Sara Gortsema
Holland,MI
Summary
Enthusiastic Training Specialist eager to create and deliver effective training programs to meet changing employer and staff needs. Experienced in working with leaders and educators to determine specific needs and facilitate change when necessary. Ready to offer skills gained over extensive industry career to long-term position.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Acadience Training Specialist
Wilson Language Training Corporation
Holland, MI
01.2024 - Current
- Ability to train Acadience Reading K-6 Essential Workshop, and Acadience Reading K-6 Data Interpretation, in person and remotely.
- Qualified to train Acadience Math K-6 Essential Workshop, and Acadience Math K-6 Data Interpretation, in person and remotely.
- Conducted on-site trainings and worked cooperatively with colleagues to effectively deliver content.
- Participated in monthly office hours and online trainings to further develop my training expertise.
Third Grade Teacher
Grand Haven Area Public Schools
Grand Haven, MI
08.2015 - 12.2023
- Developed and implemented lesson plans to cover core subjects, including reading, writing, math, science, social studies, and social-emotional development.
- Created a positive learning environment that encouraged students to strive for excellence.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan lesson plans, ensure best practices were utilized, and participated in grade-level data meetings.
- Trained staff members as a DIBELS Mentor on all reading measures and led data review meetings.
- Communicated regularly with parents about student progress via phone calls, emails, and meetings.
- Successfully shifted to remote learning during the pandemic, and used Zoom to conduct daily lessons.
Math Interventionist
Grand Haven Area Public Schools
Grand Haven, MI
09.2013 - 05.2015
- Provided direct instruction in mathematics to small groups of students who need additional support.
- Assessed and monitored student progress, identified skills that needed to be learned, and developed individualized intervention plans.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to develop differentiated instruction for struggling learners.
Long-Term Guest Teacher
West Ottawa Public Schools
Holland, MI
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that incorporated a variety of teaching methods to engage students in the learning process.
- Conducted assessments and evaluations to measure student progress and performance.
Educational Consultant
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
Holland, MI
01.2008 - 06.2011
- Organized and delivered professional development workshops for educators on topics such as differentiated instruction, classroom management, cultural diversity, and assessments, including DIBELS Next.
- Worked for Michigan's Integrated Behavior and Learning Support Initiative (MiBLSI) to deliver professional development and support implementation.
- Led a Response to Intervention (RtI) project that supported districts within the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District to implement RtI practices.
Middle School Special Education Teacher
West Ottawa Public Schools
Holland, MI
08.2001 - 06.2003
- Provided individualized and small group instruction to students with learning disabilities.
- Developed and implemented behavior plans for students with emotional and behavioral difficulties.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals to promote student success.
- Assessed student progress using a variety of data collection methods.
Elementary Resource Room Teacher
Fruitport Community Schools
Fruitport, MI
08.1997 - 06.2001
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to ensure consistency in instruction and curriculum implementation.
- Provided guidance to parents on effective strategies for supporting their children's academic success.
- Created lessons that incorporated differentiated instruction techniques to meet the needs of diverse learners.
- Developed and implemented individualized educational plans (IEPs) for students with learning disabilities and emotional impairments.
Education
Master of Arts - Special Education Administration
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI05-2002
Master of Arts - Special Education
Hope College
Holland, MI05-1997
Skills
- Classroom expertise
- Workshop facilitation
- Online training experience
- Academic Program Management
- Team Collaboration
- Data Collection and Interpretation
Timeline
Acadience Training Specialist
Wilson Language Training Corporation
01.2024 - Current
Third Grade Teacher
Grand Haven Area Public Schools
08.2015 - 12.2023
Math Interventionist
Grand Haven Area Public Schools
09.2013 - 05.2015
Long-Term Guest Teacher
West Ottawa Public Schools
09.2012 - 06.2013
Educational Consultant
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
01.2008 - 06.2011
Middle School Special Education Teacher
West Ottawa Public Schools
08.2001 - 06.2003
Elementary Resource Room Teacher
Fruitport Community Schools
08.1997 - 06.2001
Master of Arts - Special Education Administration
Grand Valley State University
Master of Arts - Special Education
Hope College
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