Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
References
Timeline
Generic

Karen Whiteman

Madison

Summary

Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Adams Middle School in Guilford, CT, adept at fostering student engagement and success through innovative curriculum development and differentiated instruction.I effectively integrated technology into lessons, enhancing learning experiences and promoting a positive classroom environment.

Experienced waitress with expertise in fostering team collaboration and delivering exceptional customer service.

Overview

41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Teacher

Guilford Board of Education
Guilford
08.1995 - 06.2024
  • Organized and supervised field trips to science museums and research centers.
  • Managed classroom environment to create a safe and productive learning space.
  • Assisted students with laboratory activities and experiments.
  • Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
  • Integrated technology into lessons to enrich science education experiences.
  • Facilitated activities that developed students' physical, emotional, and social growth.
  • Attended variety of professional development workshops centered on learning goals, classroom management, student motivation and engaging learning activities.
  • Developed and implemented engaging science curriculum aligning with state standards.
  • Collaborated with other teachers, administrators, and parents on curriculum development and review.
  • Encouraged students to explore their own interests in the field of science.
  • Conducted interactive experiments to demonstrate scientific principles.
  • Attended professional development workshops related to teaching science at the middle school level.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction techniques based on individual student needs.
  • Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units that connect science with other subjects.

Waitress

Lynch and Malone's Restaurant
Madison
06.1998 - 02.2005
  • Informed customers of daily specials and signature menu items.
  • Served alcoholic beverages responsibly in accordance with state laws.
  • Trained new employees to perform duties.
  • Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
  • Assisted in preparing salads, appetizers and desserts to speed up food service.
  • Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
  • Assisted other wait staff members in times of heavy customer traffic.

Teacher

New Britain Board Of Education
New Britain
08.1993 - 06.1995
  • Assisted students with laboratory activities and experiments.
  • Managed classroom environment to create a safe and productive learning space.
  • Attended variety of professional development workshops centered on learning goals, classroom management, student motivation and engaging learning activities.
  • Developed and implemented engaging science curriculum aligning with state standards.
  • Collaborated with other teachers, administrators, and parents on curriculum development and review.
  • Conducted interactive experiments to demonstrate scientific principles.
  • Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans for middle school science classes.
  • Utilized various instructional strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles.

Paraeducator, Special Education

Guilford Board of Education
Guilford
08.1990 - 12.1992
  • Taught note-taking techniques and test strategies.
  • Collaborated with teacher to develop personalized and successful learning strategies.
  • Encouraged participation from all students by using positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Motivated students using feedback and encouragement.
  • Helped students learn to persevere with challenging tasks.
  • Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.

Waitress/Bartender

Su Casa Mexican Restaurant
Branford
06.1983 - 05.1989
  • Developed positive relationships with regular customers through friendly conversation.
  • Presented menus and answered questions regarding items.
  • Provided excellent customer service by addressing any complaints or concerns promptly.
  • Served alcoholic beverages responsibly in accordance with state laws.
  • Stocked service areas with supplies during slow periods.
  • Checked with guests to get feedback on food served, resolve issues, bring additional items and refill beverages.
  • Took orders for food and drinks and delivered them to guests.
  • Answered questions about menu items, ingredients, and pricing.
  • Trained new employees to perform duties.

Education

Sixth Year Degree in Secondary Education - Science Education

Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT
05-2006

Master of Science - Environmental Science

Southern Connecticut State University
New Haven, CT
05-1998

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Charter Oak College
Hartford, CT
05-1991

Skills

  • Customer service
  • Team collaboration
  • Communication skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Order processing

Affiliations

  • Gardening
  • Sewing
  • Hiking
  • Playing with my dogs

Accomplishments

  • Science Education Fellowship at Wesleyan University

Certification

  • I am currently a retired teacher, however my certification does not expire until June 24, 2027.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Waitress

Lynch and Malone's Restaurant
06.1998 - 02.2005

Teacher

Guilford Board of Education
08.1995 - 06.2024

Teacher

New Britain Board Of Education
08.1993 - 06.1995

Paraeducator, Special Education

Guilford Board of Education
08.1990 - 12.1992

Waitress/Bartender

Su Casa Mexican Restaurant
06.1983 - 05.1989

Sixth Year Degree in Secondary Education - Science Education

Southern Connecticut State University

Master of Science - Environmental Science

Southern Connecticut State University

Bachelor of Science - Biology

Charter Oak College