Kristen Finley
Teacher
Ada,OK
Summary
Seasoned, dedicated professional and lifelong learner. A veteran teacher of 21 years with a proven history of growth in a variety of subjects. Possesses a strong work ethic coupled with exemplary communication skills. Excellent analytical, organizational, and decision-making abilities. Confident in developing students and helping them grow and achieve success with creative, innovative methods.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Visual Art Teacher
Byng Public Schools
Ada, OK
08.2022 - Current
- Researched best practices for arts integration and visual arts trends and applied new techniques to lesson plan material.
- Instructed students on visual arts techniques and assigned related art projects for students in [Number] grade levels.
- Inspired students and assisted in developing creativity and self-expression through various art forms and media.
- Adapted curricula to meet current standards and promote student skills.
- Created engaging lesson plans, fostered culture of discovery and provided well-organized classroom structure to help students succeed in program.
- Worked collaboratively with school administrators to implement intellectually challenging visual arts program that provided creative outlet for students.
Elementary Music Teacher
Homer Elementary School
Ada, OK
08.2005 - 05.2022
- Taught curriculum enhanced lesson plans to educate 22 classes weekly from PreK-3rd grade about fundamentals and history of music.
- Developed cross-curricular lessons to expose students to a variety of subjects, peoples, and places through music
- Established clear classroom expectations and enforced rules of appropriate behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Kept classroom clean, organized and safe for students and visitors.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and healthy communication.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Collaborated with partner teacher to prepare students for monthly music performances by creating stage sets, props, and costumes.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
Primary Reading Assessments Instructor
Homer Elementary School
Ada, OK
08.2006 - 05.2022
- Administered individual DIBELS reading benchmark assessments 3 times per school year for students in K-3rd grade
- Scored assessments, input data, and analyzed testing results in order to effectively collaborate with classroom teachers and reading interventionists to identify opportunities for student improvement through targeted intervention
- Administered additional progress monitoring assessments between benchmark testing periods to check student growth
- Used coordination and planning skills to achieve results according to a set schedule while maintaining multiple testing reports to compare data
- Worked closely with building administrators and classroom teachers to identify students below benchmark and effectively track their development through growth plans and intervention throughout the school year
Social Media Coordinator
Homer Elementary School
Ada, OK
08.2016 - 05.2022
- Strategically planned, implemented, and maintained social media channels through the Homer Pirate Facebook page and Twitter account.
- Posted new content including announcements, upcoming events, and special assemblies.
- Shared weekly posts of students interacting in wide variety of school settings (classroom, playground, special classes, assemblies, music programs, athletic events).
- Created monthly videos showcasing students in a variety of school activities including classroom lessons, special area events with music programs and athletic showcases, and guest performances in school-wide assemblies.
- Fostered a strong relationship between the school and community by sharing daily school life and showcasing student achievements and activities
Elementary Music/Elementary Art Teacher
Hutto Independent School District
Hutto, TX
08.2002 - 05.2005
- Taught multiple students in dozens of classes subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Maintained student records and evaluated each pupil's musical growth, performance and musical understanding.
- Taught curriculum enhanced lesson plans to educate several classes of students weekly (basic elements of art, fundamentals and history of music.)
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
- Collaborated with co-teachers and prepared students for school art showcases and live music performances.
Elementary Music Teacher
Austin Independent School District
Austin, TX
08.2002 - 05.2003
- Developed weekly lesson plans to generate interest in vocals, movements, and use of classroom instruments including recorders and percussive instruments.
- Administered quizzes and exams to assess student competency levels and develop individual learning plans.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Collaborated with co-teachers on classroom policies, management strategies and discipline, and music performances and field trips.
- Incorporated multi-cultural lessons and experiences to connect with student and community population.
Elementary Music Teacher
Dardanelle Public Schools
Dardanelle, AR
08.2001 - 05.2002
- Developed daily lesson plans to generate interest in vocals, movements, and use of classroom instruments for students in grades K-5.
- Instructed individuals and groups in vocal and dance movements to foster music appreciation and comprehension.
- Maintained student records and evaluated each pupil's musical growth, performance and musical understanding.
- Prepared students for live music performances by creating stage sets, props and costumes.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings and meet learning needs.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR 08.1996 - 12.2022
Skills
Content Development & Planning
undefinedProfessional Development
-PAX Training (2021) Byng, OK
-Frog Street Press Conference (2013) Dallas, TX
-Model Schools Conference (2013) Washington, D.C.
-Oklahoma Music Educators Conference (2011) Tulsa, OK
-Kodaly Workshop (2002) Austin, TX
-Arkansas Music Educators Conference (2001) Little Rock, AR
Certifications
Oklahoma Visual Art PK-12
Oklahoma General Music/Instrumental/Vocal Music K-12
Texas General Music/Instrumental/Vocal Music K-12
Arkansas General Music/Instrumental/Vocal Music K-12
Timeline
Visual Art Teacher
Byng Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Social Media Coordinator
Homer Elementary School
08.2016 - 05.2022
Primary Reading Assessments Instructor
Homer Elementary School
08.2006 - 05.2022
Elementary Music Teacher
Homer Elementary School
08.2005 - 05.2022
Elementary Music/Elementary Art Teacher
Hutto Independent School District
08.2002 - 05.2005
Elementary Music Teacher
Austin Independent School District
08.2002 - 05.2003
Elementary Music Teacher
Dardanelle Public Schools
08.2001 - 05.2002
Bachelor of Arts - Music Education
Arkansas Tech University
08.1996 - 12.2022
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