Kirsten Gustafson
Puyallup,WA
Summary
Experienced dual-language educator and leader focused on enhancing teacher and student success. Specializes in multilingual education through research-based professional development and collaborative partnerships with schools and districts. Committed to creating inclusive learning environments that empower all learners and drive academic achievement.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Dual Language Education Instructional Coach
Puyallup School District
01.2023 - Current
- Plan and facilitate professional development on bilingualism and biliteracy, empowering teachers to enhance instructional practices for dual language learners.
- Mentored teachers through coaching and feedback, strengthening implementation of effective lesson planning and curriculum strategies.
- Facilitated job-embedded coaching cycles to strengthen instructional practice and classroom consistency.
- Collaborated with teachers to analyze student data and adjust lesson design for targeted support.
- Developed curriculum maps for K-5 literacy curriculums, aligning with district initiatives and state standards.
2nd Grade Dual Language Teacher
Dessie Evans Elementary School
01.2021 - 01.2023
- Delivered bilingual instruction, focusing on language acquisition and academic achievement for dual language learners, resulting average or above average annual academic growth.
- Mentored new teachers, guiding instructional practices and data-driven goal setting to enhance professional growth. Teachers self-reported increases in efficacy, understanding of current research, and an average of 80% of students meeting end-of-year goals.
- Collaborated with school leadership to implement initiatives that improved student outcomes and increased teacher effectiveness.
2nd Grade General Education Teacher
Firgrove & Dessie Evans Elementary Schools
01.2016 - 01.2021
- Delivered differentiated instruction and built positive relationships to support the diverse needs of second-grade students.
- Collaborated with colleagues and administrators to enhance school-wide initiatives, analyze data, and plan effective instruction.
- Contributed to developing school policies and systems that fostered an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Education
Master of Education - Curriculum & Instruction (MEd)
Concordia Lutheran University
Portland, OR06-2020
Bachelor of Arts - Education (BAE)
Pacific Lutheran University
Parkland, WA01-2015
Skills
- Bilingual Education (Spanish/English)
- Biliteracy assessment
- Dual language curriculum
- Curriculum mapping
- Instructional planning skills
- Teaching strategies
- Mentoring & teacher coaching
- Professional development facilitation
- District leadership
- Communication and collaboration
- Team collaboration
Accomplishments
Proposals accepted to present at national bilingual educator conferences.
Affiliations
WABE
NABE
Certification
Neural Educator
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Dual Language Education Instructional Coach
Puyallup School District
01.2023 - Current
2nd Grade Dual Language Teacher
Dessie Evans Elementary School
01.2021 - 01.2023
2nd Grade General Education Teacher
Firgrove & Dessie Evans Elementary Schools
01.2016 - 01.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Education (BAE)
Pacific Lutheran University
Master of Education - Curriculum & Instruction (MEd)
Concordia Lutheran University