Katherine Collins
Richland
Summary
Passionate elementary educator with four years of experience teaching kindergarten and first grade, dedicated to building strong foundational literacy and fostering engaging classroom environments. Skilled in delivering explicit instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, differentiating lessons to support diverse learners, and using student data to guide instruction within an MTSS framework. Collaborative team member and instructional leader, serving as First Grade Team Leader and PLC Chair to support effective teaching practices and improved student outcomes.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
First Grade Teacher
Richland School District 400
Richland, WA
08.2023 - Current
- Design and implement engaging, standards-aligned lessons that promote strong student engagement and a positive classroom environment.
- Deliver explicit, systematic literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading, including phonemic awareness and phonics informed by LETRS.
- Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs, including multilingual learners and students requiring additional support.
- Use formative assessments and progress monitoring to guide data-driven instruction within an MTSS framework.
- Provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 academic supports and collaborate with staff and families to support student success.
- Collaborate in PLCs to analyze student data, strengthen instruction, and maintain fidelity to district curriculum.
- Serve as First Grade Team Leader and PLC Chair, facilitating team collaboration and instructional planning.
- Lead the Elementary Leadership Club (Grades 1–3) to promote student responsibility, leadership, and community.
Kindergarten Teacher
Moses Lake School District
Moses Lake, WA
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Designed and implemented engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons that supported early literacy, foundational math skills, and school readiness.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that promoted social-emotional development, routines, and collaborative learning.
- Monitored student growth through formative assessments and adjusted instruction to support diverse developmental and academic needs.
- Partnered with families to communicate student progress and support children’s early learning and adjustment to school.
Building Substitute Teacher
Richland School District 400
Richland, WA
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Delivered grade-level instruction and maintained classroom routines across K–5 classrooms to ensure continuity of learning.
- Adapted quickly to different classroom environments while implementing lesson plans and supporting diverse student needs.
- Promoted a positive and structured learning environment while effectively managing student behavior and engagement.
Student Teacher
Richland School District 400
Richland, WA
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Designed and implemented engaging lessons that supported diverse learning styles and promoted student collaboration.
- Facilitated whole-group and small-group instruction while assessing student progress and providing feedback.
- Collaborated with the mentor teacher and staff to support curriculum alignment and effective instructional strategies.
Education
Master of Science - Literacy
American College of Education
Indianapolis, IN04-2026
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT02-2021
Skills
- Classroom Management & Positive Behavior Support
- Science of Reading–Aligned Literacy Instruction
- Differentiated Instruction
- Phonics & Phonemic Awareness Instruction
- Data-Driven Instruction & Progress Monitoring
- MTSS Implementation (Tier 1 & Tier 2 Support)
- PLC Collaboration & Team Leadership
- Family Communication & Engagement
Certification
- Elementary Education Teaching Credential, Washington State – Valid through June 2029
- LETRS Literacy Certification, Voyager Sopris Learning – Completed April 2025
- MTSS Certification, CharacterStrong – Completed October 2025
- TESOL/TEFL Certification (120 Hours), World TESOL Academy – Expected June 2026
Timeline
First Grade Teacher
Richland School District 400
08.2023 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
Moses Lake School District
08.2022 - 08.2023
Building Substitute Teacher
Richland School District 400
01.2022 - 06.2022
Student Teacher
Richland School District 400
08.2021 - 12.2021
Master of Science - Literacy
American College of Education
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
Western Governors University