Lydia Garza
McAllen,TX
Summary
Bilingual (English/Spanish) elementary educator with 12 years of experience teaching 1st and 4th grade. Adept at creating a supportive, engaging, and inclusive classroom environment that promotes academic achievement and bilingual development. Experienced in differentiating instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners while fostering strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Committed to student success through effective classroom management, curriculum alignment, and data-driven instruction.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bilingual Teacher
La Joya Independent School District
08.2015 - Current
- Instructional Leadership: Developed and delivered daily lessons for bilingual students in 1st and 4th grade, focusing on language development, literacy, mathematics, science and social studies, while maintaining alignment with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
- Differentiation & Inclusion: Tailored lesson plans to meet the needs of diverse learners, including English Language Learners (ELLs), students with IEPs, and students needing academic interventions.
- Assessment & Data Analysis: Administered and analyzed various assessments, including formative and summative assessments, as well as NWEA MAP tests, to inform instructional decisions and ensure targeted interventions for struggling students.
- Cultural Responsiveness: Created a culturally relevant and inclusive classroom environment that reflected the backgrounds and interests of all students, promoting equity in learning opportunities.
- Collaboration: Worked closely with colleagues, special education staff, and intervention specialists to create individualized learning plans and interventions for students.
- Behavioral Management: Implemented positive behavior management techniques, utilizing PBIS strategies to foster a respectful and productive learning environment.
- Parent Communication & Engagement: Actively communicated with parents regarding student progress, behavior, and classroom events. Organized parent-teacher conferences and maintained an open-door policy to encourage family involvement in their child’s education.
- Classroom Technology Integration: Incorporated various technology tools and platforms, such as Google Classroom, Seesaw, Lexia and Zearn, to enhance learning and engagement in both in-person and virtual settings.
- Professional Development: Participated in district-wide professional development opportunities to enhance teaching strategies, including Reading Academy, RBIS Training, and Lead4Ward strategies for improved student performance.
- Extra-Curricular Leadership: Coached and mentored students for U.I.L. Creative Writing competitions, supporting their writing skills and encouraging critical thinking and creativity outside of the classroom.
- School Events & Community Outreach: Led grade-level initiatives like the annual Christmas Drive, securing donations from Pepsi Co. for families in need, helping to strengthen school-community relations.
Education
BBA - Interdisciplinary Studies
Univeristy of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX12-2012
High School Diploma -
La Joya High School
La Joya TX 05-2006
Skills
- Teaching strategies
- Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish
- Classroom Management
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Parent & Community Engagement
- Instructional Technology Integration
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Punctuality
- Student Assessment and Progress Monitoring
Leadership & Committee Involvement
- PBIS-Attendance Committee Member – Promoted positive behavior and improved student attendance through school-wide initiatives.
- Lead4Ward Team Member – Implemented instructional strategies for STAAR success.
- NWEA MAP Committee – Supported data analysis and instructional planning based on student assessment data.
- Math & Social Studies Representative – Provided subject-area leadership for curriculum implementation.
- Grade Level Chair– Facilitated communication and planning across teaching
Certification
- Generalist EC-6
- Bil. Generalist -Spanish EC-6
Timeline
Bilingual Teacher
La Joya Independent School District
08.2015 - Current
BBA - Interdisciplinary Studies
Univeristy of Texas Rio Grande Valley
High School Diploma -
La Joya High School
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