Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
Quote
Timeline
Babysitter
Rita Waterford
Open To Work

Rita Waterford

Educator
Vista,CA

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work

Desired Job Title

TeacherScience TeacherEducatorElementary School TeacherSTEM/STEAM Teacher

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

HybridOn-Site
Location: Vista, CA, USOceanside, CAEscondido, CACarlsbad, CASan Diego, CA
Open to relocation: No

Salary Range

90000/yr - 200000/yr

Important To Me

Company CultureWork-life balanceCareer advancementPersonal development programs

Summary

Dynamic and innovative educator with extensive experience in implementing advanced teaching methodologies, including STEM/STEAM, project-based learning, cooperative learning and global competence. Committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable classroom environment that prioritizes accessibility for all students. Passionate about promoting holistic development and social-emotional learning while employing effective behavioral modification techniques. Proven ability to create engaging lesson plans and maintain strong classroom management through exceptional communication skills.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Elementary School Teacher

Vista Charter Public Schools
Santa Ana, CA
08.2022 - Current
  • Crafted comprehensive lesson plans focused on student engagement and aligned with educational curriculum requirements.
  • Established effective classroom management techniques aimed at enhancing student engagement and inclusivity.
  • Cultivated supportive and inclusive learning environments that foster positive classroom atmospheres.
  • Developed and implemented engaging project-based learning experiences aimed at promoting critical thinking and applying knowledge in real-world scenarios.
  • Facilitated improved student understanding by employing customized differentiated instruction strategies to address varied learning requirements.
  • Conducted thorough analysis of student performance data, adapting teaching methodologies to optimize educational effectiveness.
  • Coordinated with special education team to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs.
  • Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans, enhancing students'' understanding of various subjects.
  • Contributed to school-wide initiatives aimed at improving overall student achievement, participating in professional development workshops and collaborating with colleagues on best practices.
  • Designed curriculum to integrate project-based learning, fostering real-world application of scientific concepts and promoting teamwork skills among students.
  • Chaired a strategic committee dedicated to the advancement of culturally responsive pedagogy and global competency.
  • Coordinated and executed events focused on celebrating cultural diversity, enriching the school community experience.
  • Pioneered the development and implementation of a student government framework at the elementary level fostering student leadership skills.
  • Spearheaded the inaugural Science Olympiad program for elementary students to enhance student engagement in STEM.

STEM/STEAM Science Specialist

FAIRMONT PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Anaheim Hills, CA
11.2018 - 06.2022
  • Designed structured learning environments and instructional activities to enhance student engagement in inquiry and concept discovery for over 15 different classes weekly
  • Tailored instructional strategies and resources to meet diverse student needs and interests and optimize student engagement and comprehension
  • Established and upheld a nurturing classroom setting tailored to facilitate effective learning and address the social and emotional needs of students.
  • Improved student comprehension of complex scientific topics through the use of visual aids, real-world examples, and interactive learning tools.
  • Created an innovative science curriculum to enhance educational offerings by integrating high-quality resources from various reputable sources.
  • Identified and selected educational resources and instructional tools to enhance curriculum delivery while engaging with faculty members to evaluate curriculum and implement improvements for academic excellence.
  • Established connections with parents and guardians to enhance engagement and support of STEM based learning.
  • Managed lab equipment inventory responsibly while ensuring proper usage according to safety regulations.
  • Assisted colleagues in developing interdisciplinary projects that integrated science with other subject areas for a richer educational experience.
  • Facilitated engagement in professional meetings and educational conferences to enhance educator skills and knowledge.
  • Assessed curriculum alignment with state and national science standards, making adjustments as necessary to ensure compliance.
  • Co-established the inaugural Science Olympiad chapter at the upper elementary/middle school level to promote STEM excellence.

