Sarah Westfall
Summary
Versatile and dedicated elementary teacher with focus on individual needs of a diverse range of students. Empathetic and accommodating in design and implementation of hands-on lessons. Exceptional skills working with teachers, parents and specialists to meet educational needs of all students. Excellent communication, organizational and recordkeeping abilities.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Elementary School Teacher - Candalaria Elementary
Salem-Keizer School District
Salem, Oregon
01.2015 - Current
- Taught 4th grade math and science in a collaborative job-share capacity.
- Supervised student teachers.
- Facilitated Candalaria Professional Development in Bridges Math Curriculum.
- Taught all academic subjects of 3rd and 4th grade.
- Developed curricula and implemented lessons for a diverse range of Special Ed., Gen Ed, and TAG learners
Substitute Teacher - Candalaria Elementary
Salem-Keizer School District
Salem, Oregon
02.2013 - 12.2015
- Substitute teacher in P.E., Music, and kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms.
- Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Maintained day-to-day classroom management and discipline to promote learning initiatives.
Elementary School Teacher -Woodland Elementary
Reynolds School District
Troutdale, Oregon
02.1997 - 12.2003
- Taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grade.
- Mentored new teachers in the district-wide mentorship program.
- Lead Scorer for Statewide Math Assessments.
- Supervised 4 student teachers.
- Conducted three community-oriented service-learning projects each year.
- Facilitated lunch time student book clubs.
- Planned school auction fundraiser.
- Served on school's Multi-Disciplinary Team.
- Looped with students for two consecutive years.
- Taught blended 4th/5th grade class.
- Served as Teacher Representative on the school PTA.
Academic Tutor
Private Tutoring
Reynolds School District
01.1998 - 12.1999
- Tutored 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in reading, writing, and math.
- Used personalized learning plans to guide students to deeper understanding of course material and learning styles.
- Supported students with helpful study habits and exam strategies.
- Taught executive functioning and organizational skills.
Special Education Resource Room Teacher
Alder Elementary, Reynolds School District
Troutdale, Oregon
01.1995 - 12.1997
- Case managed 50+ students receiving Special Education services.
- Supervised 5 instructional assistants.
- Assisted struggling students to maintain progress levels by designing individualized lesson plans focused on areas for improvement.
- Partnered with general education teachers to facilitate inclusion for mainstreamed students.
- Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
Substitute Teacher
Multiple School Districts
01.1995 - 11.1995
- Provided substitute services for four school districts (Eugene 4J, Cottage Grove, Springfield, Bethel).
- Taught in kindergarten through 12th grade Gen Ed, Special Ed, and elective classrooms.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
Substitute Educational Assistant
Lane Educational Service District
01.1992 - 01.1993
- Provided substitute services for educational assistants in self-contained special education classrooms.
- Worked with children with severe to moderate disabilities.
- Documented student behaviors, interventions, and outcomes to enable lead teacher to address pertinent issues.
Education
English For Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement -
Oregon State University
2015
Elementary Endorsement -
Portland State University
1996
Master's Degree - Special Education and Rehabilitation
University of Oregon
1994
Bachelor of Arts - History
Whitman College
1992
Skills
- Identify and Implement Accomodations and Modifications
- Differentiate Instruction
- Strategic Learning Engagements
- Functional Behavior Assessments
- Special Education
- Positive Learning Environments
- Multi-age Classrooms
- Data-Based Planning
- Student Records Management
- Diversified Curriculum Development
Certification
Special Education
Elementary Endorsement
ESOL
Affiliations
Family Building Blocks Board of Directors: 2010 – 2015
Uncorked Wine Auction Vision Team: 2010 - 2015
Candalaria Elementary Art Literacy Founder and Coordinator: 2011 – 2013
Cascade Futbol Club Soccer Coach: 2010 - 2014
Timeline
Elementary School Teacher - Candalaria Elementary
Salem-Keizer School District
01.2015 - Current
Substitute Teacher - Candalaria Elementary
Salem-Keizer School District
02.2013 - 12.2015
Academic Tutor
Private Tutoring
01.1998 - 12.1999
Elementary School Teacher -Woodland Elementary
Reynolds School District
02.1997 - 12.2003
Special Education Resource Room Teacher
Alder Elementary, Reynolds School District
01.1995 - 12.1997
Substitute Teacher
Multiple School Districts
01.1995 - 11.1995
Substitute Educational Assistant
Lane Educational Service District
01.1992 - 01.1993
English For Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement -
Oregon State University
Elementary Endorsement -
Portland State University
Master's Degree - Special Education and Rehabilitation
University of Oregon
Bachelor of Arts - History
Whitman College