Oscar A. Alfaro
Gilroy,Ca
Summary
Experienced with creating engaging and informative lesson plans that spark student interest in social studies. Uses innovative teaching methods to facilitate comprehensive understanding of historical and social concepts. Strong understanding of classroom management and curriculum development to maintain effective learning environment.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Studies Teacher, 9th – 12th Grade
Santa Teresa High School
San Jose, California
08.2012 - Current
- Creates engaging lessons that encourage critical and higher-order thinking among students.
- Implement lessons that use multiple instructional methods to promote academic growth and address students’ educational needs.
- Prepares lessons in all classes to reach students through a variety of different learning styles that involve U.S. History, U.S Government, and Economics.
- Number of Sections: 5
- Number of Students: 150
- Number of ELL Students: 20
- Number of Students with IEPs: 15
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligning with curriculum standards and student interests.
Student Teacher, 10th Grade
Patterson High School
Patterson, California
04.2012 - 05.2012
- Created an optimal learning environment by planning lesson plans for World History that begin and revolve around the students’ personal experiences, background knowledge, and interests.
- Employed different theories of learning and instructional strategies to facilitate learning and the students’ cognitive development.
- Differentiated instruction and provided support to the students during the learning process to accommodate their varied needs.
- Promoted student effort and engagement by creating a learning environment that supports academic and personal success by focusing on self-awareness, reflection, and discipline.
- Number of Sections: 3
- Number of Students: 90
- Number of ELL Students: 60
- Number of Students with IEPs: 15
Student Teacher, 7th and 8th Grades
Creekside Middle School
Patterson, California
12.2011 - 03.2012
- Created and implemented daily lesson plans for World History and U.S. History classes.
- Implemented a culturally responsive pedagogy to appropriately address the educational needs of culturally and linguistically diverse students.
- Differentiated instruction in order to accommodate all learning preferences and students’ diverse needs.
- Motivated each student to learn by incorporating exciting and engaging activities that reinforced student participation and hands-on learning.
- Number of Sections: 3
- Number of Students: 90
- Number of ELL Students: 30
- Number of Students with IEPs: 10
Instructional Associate
San Jose High Academy
San Jose, California
01.2001 - 06.2001
- Assisted students in different secondary school subjects including mathematics, history, home economics, and foreign languages.
- Worked with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning material or skills introduced by the teacher.
- Monitored classrooms during examinations and study periods as well as administered make-up tests.
- Graded assessments, homework assignments, and class work.
- Number of Sections: 2
- Number of Students: 50
- Number of ELL Students: 30
- Number of Students with IEPs: 10
Reading and Writing Tutor
Anne Darling Elementary
San Jose, California
02.1999 - 12.2000
- Instructed students on a one-on-one basis to provide support to students reading and writing below grade level.
- Assisted Spanish-speaking students in grades second through fifth with their development of reading and writing skills in their native language.
- Attended workshops that provided effective reading and writing strategies to utilize while working with students.
- Tracked the progress of each child and informed parents as well as teachers about their progress.
- Number of Students: 10
- Number of ELL Students: 10
- Number of Students with IEPs: 10
Education
Master of Arts in Teaching - Social Science Concentration
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California05-2012
Bachelor of Arts in History - Minor in Geography and Latin American Studies
San Jose State University
San Jose, California05-2004
Skills
- Fluent in Spanish
- Proficient in technology including Microsoft Office Programs and Database Programs
- Ability to use CANVAS, AI Platforms for Teachers, Google Docs, Windows, Microsoft Office, and Infinite Campus
- Differentiated instruction
- Educational technology
- Classroom management
- Technology implementation
Certification
Preliminary Single Subject Credential in Social Science with Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development Authorization June 2012
Accomplishments
Santa Teresa High School Staff Member of the Year Academic year 2026
Santa Teresa High School Staff Member of the Year (Runner-up) Academic year 2025
Affiliations
Latino Parent Coalition
Santa Teresa High School, San Jose, California
Latino Parent Coalition Advisor August 2025 Present
Organizes the Latino community at Santa Teresa High School to foster a sense of community and support for families.
Provides a parent support group that will focus on academic awareness.
Helps the parents understanding differences between the high school graduation and A-G college requirements.
Organizes fundraising activities to award scholarships to graduating Latino(na) students.
ACADEMIC AWARDS
- Santa Teresa High School Staff Member of the Year (Academic year 2026)
- Santa Teresa High School Staff Member of the Year (Runner-up) (Academic year 2025)
- Roy Romer Teaching Fellowship 2011 - 2012
- Ronald E. McNair Scholar 2003 - 2004
- Phi Alpha Theta, International History Honor Society in History, Member 2002 - 2005
- Adelante Scholarship Recipient Spring 2002
- Annette Horn Memorial Scholarship Recipient Spring 2002
- Latino Education Association Cesar Chavez Scholarship Recipient Spring 2002
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Debate Centered Instruction (Silicon Valley Urban Debate League) Fall 2026
- World History Teachers Workshop (UC Berkeley) Fall 2017
- Medal of Honor Character Development Program (Medal of Honor Foundation) Spring 2017
- Advanced Placement World History Seminar (Stanford University) Summer 2016
- Advanced Placement Human Geography Seminar (Stanford University) Summer 2015
- Advanced Placement World History Seminar (Stanford University) Summer 2013
- Instructional Tools to Prepare English Learners for the Academic Discourse Demands of the Common Core Fall 2012
Timeline
Social Studies Teacher, 9th – 12th Grade
Santa Teresa High School
08.2012 - Current
Student Teacher, 10th Grade
Patterson High School
04.2012 - 05.2012
Student Teacher, 7th and 8th Grades
Creekside Middle School
12.2011 - 03.2012
Instructional Associate
San Jose High Academy
01.2001 - 06.2001
Reading and Writing Tutor
Anne Darling Elementary
02.1999 - 12.2000
Bachelor of Arts in History - Minor in Geography and Latin American Studies
San Jose State University
Master of Arts in Teaching - Social Science Concentration
University of Southern California