Kayla Velasquez
Dedicated to fostering inclusive learning environments that engage and support diverse student needs. Brings enthusiasm and creativity to teaching roles, leveraging bilingual communication skills to enhance learning experiences.
Work History
Camp Counselor
2 Years- Ensured camper safety by enforcing camp rules, supervising group activities, and responding promptly to incidents or concerns.
- Led groups of children safely through a variety of camp activities.
- Engaged children of varying ages, interests, skills, and developmental levels to promote participation and learning.
- Acted as a positive role model, demonstrating strong leadership skills and exemplifying the camp's core values.
- Fostered supportive, inclusive, and fun environment that enhanced camper morale and encouraged positive interactions.
- Collaborated with other camp counselors to design fun and enriching learning activities for campers.
- Cultivated strong relationships with co-counselors to ensure effective teamwork during challenging situations or emergencies.
Senior Sales Associate
1 Year 5 Months- Guided customers to improve shopping experience and drive sales.
- Boosted sales through effective communication and upselling techniques.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by providing personalized service and product recommendations.
- Provided product recommendations for increased customer satisfaction.
- Enhanced product displays to attract customer attention and increase sales.
- Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
- Improved store inventory accuracy by conducting regular stock checks.
- Trained new associates on product knowledge and customer service skills.
Sales Associate
8 Years 8 Months- Processed sales transactions accurately and efficiently at the register.
- Assisted customers in locating products, answering questions, and providing tailored product advice to meet needs.
- Handled customer inquiries and resolved issues in a timely manner.
- Conducted product demonstrations to showcase features and benefits to clients.
- Collaborated with team members to create welcoming store environment, enhancing customer experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of the sales area throughout shifts.
Restaurant Hostess/Pastry Supervisor
4 Years 5 Months- Handled high-pressure situations gracefully, managing multiple tasks simultaneously while maintaining a calm demeanor.
- Organized waitlist during peak hours, facilitating timely seating and minimizing guest wait times.
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by handling telephone inquiries while attending to in-person guest needs seamlessly.
- Responded to customer inquiries regarding hours, seating, and menu details, enhancing overall guest experience.
- Supported coworkers during busy periods, fostering teamwork and ensuring seamless service.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Inclusive Childhood Education, Social Philosophy
- Dean's List [2022,2023,2024,2025,2026]
- President's List [2024,2025]
- first Immersion placement at Fall Creek Elementary School
- second Immersion placement at Ed Smith Elementary School
- student teaching placement at Dryden Elementary school
- Graduated cum laude
- Member of SUNY Cortland Alpha Phi (2023-2026)
- SUNY Cortland Alpha Phi Vice President of Recruitment (December 2023- November 2024)
- SUNY Cortland Alpha Phi Director of Philanthropy (December 2024- November 2025)
Skills
Field Experience
1st Immersion Field Experience
Fall Creek Elementary School — First Grade Classroom
Ithaca City School District
202 King St, Ithaca, NY 14850
March 24, 2025 – April 11, 2025
- Assisted the host teacher with daily classroom instruction, routines, and student support in an inclusive first grade classroom.
-Observed whole-class instructional strategies, student engagement techniques, and classroom management practices.
-Supported the academic and behavioral development of an assigned student while reflecting on differentiated instructional approaches.
-Provided small-group and one-on-one academic support to diverse learners in a general education setting.
-Assisted a Spanish-speaking student who recently moved to Ithaca with classroom participation, communication, and academic adjustment.
2nd Immersion Field Experience
Ed Smith Elementary School — Fourth Grade Classroom
1106 Lancaster Ave, Syracuse, NY 13210
October 20, 2025 – November 7, 2025
- Supported classroom instruction and learning activities in a fourth grade setting.
- Assisted students during whole-group, small-group, and independent work periods.
-Collaborated with the classroom teacher to support student engagement and classroom routines.
-Gained experience implementing instructional strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners.
Student Teaching Placement
Dryden Elementary School — Fourth Grade Classroom
36 Union St, Dryden, NY 13053
January 27, 2026 – May 13, 2026
- Planned and delivered whole-group, small-group, and individualized instruction in a fourth grade classroom.
- Developed and implemented differentiated lessons aligned with New York State learning standards.
- Collaborated with host teachers and support staff in a co-taught inclusive classroom environment.
-Managed classroom routines, student behavior, and daily instructional responsibilities.
-Assessed student progress through formative and summative assessments to guide instruction.