Elementary School Teacher

MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS
Modesto, CA
08.2012 - 06.2018
  • Developed engaging lesson plans aligning with state standards to enhance student understanding and participation.
  • Coordinated real-world connections through organized field trips and extracurricular activities.
  • Implemented visual aids and hands-on activities to support student understanding and engagement in lessons.
  • Established differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities within the classroom..
  • Provided a supportive classroom environment to enhance student collaboration and mutual respect and advocated for students social-emotional well-being by implementing mindfulness practices and conflict resolution strategies within the classroom setting.
  • Empowered students to enhance self-esteem and life skills by promoting healthy conflict resolution, critical thinking, and communication techniques.
  • Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
  • Led extracurricular programs aimed at fostering teamwork, developing leadership abilities, and promoting community involvement among students.
  • Championed school-wide initiatives to enhance student achievement and cultivate a positive learning environment.
  • Delivered comprehensive lessons in ELD, ELA, writing, mathematics, science, technology, and history to enhance student understanding.
  • Promoted extracurricular involvement by actively participating in students' concerts, sporting events, and performances.
  • Participated in workshops and courses during summer months to ensure certification compliance and skill advancement.

Teacher

KUMON
Modesto
08.2009 - 08.2010
  • Orchestrated engaging math and reading sessions utilizing Kumon methodology and facilitated subject-specific tutorial support for students through individualized and group sessions.
  • Established and nurtured a supportive tutoring environment that fosters effective learning.
  • Tracked and analyzed student progress via systematic assessments and constructive feedback sessions to support academic development.
  • Interpreted performance metrics to identify trends and recommend strategies for operational improvement.
  • Collaborated with parents to provide insights on student performance and areas for improvement.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and completed assignments to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
  • Trained and mentored junior staff on best practices for individualized instruction techniques.

Education

Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction

Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
05-2024

MS Teaching Credential - Education

California State University-Stanislaus
Turlock, CA
05-2011

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.) - Animal Science

University Of Illinois- Champaign/Urbana
Urbana, IL
05-2001

Skills

  • Student-centered learning
  • Ensuring a supportive educational atmosphere
  • Individualized learning/Differentiated instruction
  • Student engagement
  • Relationship building with empathy and patience
  • Curriculum development and Instructional design
  • Multidisciplinary teaching
  • STEM/STEAM competence
  • Project-based learning
  • Standardized assessment knowledge
  • Cultural awareness
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • SEL Skilled
  • Trauma-Informed Teaching experienced

Certification

  • Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential
  • CLAD Authorization

Accomplishments

  • Commended for exceptional teaching and support to students.
  • Consistently improved class test scores by reworking approach and data analysis.
  • Curriculum Development - Tailored educational curriculum to students with range of learning styles, disabilities, strengths and weaknesses. Developed innovative semester lesson plans and practical application exercises for classroom, reversing scores on ELA and Math state tests scores!
  • Curriculum Implementation - Instructed pupils in reading, language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science, using rigorous curriculum established by the Board of Education.
  • Facilitated moving several students within my grade level to Proficient in CAASPP for the first time in my school's history by implementing curriculum mapping and resourcing high quality supplemental resources.
  • Curriculum Design - Designed, developed and implemented daily Social Studies lessons for 75 students.
  • Student Progress Conferences - Conducted conferences with parents, administrators, testing specialists and social workers to discuss educational plans designed to promote students' educational/social development.
  • Cultivated student autonomy and leadership by developing an extracurricular Elementary Student Government program centered on real-world application
  • Recognizing a need, launched a student-led Science Olympiad Club that prepared students to think critically beyond the classroom, supervising weekly after school meetings and attending practice and regional tournaments.

Quote

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou

Timeline

Elementary School Teacher

Vista Charter Public Schools
08.2022 - Current

STEM/STEAM Science Specialist

FAIRMONT PRIVATE SCHOOLS
11.2018 - 06.2022

Elementary School Teacher

MODESTO CITY SCHOOLS
08.2012 - 06.2018

Teacher

KUMON
08.2009 - 08.2010

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.) - Animal Science

University Of Illinois- Champaign/Urbana

Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction

Grand Canyon University

MS Teaching Credential - Education

California State University-Stanislaus

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