Kerstin Groop
Oakland,,CA
Summary
Dedicated and compassionate Education Specialist with 10 years of experience supporting diverse learners across elementary and middle school settings in various countries. Experienced in developing and implementing effective IEPs, delivering targeted academic and behavioral interventions, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure student growth and success. Skilled in differentiated instruction, inclusive practices, and building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Committed to educational equity, culturally responsive teaching, and fostering inclusive environments where all students can thrive.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Special Education Specialist
Lionel Wilson College Prep
Oakland, CA
07.2024 - Current
- Provide direct instruction and academic support to students with IEPs across general education and resource settings, focusing on individualized learning goals in reading, writing, and math.
- Develop, implement, and monitor IEPs in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with IDEA and district policies.
- Deliver accommodations and modifications based on student needs, supporting access to grade-level curriculum in inclusive settings.
- Communicate regularly with families to share progress, advocate for student needs, and build partnerships for student success.
Reading Intervention Specialist
Lionel Wilson College Prep
Oakland, CA
10.2022 - 06.2024
- Assessed student reading levels using formal and informal assessments (e.g., DIBELS, SIPPS, i-Ready) to track progress and adjust instruction.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers, special education staff, and families to support student learning and implement individualized reading plans.
- Maintained detailed student records and contributed to RTI/MTSS documentation and intervention meetings.
Teacher
GVI Ghana
Kokrobite, Ghana
06.2023 - 07.2023
- Provided targeted literacy instruction to early elementary and upper primary students in a rural Ghanaian community, focusing on foundational reading skills including phonics, fluency, and comprehension.
- Adapted reading strategies to align with students’ cultural and linguistic backgrounds, incorporating local stories, oral traditions, and English as a Second Language (ESL) supports.
- Collaborated with local teachers and community leaders to build sustainable reading programs and promote a culture of literacy.
Professional Development Consultant
Beable Education
, CA
08.2022 - 10.2022
- Conducted formal presentations onsite and virtually to inform administrators, teachers, and staff.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to contribute recommendations and deliver client objectives.
Teacher
Think College Now
Oakland, CA
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Designed and implemented engaging lessons across all core subjects, including Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies, aligned with state standards and school curriculum.
- Differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs, including English Language Learners and students with IEPs/504 plans.
- Used formative and summative assessments to drive instruction and monitor academic progress.
Mentor Teacher
USC Rossier School of Education
Oakland, CA
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Provided ongoing coaching to first year teacher in their fieldwork course to support growth and development.
Teacher
Vincent Academy
Oakland, CA
08.2017 - 05.2021
- Worked with school administrators to determine professional development needs for staff and community members.
- Improved student learning by defining and articulating learning outcomes and analyzing performance metrics and measurements.
- Led 100% of students to grow two or more grade levels in literacy within one school year.
- Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
Teacher
Teach for the Philippines
Manila, Philippines
06.2018 - 06.2018
- Developed creative, culturally responsive lessons that engaged students and supported national curriculum standards.
- Collaborated with local educators to share instructional practices and support student academic growth.
- Implemented classroom management strategies that fostered a positive, inclusive, and respectful learning environment.
Reading Interventionist, Co-Teacher, Team Lead
City Year
Baton Rouge, LA
05.2016 - 05.2017
- Delivered targeted, small-group and one-on-one reading instruction to K-2 students performing below grade level, focusing on phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Co-Taught 2nd-4th grades; focused on ELA and Mathematics.
- Co-head of Dean’s Council; mentored and managed twelve corps members to lead their teams in professional developments and social justice initiatives.
- Liaised with Impact Manager, Executive Director, and School Administrators to effectively lead a team of seven corps members to successfully complete ten months of service at a new partnership school.
- Recommended precise and direct actions to resolve complex issues which span organizational and school boundaries.
Reading Interventionist and Co-Teacher
City Year
Baton Rouge, LA
07.2015 - 05.2016
- Co-taught a differentiated 4th grade ELA classroom
- Provided reading intervention to a focus list of twelve students increasing their ELA state test performance by two levels.
- Exceeded 1,000 service hours within ten months, engaging in community outreach, attending community events, and serving daily at a school site.
- Created and enforced culturally responsive, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
Education
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential -
Reach Institute For School Leadership
Oakland, CA05.2020
Master of Arts - Education, Policy & Administration
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA05.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Communication And Media Arts
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ05.2014
Education Specialist Credential -
Alliant International University
San Diego, CATimeline
Special Education Specialist
Lionel Wilson College Prep
07.2024 - Current
Teacher
GVI Ghana
06.2023 - 07.2023
Reading Intervention Specialist
Lionel Wilson College Prep
10.2022 - 06.2024
Professional Development Consultant
Beable Education
08.2022 - 10.2022
Teacher
Think College Now
08.2021 - 06.2022
Mentor Teacher
USC Rossier School of Education
10.2020 - 06.2021
Teacher
Teach for the Philippines
06.2018 - 06.2018
Teacher
Vincent Academy
08.2017 - 05.2021
Reading Interventionist, Co-Teacher, Team Lead
City Year
05.2016 - 05.2017
Reading Interventionist and Co-Teacher
City Year
07.2015 - 05.2016
Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential -
Reach Institute For School Leadership
Master of Arts - Education, Policy & Administration
Loyola Marymount University
Bachelor of Arts - Communication And Media Arts
Montclair State University
Education Specialist Credential -
Alliant International University
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