Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
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Saray Ramirez Castellon

San Jose

Summary

Bilingual education professional with over a decade of experience in school environments, including special education, paraprofessional support, administrative assistance, ELPAC coordinator, and summer school office manager. Proven track record of supporting student academic and behavioral development through effective collaboration with staff, families, and administrators. Dedicated to creating organized, inclusive, and culturally responsive educational settings that empower all students to succeed. Passionate about working with students and stakeholders, always eager to learn and promote a positive school climate by collaborating with professionals and utilizing evidence-based practices to provide tools and strategies for student success. Recognizes individual needs and strengths to create a supportive environment where students thrive confidently.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Paraprofessional

Downtown College Prep, Alum Rock Middle School
03.2023 - Current
  • Provided individualized and small-group academic support to students in 6th - 8th grade
  • Reinforcing lessons and adapted instruction based on learning needs/accomidations.
  • Assisted in implementing behavior intervention plans (BIPs) and supported students with emotional and behavioral challenges in and out of the classroom.
  • Collaborated with special education teachers and service providers to support IEP goals through daily instructional activities.
  • Collected and documented student progress data for academic, behavioral, and social-emotional development.
  • Participated in IEP meetings, staff training, and professional development to support student learning and school-wide initiatives.

Bilingual Front Office Clerk/ Office Support

Downtown College Prep, Alum Rock Middle School
10.2021 - 03.2023
  • Managed daily attendance records, processed tardy and absence documentation, and communicated attendance issues to families in both English and Spanish.
  • Maintained and updated student cumulative files with accuracy and confidentiality in compliance with FERPA regulations.
  • Facilitated new student registration and enrollment processes, ensuring proper documentation and smooth integration into the school system.
  • Supported school recruitment and outreach efforts by preparing materials, contacting families, and assisting with school tours and events.
  • Translated school notices, newsletters, and official documents; provided interpretation during parent meetings and workshops.
  • Served as the first point of contact for students, families, and visitors—offering warm, culturally responsive communication in a bilingual environment.

Coral Site Instructor

Catholic Charities
08.2016 - 07.2019
  • Taught, directed, and supervised 20-25 school age students Implementing Balance Literacy lesson plans and learning activities
  • Developed creative lesson plans that catered to students'' diverse learning styles, resulting in increased engagement and understanding.
  • Increased student retention rates by developing engaging programming that catered to individual interests and needs.
  • Managed behavior issues effectively by implementing a consistent system of rewards and consequences for all students in the program.


Teacher Aid

Math Enrichment Summer Program
06.2012 - 08.2014
  • Partnered with teacher to plan and implement lessons following school's curriculum, goals, and objectives.
  • Supported classroom maintenance and upkeep, organizing books, and materials.
  • Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
  • Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.

Education

A.S.-T - Administration of Justice

Evergreen Valley College
San Jose, CA

B.A. - Child and Adolescent Development

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

Skills

  • Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish): Fluent in verbal and written communication; experienced in translation during parent meetings and workshops As well as document translations
  • Academic & Behavioral Support: Provides individualized and group instruction with an emphasis on student engagement and behavior management
  • Special Education Support: Knowledgeable in IEP processes, special education law, and service coordination with adherence to IDEA and FERPA/HIPAA guidelines
  • Family & Community Engagement: Skilled at communicating with diverse families and fostering collaborative relationships with students, staff, and the community
  • Administrative & Clerical Support: Experienced in managing confidential records, maintaining filing systems like cumulative files, and using Google Drive and PowerSchool and other office technologies
  • Student-Centered Approach: Committed to creating inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments focused on the academic and emotional growth of students
  • Workshop & Training Participation: Actively engages in professional development, in-service trainings, and school initiatives to enhance instructional practices

Certification

  • Adult, Child & Baby First Aid/CPR/AED Certified
  • CBEST: Reading, Math and Writing Certification
  • ELPAC Test Examiner

Languages

Fluent in English and Spanish (verbal and written)

Timeline

Paraprofessional

Downtown College Prep, Alum Rock Middle School
03.2023 - Current

Bilingual Front Office Clerk/ Office Support

Downtown College Prep, Alum Rock Middle School
10.2021 - 03.2023

Coral Site Instructor

Catholic Charities
08.2016 - 07.2019

Teacher Aid

Math Enrichment Summer Program
06.2012 - 08.2014

A.S.-T - Administration of Justice

Evergreen Valley College

B.A. - Child and Adolescent Development

San Jose State University
Saray Ramirez Castellon