Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Sarah Polley

Shafter,CA

Summary

I am a dynamic certified educator with a proven track record, adept in differentiated instruction and collaborative problem-solving. I have leveraged strong communication skills and was passionate within my area of teaching, I've significantly enhanced virtual learning environments and student engagement. I am also skilled in early childhood development and examining positive behavior supports, to consistently drive academic and social growth for all children. I have created and ran programs in order to educate beginning students and improve school readiness. I have fostered growth and development in children while encouraging strong partnerships with families. I have also managed student behavior issues through innovative and constructive correction.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Kindergarten Teacher

John L. Prueitt Elementary School
08.2020 - 12.2020
  • Built positive relationships virtually with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
  • Enhanced classroom management virtually by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
  • Collaborated with colleagues virtually to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies virtually to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.

Kindergarten Teacher

Teresa Burke Elementary School District
08.2018 - 05.2020
  • Instructed children (5-6) on mathematical basics.
  • Collaborated with teachers and administrators to discuss the academic needs of students.
  • Integrated outdoor education into lesson plans.
  • Assessed comprehensive student growth including academic, social and personal skills.
  • Met with parents to resolve conflicting educational priorities and issues.

Second Grade Teacher

Teresa Burke Elementary School
08.2017 - 05.2018
  • Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social and citizenship skills.
  • Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
  • Planned lessons according to district standards to cover all requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve them in educational process
  • Implemented improvements to improve behavior of class and individual students
  • Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
  • Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
  • Improved student's analytical skills by introducing state-of-the-art computer program technologies.
  • Met with parents to resolve conflicting educational priorities and issues.
  • Created new lesson plans based on course objectives.
  • Facilitated group sessions and provided one-on-one support.

3rd And 4th Grade Teacher

North Kern Christian School
08.2015 - 05.2017

I taught 3rd and 4th grade for two years. I taught students who were English language learners, students with special needs, and students with learning disabilities. I have worked alongside with the resource teacher and have served as a tutor for children after school. I have taught curriculum for both third and fourth grade as well as implemented science internship days in partnership with the North Kern Vocational Training Center in Wasco, Ca.

  • Monitored and evaluated students' progress in relation to school curriculum policies and other planned goals and objectives.
  • Implemented data-driven instructional strategies to target specific skill gaps and improve overall student achievement.
  • Established open communication with parents through regular updates on student performance, conferences, and newsletters.
  • Designed lessons that provided opportunities for problem-solving, creativity and communication skills.
  • Encouraged, secured and maintained involvement of parents and other community members in support of instruction.
  • Provided after-school tutoring sessions for struggling students, resulting in increased confidence and academic improvement.

Intern

North Kern Christian School
08.2013 - 05.2015

From August 2013 to May 2015, I interned at North Kern Christian School in Wasco, Ca and worked with the resource teacher as a tutor and aide. I observed and worked with children from ages 6 to 14 who had learning disabilities and cognitive disabilities. I tutored children within guided reading levels and worked with students who had difficulties in elementary math. I guided concept skills, language arts, mathematics, critical thinking strategies, and behavior therapy within tutoring.

  • Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
  • Adapted instructional approaches to accommodate different learning styles, ensuring all students had access to course content.
  • Implemented differentiated learning strategies, addressing individual student needs and abilities.
  • Developed activities to help students delve into lessons and obtain hands-on experience.

Volunteer

CSUB- Child Development Center
03.2013 - 03.2015

From March 2013 to March 2015, I worked as a volunteer within the CSUB's Child Development Center. I would work with students from the Bakersfield Homeless Center and Jamison Center by helping within carnivals and extra-curricular activities. I would assist within art projects and teaching students about art. I would help students draw, color, and express themselves within the subject of art. I also participated with carnivals that were hosted during the holidays in the fall and spring. Students would participate in the activity table that would consist of art and art topics. I would encourage students within their art work and would show students techniques within drawing, painting, and shading.

  • Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.

SLP Intern aide/Observer

Golden Oak Elementary
08.2013 - 12.2013

From August 2013 to December 2013, I interned as an SLP aide and observer for the Speech Language Pathologist teacher within Shafter, Ca. I observed and aided students from Kindergarten to 4th grade. I aided students who were mute, had learning disabilities, students with communication disorders, and language/fluency difficulties. I would sing songs in the morning with students and would have students read and recite sounds. I also guided within technology and service tools that implemented speech and letter sounds. I assisted students with behavioral issues and would help calm students down when frustrating moments and difficult times occurred.

  • Engaged in continuous professional development opportunities, staying current on industry trends and advancements in speech-language pathology techniques.
  • Observed and monitored children's activities.
  • Supported children's development by encouraging teamwork and understanding of others.
  • Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.

Intern

Golden Oak Elementary
01.2011 - 01.2012

From January 2011 to January 2012, I interned at Golden Oak Elementary school in Shafter, Ca. I interned in a second grade classroom and worked with a diversified number of students, mostly EL learners. I would file papers, guide within reading groups and reading time practices, and would also aide within math/language centers. I worked with the lower level readers and would guide students by teaching them how to read and would help students if they needed assistance within word recognition or sound.

  • Gained valuable experience working and applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
  • Contributed to positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations.
  • Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.

Education

Master of Arts - Teaching

Point Loma University- Bakersfield
Bakersfield
08.2019

Bachelor of Arts - Child Development

California State University- Bakersfield
Bakersfield, Ca
03.2015

Skills

  • Highly dependable
  • Strive for excellence
  • Strong within verbal and written communication
  • RTI trained
  • IEP compliance
  • Organized
  • Parent-Teacher Communication
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Positive Behavior Supports
  • Academic Intervention Strategies
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving

Timeline

Kindergarten Teacher

John L. Prueitt Elementary School
08.2020 - 12.2020

Kindergarten Teacher

Teresa Burke Elementary School District
08.2018 - 05.2020

Second Grade Teacher

Teresa Burke Elementary School
08.2017 - 05.2018

3rd And 4th Grade Teacher

North Kern Christian School
08.2015 - 05.2017

Intern

North Kern Christian School
08.2013 - 05.2015

SLP Intern aide/Observer

Golden Oak Elementary
08.2013 - 12.2013

Volunteer

CSUB- Child Development Center
03.2013 - 03.2015

Intern

Golden Oak Elementary
01.2011 - 01.2012

Master of Arts - Teaching

Point Loma University- Bakersfield

Bachelor of Arts - Child Development

California State University- Bakersfield
Sarah Polley