Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Karen Peterson

Chicago,IL

Summary

Dynamic and dedicated educator with extensive experience at Chicago Public Schools, adept in effective classroom management and instructional design. Proven track record in fostering student engagement through innovative lesson plans and hands-on activities. Strong interpersonal skills enhance collaboration with colleagues and support for diverse learners, including English Language Learners.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Tenured CPS Teacher

Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.1999 - Current
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
  • Fostered a positive classroom environment to enhance student learning and participation.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects that promote critical thinking.
  • Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations, providing targeted feedback.
  • Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
  • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
  • Organized and led educational field trips that complemented classroom learning, broadening students' real-world understanding.
  • Implemented classroom management plan that reduced disruptions, creating a more conducive learning environment.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
  • Continuously pursued professional development opportunities such as workshops or conferences to stay current in educational trends.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Pioneered a sustainability project that educated students on environmental issues and solutions.
  • Coordinated with language specialists to support English Language Learners, fostering more inclusive classroom.

Education

Master of Arts - Education Administration

American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN

Master of Arts - Education

DePaul University
Chicago, IL

Certificate - English-as-a-Second-Language Education

DePaul University
Chicago, IL
07-2025

Skills

  • Effective classroom management
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Instructional design
  • Positive role model and mentor
  • Cultural sensitivity
  • ESL instruction
  • Proficient in SMART Board technology

Accomplishments

  • Student Motivation - Developed materials for after-school sessions to motivate students to create their curriculum circles and increase project-based learning among middle school students.
  • Student Motivation - Developed an after-school 5-week session that mentored five students with social-emotional care

Timeline

Tenured CPS Teacher

Chicago Public Schools CPS
08.1999 - Current

Master of Arts - Education Administration

American College of Education

Master of Arts - Education

DePaul University

Certificate - English-as-a-Second-Language Education

DePaul University