Sandra Rodriguez
Chicago,IL.
Summary
Experienced educator at Hibbard Elementary School specializing in student counseling and educational support. Demonstrated success in increasing student engagement through innovative teaching methods and strong parent communication. Expertise in career exploration and college planning, promoting independent thinking and academic achievement among diverse student populations.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
5th/6th Grade Teacher
Hibbard Elementary School
Chicago, Illinois
08.2023 - Current
- Supported students in achieving personal and academic goals through encouragement and guidance.
- Enhanced instructional delivery by analyzing test data to identify intervention opportunities.
- Delivered individualized instruction to students needing additional support.
- Guided development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.
- Leveraged educational technology to improve teaching and learning experiences.
- Regularly communicated with parents regarding student progress and concerns.
- Implemented classroom management techniques to foster a positive learning environment.
- Incorporated innovative teaching strategies to promote student curiosity and lifelong learning.
Summer Freshman Connections Counselor
Taft High School
07.2023 - 08.2023
- Presented information sessions on subjects related to education and career planning to incoming 9th graders.
- Advised students on educational, career and social opportunities.
- Encouraged students to explore age-appropriate and career-related opportunities.
- Maintained positive relationships with students, faculty, alumni, and administration.
Social Emotional Learning Teacher
Hibbard Elementary School
08.2022 - 06.2023
- Worked with most grade levels from pre-k through sixth grade
- Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
- Led activities that developed students' physical, emotional and social growth.
- Redirected students using Positive Behavior Support (PBS).
- Delivered effective and differentiated social emotional classroom instruction to a range of diverse students.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
High School Counselor Intern
Taft High School
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Implemented school counseling curriculum by teaching learning activities in classrooms and large group settings based on academic, career, postsecondary and social/emotional needs of students.
- Provided individual student planning activities such as facilitation of completion of Individual Learning Plan in Naviance; transition activities and events to inform families of test results and implications for educational planning.
- Delivered response services to address students’ barriers to academic achievement such as small groups, short-term, goal-oriented individual counseling sessions, facilitation of conferences with students, teachers and families.
- Gave indirect student support by referring students/families to community resources, sharing strategies that support student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators and community organizations.
- Provided system support by supporting school goals and objectives, progress monitored counseling interventions, coordinated professional development/in service programs for faculty and staff.
- Participated in regular professional development workshops to stay current with evidence-based practices.
4th Grade Math/Science Bilingual Teacher
Hibbard Elementary School
08.2013 - 06.2022
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Planned, prepared and taught lesson plans, giving students individual support.
- Assessed student comprehension through regular quizzes, tests and assignments.
- Coordinated and collaborated with other faculty members during lesson plan development.
- Communicated with students and parents regarding academic progress, assignments and behavior.
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Demonstrated positive and effective classroom management skills.
- Assessed student comprehension through regular quizzes, tests and assignments.
Computer/MTSS Teacher
Hibbard Elementary School
10.2012 - 06.2013
- Used lectures, demonstrations and discussions to instruct students individually and in small groups.
- Taught correct hand placement for typing and basic computer skills.
- Trained and developed students' skills in word-processing, spreadsheet and database programs.
- Tested and evaluated student progress to determine effectiveness and impact of teaching methods, materials and projects.
Special Education Assistant Teacher
UNO Charter School
10.2010 - 10.2012
- Supported teacher in development of individual learning strategies.
- Offered student support through special accommodations, extra assistance and assessments.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
- Maintained positive attitude and affirmatively communicated with each student.
Elementary Teacher
Brentano Math And Science Academcy
09.2008 - 06.2010
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments and assessments and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses and learning patterns.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting teaching strategies as needed for improved outcomes.
Elementary Teacher, 4th Grade
Mozart Elementary School
01.2006 - 06.2008
- Used learning stations to incorporate colors, shapes and textures to help students develop communication skills and build relationships.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses and learning patterns.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
Education
M.A - School Counseling
Concordia Graduate School
River Forest, IL05.2023
B. A. - Elementary Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL. 05.2006
Associate - Arts
Wilbur Wright College
Chicago, IL05.2003
Skills
- Student counseling
- Educational support
- Career exploration
- College planning
- Parent communication
- Student advising
- Recommendation letters
- Family support
Affiliations
American School Counselor Association (ASCA), 2022-current
Illinois School Counselor Association (ISCA), 2022-current
Certification
Licensed Professional Counselor
#178.020648
School Counseling, May 2023
Professional Elementary License (K-9), May 2006
IEIN# 727986
ENDORSEMENTS
ESL & Bilingual
Middle School
Language Arts
Social Sciences
References
Camie Laporte
Taft High School Mentor School Counselor
6530 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60631
(773) 534-1000
(312) 203-7284 (mobile)
clhoeksema@cps.edu
Scott Ahlman
Former Principal at Hibbard Elementary School
3244 W. Ainslie Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60625
(773) 544-3125 (mobile)
srahlman5742@gmail.com
Constantina Rapp
Concordia University Professor
7400 Augusta St,
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 707-1697
Constantina.Rapp@cuchicago.edu
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
5th/6th Grade Teacher
Hibbard Elementary School
08.2023 - Current
Summer Freshman Connections Counselor
Taft High School
07.2023 - 08.2023
Social Emotional Learning Teacher
Hibbard Elementary School
08.2022 - 06.2023
High School Counselor Intern
Taft High School
08.2022 - 05.2023
4th Grade Math/Science Bilingual Teacher
Hibbard Elementary School
08.2013 - 06.2022
Computer/MTSS Teacher
Hibbard Elementary School
10.2012 - 06.2013
Special Education Assistant Teacher
UNO Charter School
10.2010 - 10.2012
Elementary Teacher
Brentano Math And Science Academcy
09.2008 - 06.2010
Elementary Teacher, 4th Grade
Mozart Elementary School
01.2006 - 06.2008
M.A - School Counseling
Concordia Graduate School
B. A. - Elementary Education
Northeastern Illinois University
Associate - Arts
Wilbur Wright College