Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Teaching Philosophy
Interests
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Kathleen Castillo

New York,NY
Kathleen Castillo

Summary

Dynamic New York City educator with expertise in curriculum development, classroom management, and student engagement. Skilled in fostering collaborative learning environments that promote growth and achievement. Adaptable, reliable, and proactive, with strong communication, analytical, and project management skills. Excels in multitasking, problem-solving, and optimizing processes to enhance educational outcomes and team success.


Overview

11
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

New York City Department of Education

Teacher
09.2017 - Current

Job overview

  • Fostered strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open communication and creating a supportive learning environment.
  • Designed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies and engaging lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning needs and enhance academic outcomes.
  • Maintained a structured classroom environment by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate behavior, and utilizing interactive teaching methods such as group projects and hands-on activities.

Trabajamos Community Head Start

Director of Education and Administration
10.2015 - 10.2017

Job overview


  • Provided direct supervision and feedback to educators through ongoing observation, ensuring the effective implementation of the Creative Curriculum for preschoolers.
  • Oversaw the development and execution of quality educational programs, integrating differentiated instruction to support diverse learning needs.
  • Managed daily operations as a Teacher-Director, fostering community partnerships with local businesses and organizations to enhance student learning and school initiatives.

Uptown Harlem Gems

Assistant Teacher
07.2014 - 10.2015

Job overview

  • Promoted school readiness skills by implementing Teacher’s Strategies Gold, The Creative Curriculum, and the NYS Prekindergarten Foundation for the Common Core as key resources.
  • Maintained a safe and supportive classroom environment by enforcing rules, addressing behavioral concerns, and providing individualized student support to enhance academic success.
  • Fostered strong parent engagement through effective communication, encouraging active participation in their children’s education.

Education

CUNY School of Labor And Urban Studies
New York, NY

Advanced Certificate in Community Leadership from Community Leadership
05-2023

University Overview

Fordham University
New York, NY

Master of Science from Early Childhood Special Education
08-2020

University Overview

Lehman College, CUNY
Bronx, NY

Bachelor of Arts from English with Early Childhood Education Specialization
01.2013

University Overview

Skills

  • Bilingual (Fluent in Spanish) with strong communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills
  • Self-motivated and dedicated leader, adept at fostering positive group dynamics and serving as a mentor and role model
  • Skilled in classroom management and effective written and verbal communication to support a productive learning environment

Accomplishments

Accomplishments

    United Federation of Teachers (UFT) – Chapter Leader

    2023 – Present

  • Advocate for educators' rights by ensuring fair working conditions and adherence to contractual agreements.
  • Facilitate communication between educators and administration to address concerns and promote collaboration.
  • Organize meetings, professional development, and initiatives while providing guidance on workplace policies and resources.

Certification

  • Professional Early Childhood Education Certification
    (Birth-Grade 2) 04/2022


  • Professional Students With Disabilities Certification
    (Birth-Grade 2) 04/2022


  • Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment 02/2025

Teaching Philosophy

Teaching Philosophy

As an Early Childhood Education Teacher, I leverage my experience, knowledge, communication, and interpersonal skills to create a safe and nurturing environment that fosters the emotional, cognitive, physical, and academic growth of young children from birth to second grade. I believe that encouraging self-exploration and environmental engagement at an early age

Interests

  • Outdoor Enthusiast: Enjoy stargazing and learning about constellations, as well as backpacking, hiking, and gardening
  • Health & Wellness: Engage in low-impact exercises to enhance core strength
  • Creative & Intellectual Pursuits: Passionate about reading, music, and cooking

Timeline

Teacher
New York City Department of Education
09.2017 - Current
Director of Education and Administration
Trabajamos Community Head Start
10.2015 - 10.2017
Assistant Teacher
Uptown Harlem Gems
07.2014 - 10.2015
CUNY School of Labor And Urban Studies
Advanced Certificate in Community Leadership from Community Leadership
Fordham University
Master of Science from Early Childhood Special Education
Lehman College, CUNY
Bachelor of Arts from English with Early Childhood Education Specialization
Kathleen Castillo