Kathleen Taoatao

I work in the English department teaching three periods of College Essay. My students are seniors. Students learn to write essays to prepare them for college such as personal statements. Research papers are written based on evidence gathered regarding a specific topic, for example, global warming or gun control. They are taught textual citation and bibliography and/or works cited. Students practice writing different types of essays such as narrative, persuasive, and expository. They learn how to write a response to literature focusing on theme. Collaborative learning in small groups are part of this course, along with presentation to whole group.

I also teach three periods of ELD English Language Development to Long-Term ELD students. from 9th to 11th grade. These particular students' first language is Spanish. The course is designed to help students improve their reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. The goal is to be redesigned by passing the ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California) text.

For nine plus years I taught English IV implementing the ERWC Senior program. Students were to complete a mandated district Senior Portfolio which consisted of the UC Personal Statement, college application, FAFSA, recommendations, resume, response to literature, research paper, and community service hours.

I have also taught English I and II (ELA (9th and 10th grade) I have taught ELA summer school almost every summer since I have worked for CUSD.

I have been working in Compton Unified School District for twenty six years. I started teaching at Ralph J. Bunch Middle School in the English department to 7th and 8th students. I also taught drama. I taught there for eight years before transferring to Dominguez High School.

Part of my job duties was to attend PLC subject groups, staff development focused on improving instructional techniques, best practices, and classroom management skills. I also submitted Lesson Plans every week for all preps. Lesson Plans focused on the agenda, objective, standards, essential question, acceleration and enrichment, remediation and reviewing, and intervention for the week, help me to stay focused and organized in my profession.

I worked for Norwalk/La Mirada School District as a regular substitute teaching all subjects in Middle School as well as High School. I then worked at a Continuation school site teaching high school English.

I worked at three private schools after I received my Masters in Education with an emphasis in Instructional Leadership and Curriculum. I also received my Single Subject Credential in English. Unfortunately, I did not pass the math section of the CBEST and therefore I taught in private schools for three years.

During my time at St. Bernadette Catholic School, my eighth grade English students for extremely well behaved. There was a no tolerance for bad behavior. Parent conferences were mandated for even the slightest bad behavior such as cursing.( I'm so used to students cursing at my current work location, with no consequences, due to the fact that CUSD adheres to a "no suspension" rule. The parents were very evolved in their childs education, and discipline. I taught the four components of English including Reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary. We also attended morning church service before class. I was hired to teach full time for the next year but declined the offer due to the fact that I passed the math section of the CBEST.

This was one of my memorable teaching experiences. This was my first full-time teaching experience. I actually forgot how I became aware of th is position, because it was so long ago. I was working on my Masters degree at National University and graduated in May of of the year I taught at Redeemer Lutheran School. It was definitely a challenge working full time and going to school full time also.

I taught all subjects except for math, including religion to middle school students in the eighth grade. My youngest daughter Jennifer was enrolled at this school and actually was one of my students! The staff including the principal were very supportive, patient, kind, and professional. I was rather nervous and somewhat fearful because it was my first full-time teaching position. I believe that teaching the subject of religion was what introduced me to studying the Bible. I remember how much I enjoyed teaching religion. Especially the direct teaching, guided practice with the comprehensive questions regarding the Books of the Bible, and especially the classroom engagement and participation. The forum was exhilarating for both my students as well as for myself.

After receiving my BS in English from Cal State Fullerton in June of 1995, this was my first teaching job. I was attending a Lutheran Church in Boyle Heights in Los Angeles. The Pastor of this church recommended me to a friend of his, who was the principal of Redeemer Lutheran School in Santa Ana. I Googled this school for information for this CV and it no longer exists. Being a kindergarten teacher was indeed an interesting challenge to say the least being my first time teaching experience. It was not a difficult job considering the students were 5 years old. I was glad to have a teachers aid who happened to be the principals daughter. The enrollment of this classroom was small, and the school population was also small. My job duties were teaching them the alphabet using phonics, cite words, along with arts and crafts. We attended chapel every morning before class. I remember make $1,100 a month. I loved this first experience and the entire atmosphere of this school.