I named my E-bike Clarice and love to ride on the trails here in Colorado Springs Counted Cross Stitch is another passion of mine, as it allows me to really focus I am also involved in several organizations and play the piano or cello with the groups
Kathleen Platt
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Innovative music educator with expertise in lesson planning and classroom management. Known for cultivating student creativity and engagement through diverse music genres, while effectively implementing assessment strategies to monitor progress and adapt instruction.
Experienced with developing engaging music lessons tailored for K-5 students. Utilizes diverse teaching techniques to foster student interest and participation. Track record of successfully managing classroom dynamics and adapting instruction to meet varied learning needs.
Dedicated K-5 music teacher with over a decade of experience in enhancing student understanding through effective communication and tailored assessment strategies. Proven ability to create a positive classroom environment and organize impactful music events that promote community involvement.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
K-5 Music Teacher
Academy District 20
Colorado Springs, CO
08.2023 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding of music theory and appreciation.
- Facilitated hands-on music activities, fostering creativity and collaboration among K-5 students.
- Implemented assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adapt instruction accordingly.
- Organized school-wide music events, showcasing student talent and promoting community involvement.
- Mentored student musicians in ensemble settings, encouraging teamwork and skill development.
K-5 Music Teacher
Clark County School District, CCSD
Las Vegas, NV
08.2010 - 08.2023
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate music education across the curriculum, enhancing interdisciplinary learning.
- Utilized technology tools for virtual lessons, ensuring continuity of music education during remote learning periods.
- Created a positive classroom environment that nurtured student confidence and passion for music exploration.
- Improved student performance through tailored lesson plans, assessments, and individualized feedback.
- Enhanced student creativity by incorporating a variety of music genres and styles into the curriculum.
- Cultivated a love for music among students by sharing personal experiences and enthusiasm for various musical forms.
- Contributed to school-wide events such as talent shows or fundraisers by providing musical accompaniment or coordinating student performances.
5th Grade Teacher
Clark County School District, CCSD
Las Vegas, NV
08.2007 - 08.2010
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards to enhance student understanding and retention.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment that promoted respect, collaboration, and active participation among students.
- Utilized technology tools such as Google Classroom to facilitate remote learning and streamline communication with parents.
- Assessed student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting instructional methods based on data-driven insights.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to design interdisciplinary projects that enriched the curriculum and encouraged critical thinking.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices in teaching 5th grade students.
6th Grade Math Teacher
District 70
Pueblo West, CO
08.1995 - 08.2007
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with district curriculum standards to enhance student comprehension and retention.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet diverse learning needs within the classroom environment.
- Utilized data-driven assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instructional methods accordingly.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects that foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, and staff to promote a supportive learning community.
- Improved student understanding by incorporating real-world examples and hands-on activities into daily lessons.
- Prepared students for standardized testing by reviewing key content areas, practicing test-taking strategies, and addressing any anxiety or concerns they may have had.
- Implemented innovative approaches to lesson delivery by utilizing multimedia resources such as interactive whiteboards and online platforms.
- Built a strong classroom culture focused on respect and cooperation among students by modeling appropriate behavior and enforcing clear expectations consistently throughout the year.
- Established positive relationships with parents through open communication channels like email updates, phone calls, and conferences about their child''s progress in mathematics.
Education
Master of Arts - Leadership
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ08-2007
Master of Arts - ELL
Adams State University
Alamosa, CO05-2006
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education K-8/Music Education K-12
Chadron State College
Chadron, NE05-1994
Skills
- Parent-teacher communication
- Student engagement
- Assessment strategies
- Creative expression
- Group collaboration
- Instrumental instruction
- Kodály method
- Performance preparation
- Orff Schulwerk method
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- School assembly preparations
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Behavior management
- Conflict resolution
Accomplishments
- Awarded "Turn Around School Award" for bringing together the Bailey Middle School, Sunrise Mountain High School and Hickey Elementary school in a combined Strings program, where upon the high school and middle school students came to the elementary school and worked in training the students and then performed together for a Spring concert.
- Oversaw 7-8 special performances each year for the Las Vegas schools by implementing Orff and Kodaly in the programs and also classroom instruction..
- Documented and resolved the lack of funds for the Music Department which led to 15 minutes before school selling of water (with a flavor) for $1 per bottle. This funding provided new xylophones, mallets, sound system, drums, and ensemble music for the students.
- Increased student participation in the arts by engaging everyone in the process. Our programs at Mountain View include collaborating with the Art teacher and students share individual and team talents when performing and creating music togdevelopment of [Project name].
Certification
- Licensed Music teacher - 2010 - present
- Orff Level I - 2011
- Ell Training - Proserva
- Kodaly Training - Member of workshop group
- Cello choir - New Horizons member 2023 - present
- Strings Orchestra - New Horizons member 2023-present
- Sunrise Methodist Church - accompanist, orchestra member,
Interests
Timeline
K-5 Music Teacher
Academy District 20
08.2023 - Current
K-5 Music Teacher
Clark County School District, CCSD
08.2010 - 08.2023
5th Grade Teacher
Clark County School District, CCSD
08.2007 - 08.2010
6th Grade Math Teacher
District 70
08.1995 - 08.2007
Master of Arts - Leadership
University of Phoenix
Master of Arts - ELL
Adams State University
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education K-8/Music Education K-12
Chadron State College
Turn Around School Award
The Turn Around School Award is only given to an individual that is nominated by the principal for the award. Turn Around schools are Title 1 schools which especially need extra funding to provide for students who have limitations of money or family. There is an enormous banquet and you are honored with a plaque. The award was granted to me for going above and beyond by creating a Strings program combining our three school: Hickey Elementary, Bailey Middle School, and Sunrise High School. The students from the middle and high school traveled to Hickey Elementary for the after school program in Strings and supported the students through direct and one on one instruction in violin, viola, and cello. There was a culminating concert in which all three schools participated and the success of the program was so popular, that we shifted to the Middle School and filled the 900 seat gym with music performances.