Katherine Zielsdorf
Mesa,AZ
Summary
Elementary educator with 10+ years of experience designing inclusive, student-centered lessons in gifted education, Spanish, and elementary content areas. Skilled in instructional design, integration of technology, inquiry-based learning, and differentiated, data-driven instruction. Proven ability to build supportive, enriching classroom communities.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
3rd/4th Grade Gifted and Talented Teacher
Mesa Public Schools
Mesa, AZ
07.2024 - Current
- Developing and implementing lesson plans aligned with state standards, department competencies, and student learning needs
- Designing enrichment activities to stimulate intellectual growth beyond the traditional classroom
- Implementing formative and summative assessment strategies to evaluate student progress and tailor instruction
- Collaborating with colleagues to create interdisciplinary units that integrate multiple subjects
- Utilizing Simple Machines and BricQ LEGO Education curricula to teach engineering and design processes
Director of Academic Programs
BASIS Phoenix South
Phoenix, AZ
05.2023 - 07.2024
- Coordinated administration of school, district, and state-level assessments
- Collaborated with staff to improve instructional strategies and classroom management
- Evaluated student performance data through assessments and provided feedback to staff
- Facilitated professional development workshops through weekly staff meetings to enhance teaching strategies among staff
Private Tutor
Tutor Doctor- Gateway and East Mesa
Mesa, AZ
08.2021 - 10.2023
- Provided one-on-one instruction tailored to the individual strengths and needs of each student
- Prepared lesson plans for tutoring sessions according to students' needs and goals
- Utilized assessment tools to evaluate student performance and identify areas for improvement
- Collaborated with classroom teachers and parents to promote student success
- Engaged actively with students to build confidence in subject matter and help improve study methods
Graduate Research Assistant
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Created research models utilizing outcome harvesting methodology
- Conducted literature reviews about existing community educator systems to gather relevant educational research findings
- Carried out extensive data collection about community educators through interviews and focus groups with project stakeholders
- Coordinated with other researchers and faculty members on collaborative projects to ensure successful completion
- Developed advanced research skills in quantitative and qualitative methods
Middle School Spanish Teacher
All Saints Catholic School
Kenosha, WI
08.2018 - 06.2021
- Employed differentiated instructional methods designed to meet needs of all learners
- Facilitated classroom management to create a positive and productive learning environment
- Collaborated with colleagues to align curriculum objectives and enhance educational outcomes
- Conducted regular evaluations to assess student performance and adapt teaching strategies accordingly
- Streamlined communication with parents, enhancing support for student academic growth
Education
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Learning Sciences
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ, US05.2023
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Elementary Education
Lakeland University
Plymouth, WI, US05.2016
Skills
- IEP/504 Plan Implementation
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- LEGO Education
- Instructional Design (UbD Framework)
- Design Thinking (Stanford dSchool Framework)
- Conversational Spanish
Certification
- Arizona Elementary Teaching License (K-8)
- Wisconsin Elementary Teaching License (1-8) [2016-2025]
TECHNOLOGY
- Google Suite
- Lexia
- Reading A-Z
- Epic
- WeWillWrite
- Kahoot
- Blooket
- Gimkit
- Señor Wooly
- FastBridge
- Data Manager
- Interactive Whiteboards
Timeline
3rd/4th Grade Gifted and Talented Teacher
Mesa Public Schools
07.2024 - Current
Director of Academic Programs
BASIS Phoenix South
05.2023 - 07.2024
Graduate Research Assistant
Arizona State University
08.2022 - 05.2023
Private Tutor
Tutor Doctor- Gateway and East Mesa
08.2021 - 10.2023
Middle School Spanish Teacher
All Saints Catholic School
08.2018 - 06.2021
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Elementary Education
Lakeland University
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Learning Sciences
Arizona State University