Kate Tibbitts
Bend,OR
Summary
Experienced professional educator with a strong background in early childhood education, early literacy instruction, and social and emotional development. Demonstrates expertise in creating engaging learning environments, fostering child development, and employing effective classroom management techniques. Prioritizes team collaboration and adaptability to changing needs, ensuring reliability and positive outcomes. Proficient in curriculum development, student assessment, and communication with parents. Committed to ongoing professional growth and seeking leadership opportunities.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher, North Star Elementary
Bend La Pine School District
08.2019 - Current
- Built positive relationships with students and families to create safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines and focusing on strong relationships.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
- Implemented an innovative start to the kindergarten school year: Kindergarten Camp.
- Wrote a grant and led the initiative to bring Kindergarten Forest Days to North Star Elementary.
- Showed a commitment to ongoing growth through participation in opportunities like Orton-Gillingham training, LETRS 2-year cohort, Math Early On initiative, Kindergarten Innovation and Design Team, and more.
Kindergarten Teacher, Lava Ridge Elementary
Bend La Pine School District
08.2017 - 06.2019
- Supported the learning and growth of kindergarten students in a full day classroom setting, including dual language learners
- Delivered instruction aligned with Oregon’s Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines using the Growing Early Mindsets (GEM) curriculum, which addresses SEL and Approaches to Learning standards, as well as literacy standards
- Collaborated with kindergarten team and building administration and support staff, as well as incoming kindergarten families, to pilot a new start to the kindergarten school year called Kindergarten Camp
- Piloted and received coaching in the Lucy Calkins Units of Study for Teaching Reading
- Participated in the district’s Kindergarten Innovation and Design (KID) team
Pre-K Teacher and Assistant Regional Pre-K – 3rd Coordinator
Bend La Pine School District
09.2015 - 06.2017
- Supported the learning and growth of pre-K students in a half day pre-K setting, including two English language learners and one student with special needs
- Effectively designed and delivered instruction using the Growing Early Mindsets (GEM) curriculum and Oregon’s Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines
- Conducted screenings, family orientations and home visits for all 24 pre-K students
- Planned for and carried out many family engagement opportunities, including conferences, family nights, and celebrations
- Collaborated professionally and positively with my supervisor, teaching partner and two classroom Educational Assistants
- Collaborated with regional and district partners to help develop and enhance early learning programs and partnerships in Central Oregon
Kindergarten Teacher, Jewell Elementary
Bend La Pine School District
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Supported the learning and growth of 20 kindergarten students in a full day kindergarten setting, including four English language learners
- Effectively designed and delivered instruction using the Bridges math curriculum, Lucy Calkins writing curriculum and Open Court reading curriculum
- Upheld high expectations for classroom management
- Collaborated professionally and positively with my grade level team
- Piloted the Growing Early Mindsets (GEM) curriculum to develop social and emotional skills in my students and to foster a growth mindset in the classroom
Research Project Manager
OSU-Cascades
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Studied the effects of home environment, self regulation, preschool experiences and flame retardant exposure on kindergarten readiness
- Worked cooperatively with university professors and local preschool teachers, and led a research team of five graduate and undergraduate students
- Performed developmental and self regulation assessments on 65 preschool aged children in Central Oregon in the school and home environment
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
Oregon State University
01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Human Development and Family Sciences
Oregon State University
01.2012
Skills
- Strong understanding of early childhood development
- Skilled early literacy instructor
- Passionate about social and emotional learning
- Builds strong relationships with students and families
Training
- COSA Early Learning Conference, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018
- Kindergarten Innovation and Design (KID) team member, 09/01/17 - 06/01/18 and 9/01/2023 - 06/01/2024
- Orton - Gillingham 40-hr. Training and Certification, 08/2022
- LETRS 2-yr. cohort, 09/2023 - current
- Math Early On project, 09/2024 - current
- North Star ICCL Team, 09/2024 - current
Bend La Pine Schools Educator of the Year 2023
Every year, Bend-La Pine Schools recognizes staff members from across the district who have distinguished themselves with their leadership, innovation, outstanding professional practice, and positive contributions at work and in the community. Kate was awarded Educator of the Year from among these staff members. Her principal wrote: “Kate goes to extraordinary lengths to open the minds, hearts, and neurons of her students. She is a collaborator, an intense and compassionate listener, and turns ideas into actions that benefit all of her students. I am humbled and honored to work alongside such a positive life force. Her inspiration reaches beyond her classroom to all she interacts with at North Star. Kate wholeheartedly embodies our school motto: Together We Shine.”
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher, North Star Elementary
Bend La Pine School District
08.2019 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher, Lava Ridge Elementary
Bend La Pine School District
08.2017 - 06.2019
Pre-K Teacher and Assistant Regional Pre-K – 3rd Coordinator
Bend La Pine School District
09.2015 - 06.2017
Kindergarten Teacher, Jewell Elementary
Bend La Pine School District
01.2014 - 01.2015
Research Project Manager
OSU-Cascades
01.2012 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Human Development and Family Sciences
Oregon State University
Master of Arts - Teaching
Oregon State University
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