Sarah Puckett
San Anselmo,CA
Summary
Passionate Teacher with many years of experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering wide range of subjects. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social and learning skills.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
K-2 Teacher
Ross Valley School District
08.1998 - Current
- Implemented Science of Reading strategies through explicit and direct instruction using district’s structured literacy program- Fundations
- Used a variety of running records to create flexible groups in order to scaffold reading instruction to increase all reading levels.
- Used DIBELS reading screener results to scaffold targeted instruction that focused on increasing and strengthening reader’s decoding, word reading, accuracy, and fluency
- Utilized newly adopted Forefront Assessment program to input scores from Bridges Math and Fundations to efficiently organize data and form targeted math and reading groups based on standards missed
- Designed and implemented lessons and curriculum that align with District Equity Focus Lens
- Diversified classroom library and read aloud stories to increase representation of people from all different ethnic and racial groups, backgrounds, economic status, family structures, gender identities
- Integrated policies & procedures for efficient classroom operations, and successfully managed students’ activities and behaviors using positive behavior incentives
- Held leadership roles, such as Team Leader of Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade and current teacher representative member of Site Council
- Head of Sunshine Committee for 4 years to help create and maintain positive rapport on campus
- Participated in District Committees such as Pilot/Adoption committees. I am currently piloting iReady and am on our ELA adoption committee.
- Served on YES Foundation as teacher representative for 6 years.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Enhanced learning experiences by incorporating specialized tools and resources tailored to needs of special education students.
- Exercised good classroom management focused on positive behavior support by clearly articulating fair and consistent expectations along with appropriate natural consequences.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on instructional strategies and classroom management techniques for successful outcomes.
Kindergarten Teacher
Mount Tamalpais School
08.1995 - 06.1997
- Assisted in creating safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
- Recognized children's physical, emotional and social needs for personalized support.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
Education
K-5 Teaching Credential -
Dominican College
San Rafael, CA05.1998
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/Education
Sweet Briar College
Lynchburg, VA05.1995
Skills
- Classroom Organization
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Collaborative Teaching
- Classroom Management
- Behavior Management
- Differentiated Instruction
- Conflict Resolution
- Leadership Skills
- Empathy and Compassion
- Instructional Strategies
- Health and safety
Credential
State of California, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Clear, CLAD Certification
Teaching Professional Summary
Highly innovative and resourceful education professional who collaborates with teammates and continually works to stay up to date on effective teaching practices. Quickly identifies and resolves challenging classroom situations through social emotional lessons, a variety of brain break options and clear communication between student, teacher and families. Focused on implementing highly effective instructional practices to improve student learning and academic performance. Enthusiastic with a knack for making learning exciting, and for incorporating art and creative tasks to support learning. Motivated by the belief that all children can be successful learners especially when positive and trusting relationships are created in the classroom environment.
Special Skills Trainings Awards
- iReady Trained
- GLAD Trained
- Fundations Trained
- DIBELS Workshop
- Lucy Calkins Workshop
- Bridges Math
- Daily 5
- Kimochi’s, ToolBox, Mindfulness
- Skilled with technology and programs such as Aeries, Forefront, Google Classroom, ParentSquare, Seesaw, ZOOM
- Experience teaching a diverse group of learners, including students with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges and social/emotional needs.
- Earned the Golden Bell Award in 2003
- Momentum in Teaching (Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop)
Volunteer Work Experience
- Marin Catholic Parent Volunteer, 2017 – Present, Safe and Sober Grad Night and Team Parent Men’s Lacrosse | | Kentfield, CA
- RVLC Board Member, 2010 – 2019, Ross Valley Lacrosse Club | San Anselmo, CA
- Head of Admissions Committee, 2010 – 2012, Lagunitas Country Club | Ross, CA
- Lagunitas Country Club Board Member, 2008 – 2010, Lagunitas Country Club | Ross, CA
Hobbies and Interests
- Cooking
- Hiking
- Outdoors
- Gardening
- Reading
Timeline
K-2 Teacher
Ross Valley School District
08.1998 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
Mount Tamalpais School
08.1995 - 06.1997
K-5 Teaching Credential -
Dominican College
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology/Education
Sweet Briar College
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