Karen Villanueva
Tacoma,WA
Summary
Dynamic educator with proven success in fostering student engagement and enhancing learning outcomes, as demonstrated at Tacoma School District 10. Specializes in cultural sensitivity and positive reinforcement, adept at creating inclusive environments that promote critical thinking. Excels in instructional technology and building meaningful relationships with students and families, significantly improving classroom participation.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
ESP Substitute
Tacoma School District 10
Tacoma, WA
10.2023 - Current
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Improved student comprehension by tailoring teaching methods to individual learning styles.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, ensuring a safe and respectful atmosphere for all students.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Increased overall class participation by fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
- Implemented project-based learning opportunities that encouraged collaboration and problem-solving among students.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans, enhancing students'' critical thinking skills.
Mail Sorter
Staffmark Temp Service
Fife, WA
11.2021 - 06.2022
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment for optimal sorting efficiency.
- Assisted in the training of new employees, sharing best practices for efficient mail sorting processes.
- Maximized productivity by efficiently managing workflow during peak hours or periods of high volume activity.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
Classroom Paraprofessional
Franklin Pierce School District
Tacoma, WA
03.2021 - 08.2021
- Collected observations on child development
- Communicated with Families on child development
- Attended child/teacher/ parent conferences
- Model and monitor behaviors
- Communicated and worked with families on behaviors/development of child
- Assisted in coordinating extracurricular activities that provided further enrichment opportunities for students outside the traditional classroom setting.
- Worked with students dealing with learning challenges or behavioral issues.
- Supported licensed teacher in implementing variety of behavioral management techniques.
- Assisted lead teacher in developing engaging lesson plans tailored to individual student abilities and interests, resulting in increased academic achievement.
- Supported diverse learners by adapting instructional methods to accommodate different learning styles, language abilities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, ideas, and strategies for improving student learning experiences across the curriculum.
- Ensured smooth transitions between activities by consistently enforcing established routines and procedures for classroom management.
- Develop and Follow lesson plans and activities.
- Worked w/a team of Teacher, OT,PT, and Speech Therapist
Paraprofessional Substitute
Franklin Pierce School District
Tacoma, WA
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Improved classroom management by consistently enforcing rules and maintaining a structured environment.
- Assisted lead teachers in preparing materials for instructional use, streamlining daily tasks while promoting efficiency.
- Contributed to a safe learning environment, monitoring students during non-instructional times and addressing any concerns or issues promptly.
- Participated in team meetings to discuss student progress, identify areas for growth, and develop strategies to support continued academic success.
Paraprofessional Substitute
Bethel School District
Spanaway, WA
03.2013 - 12.2014
- Prepared objectives and outlines for courses of study by following curriculum guidelines or requirements of states and schools.
- Monitored student performance and provided feedback to inform instruction.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
- Utilized variety of instructional strategies to meet individual student needs.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to maintain positive learning environment.
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
Classroom Paraprofessional
Franklin Pierce School District
Tacoma, WA
01.2014 - 11.2014
- Assisted lead teacher in developing engaging lesson plans tailored to individual student abilities and interests, resulting in increased academic achievement.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and progress reports to ensure effective monitoring of academic growth over time.
- Promoted a safe learning environment by promptly addressing conflicts among students and intervening when necessary to prevent escalation.
- Reduced behavioral issues by implementing a clear set of classroom rules, expectations, and consequences that fostered a respectful learning environment.
- Contributed to the creation of an inclusive classroom culture where all students felt valued, respected, and supported in their pursuit of academic success.
- Improved communication between parents and school staff by organizing regular parent-teacher conferences and providing timely updates on student progress.
- Facilitated small group instruction for targeted skill development in areas such as reading comprehension or mathematics problem solving..
- Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
- Collaborated with instructors to develop engaging lesson plans.
- Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
- Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians to increase support and provide best learning environment.
- Monitored and assessed student progress through regular formative assessments, providing immediate feedback to guide future instruction effectively.
Paraprofessional Substitute
Franklin Pierce School District
Tacoma, WA
10.2013 - 01.2014
- Improved classroom management by consistently enforcing rules and maintaining a structured environment.
- Contributed to a safe learning environment, monitoring students during non-instructional times and addressing any concerns or issues promptly.
- Assisted in the implementation of behavior management strategies, reducing disruptions and fostering a positive learning atmosphere.
- Facilitated small group instruction, allowing for targeted support and personalized attention to address specific academic needs.
- Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into daily lessons.
- Strengthened student-teacher relationships through open communication and active listening.
- Served as a liaison between general education teachers and special education staff, ensuring clear communication and collaboration.
Instructional Assistant
Muckleshoot Child Development Center
Auburn, WA
06.2010 - 04.2012
- Monitored student progress to identify areas requiring extra support and implement action plans to meet needs.
- Supervised students during non-instructional times such as lunch breaks or recess periods, maintaining safety standards at all times.
- Provided support during classes, group lessons, and classroom activities.
- Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, enabling them to achieve academic success.
- Implemented behavior management techniques to maintain a positive and focused learning environment.
- Promoted a culture of respect and inclusion within the classroom, fostering positive relationships among students from diverse backgrounds.
Paraprofessional Substitute
Clover Park School District
Lakewood, WA
04.2006 - 05.2010
- Provided one-on-one tutoring, enabling struggling students to improve their understanding of course content.
- Strengthened student-teacher relationships through open communication and active listening.
- Served as a liaison between general education teachers and special education staff, ensuring clear communication and collaboration.
- Supported lead teachers in the development of engaging lesson plans that met curriculum standards.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Assisted in maintaining engaging and respectful educational environment by promoting discipline and cooperation.
- Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
- Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Tacoma Community College
Tacoma, WA12.2024
Para Educator Degree W/emphasis in ECE - Early Childhood Education
Tacoma Community College
Tacoma, WA06.2004
Skills
- Student Engagement/Activity management
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Positive Reinforcement/Classroom Management
- Motivation Techniques/ Behavior Management
- Instructional technology
- Assessment Strategies/IEP understanding/Assessment administration/Staff Collaboration
- Creative Thinking
- Documentation And Reporting
- Relationship building and management
- Verbal and written communication
- Group and individual instruction/Lesson Plan Implementation
- Building positive relationships with students and their families
Timeline
ESP Substitute
Tacoma School District 10
10.2023 - Current
Mail Sorter
Staffmark Temp Service
11.2021 - 06.2022
Classroom Paraprofessional
Franklin Pierce School District
03.2021 - 08.2021
Paraprofessional Substitute
Franklin Pierce School District
11.2019 - 03.2020
Classroom Paraprofessional
Franklin Pierce School District
01.2014 - 11.2014
Paraprofessional Substitute
Franklin Pierce School District
10.2013 - 01.2014
Paraprofessional Substitute
Bethel School District
03.2013 - 12.2014
Instructional Assistant
Muckleshoot Child Development Center
06.2010 - 04.2012
Paraprofessional Substitute
Clover Park School District
04.2006 - 05.2010
Associate of Applied Science - Early Childhood Education
Tacoma Community College
Para Educator Degree W/emphasis in ECE - Early Childhood Education
Tacoma Community College