Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Hobbies
Timeline
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Katherine Norton

Long Island,ME

Summary

Elementary School Teacher with expertise in early education, early literacy, and child development. Highly collaborative approach to teaching and learning. Thorough knowledge of Common Core and curriculum development. Confident with Responsive Classroom practices, and with communication with families in a positive, warm, and informed manner.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

K-2 Classroom Teacher

Long Island Elementary School
08.2016 - Current
  • Improved reading decoding, comprehension, and writing skills by implementing cross-curricular and diverse literacy programs, designed around specific student needs, interests and learning styles
  • Implemented district math program, differentiating along the way to reduce frustration and increase confidence and a understanding of concepts
  • Enhanced student engagement with personalized projects and learning opportunities
  • Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering open communication between students, parents, and staff, as guided by Responsive Classroom
  • Infused meditation, mindfulness, and growth mindset into classroom routine
  • Utilized various assessment tools, both formal and informal, to monitor student progress and adjust and inform teaching.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities or who are struggling
  • Taught writing to K-5 students, both creative, and non-fiction
  • Taught music to K-5 students, including musical instruments, singing, movement, rhythm, drama, and performance

Kindergarten Teacher

Appletree School
08.2006 - 06.2008
  • Improved student reading skills by implementing phonics-based instruction and guided reading activities.
  • Improved number sense by using hands-on activities
  • Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
  • Increased parent involvement through regular communication, parent-teacher conferences, and workshops.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment with the use of collaborative group work and hands-on activities.
  • Taught music and movement

First Grade Teacher

MDI Elementary School
09.2005 - 06.2006
  • Improved student reading comprehension by incorporating phonics activities and guided reading sessions, "bring home books" and by working closely with the Reading Specialist
  • Developed students' critical thinking skills through inquiry-based learning activities and group projects.
  • Implemented district math curriculum, and enhanced it with hands-on activities and manipulatives
  • Assessed student progress regularly using formal and informal and modified instruction accordingly for optimal growth.
  • Promoted an inclusive and positive classroom culture.

Volunteer/Substitute Teacher

Pemetic Elementary And Cranberry Island School
01.2001 - 06.2004
  • Followed plans left by classroom teachers
  • Helped small groups and individuals in literacy and math
  • Read with students

Education

Masters of Education - Writing And Teaching Writing

University of Maine
Orono, Maine
05.2023

Bachelor of Arts - Human Ecology, Focus On Elementary Education

College of The Atlantic
Bar Harbor, ME
06.2004

Skills

  • Cross-curricular instruction
  • Project-based learning
  • Music Education
  • Collaborative Teaching (work closely with 3rd-5th grade co-teacher)
  • Relationship Building
  • Student-Centered Learning
  • Creative Writing curriculum design
  • Instructional technology (assistive and enriching)

Accomplishments

  • Director of Long Island Rec Department
  • Co-Director of Long Island Community Library
  • Summer Children's Library Program Leader
  • Published Poet in multiple online journals
  • Published author in the Working Waterfront Newspaper

Certification

Maine State Teacher Certification, K-8

Hobbies

I'm a writer, musician, and community organizer. I bring what I love about teaching in a classroom into the community, and vice versa. I have organized and led many community events including open mics,  poetry classes, poetry readings, Ukranian Egg Design, pottery classes, pot lucks, and concerts. 

Timeline

K-2 Classroom Teacher

Long Island Elementary School
08.2016 - Current

Kindergarten Teacher

Appletree School
08.2006 - 06.2008

First Grade Teacher

MDI Elementary School
09.2005 - 06.2006

Volunteer/Substitute Teacher

Pemetic Elementary And Cranberry Island School
01.2001 - 06.2004

Masters of Education - Writing And Teaching Writing

University of Maine

Bachelor of Arts - Human Ecology, Focus On Elementary Education

College of The Atlantic
Katherine Norton