Chemistry 5 – 12, General Science
05.2003