Sasha S. Oquendo
Secondary English Educator
Las Vegas,NV
Summary
Experienced Secondary English Educator with a proven track record of enhancing student learning over three academic years at a 5-star, National Top Magnet School of Distinction in Nevada. Dedicated to motivating and maximizing student learning with a whole-child approach, diverse instructional methods, and effective classroom management techniques. Recognized for building an excellent rapport with students and colleagues and for fair and equitable treatment of all students. Achieved 58.3% ELA Proficiency in school performance, exceeding the district average rate by 20.1% in standardized test scores with high-quality teaching and differentiation strategies.
U.S. Air Force Veteran with six years of active-duty service, including roles as a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO). Led teams in high-pressure environments, effectively communicating operational objectives and leveraging technology to achieve mission success. Awarded commendation medal for expert planning and coordination, ensuring adherence to high-quality standards and mission requirements.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Licensed English Teacher - Grade 8/8 Accelerated
Mike O'Callaghan Middle School - I3 Learn Academy
08.2023 - 05.2024
- One of two ELA 8 teachers to step-up and strategize diligently in weekly PLC meetings to improve the outcome of projected CRT proficiency markedly year-over-year from 47% to 64% providing Tier I instruction to all students and Tier II instructional opportunities.
- Highest achieving ELA 8 teacher with 62% average measured growth for 205 students in Grade 8/8 Accelerated on the Nevada NWEA Reading MAP Fall-Winter assessment in AY 23-24.
- Partners with school appointed Special Education Instructional Facilitators, Resource ELA teachers, and Speech therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress for 8 IEP students.
- Provides small-group instruction or one-on-one support in the classroom for 10 ELL students to boost their writing, listening, reading, and speaking scores in English and on the WIDA.
- Collaborates with STEM teachers for student culminating PBL summative projects by providing a writing workshop for students enrolled in Video Game Design, Web Design, Robotics, and Video Production
- Assists with campus security in the morning and tutors ELA 6-8 during after school hours to provide academic support to improve quarterly performance and strengthen Grade 6-8 students' reading, writing, and speaking skills.
- Served as a judge for the VEX Robotics Competition - State Championship 2024 - evaluated excellence, design, and team collaboration from Nevada in both Middle School and High School.
Licensed English Teacher - Grades 6-7
Mike O'Callaghan Middle School - I3 Learn Academy
01.2022 - 05.2023
- Received "Highly Effective" summative teacher rating in AY 22-23 by excelling in instructional practice, professional responsibilities, and student performance.
- Achieved an overall 74% average growth in Grade 6 Accelerated in AY 22-23; 68% average growth in Grade 7 in AY 22-23; and 62% average growth in Grade 7/7 Accelerated in AY 21-22 on the Nevada Fall-Spring NWEA MAP assessment.
- One of three teachers to assist in school-based mentoring program that supported 25% Grades 6-8 students to bolster academic achievement, attendance, and sense of belonging.
- Led English Department meeting by producing and delivering a presentation for Grades 6-8 teachers on teaching strategies for reducing achievement gap for struggling learners.
- Assessed and measured academic progress in English Language Arts for 135 students in AY 22-23 and 95 students in AY 21-22 by utilizing CCSD's Teaching and Learning Cycle to ensure Tier I instruction to all students and Tier II instructional opportunities.
- Advised 15 students' IEP plans and implemented lesson modifications and accommodations in ELA 6-7 to improve academic and behavioral performance; achieved 75% average growth AY 22-23.
- Tutored ELA 6-8 students weekly in after-school program during AY 22-23 to improve reading and writing skills including vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, grammar, planning and outlining, editing, and revising.
- Integrated PBL assignments on a cross-curricular scale by introducing Climate Change and Endangered Species problem-solution summative projects.
- Designed dynamic standards-based lectures and learning activities to engage and foster collaboration, critical and creative thinking, and problem-solving skills in ELA 6-8 courses.
Long-Term Substitute English Teacher - Grade 7
Mike O'Callaghan Middle School - I3 Learn Academy
08.2021 - 11.2021
- Developed lesson plans to align with grade-level standards and objectives for ELA 7 / ELA 7 Accelerated long-term interim assignments and to meet needs of students.
- Monitored students' reading and writing progress and provided feedback to students, parents and school administrators.
- Implemented proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up to date on research based teaching practices and to enhance management, intervention, and assessment skills.
Lead & Load Crew Chief - Aircraft Armament Systems
United States Air Force
02.2015 - 02.2021
- Performed as skilled trainer to support pilot instruction by establishing effective first line supervisor skills to 25+ subordinates to meet safe and effective aircraft launch and release and test mission objectives.
- Established policy to train and evaluate 350+ military service members; performed over 4,000 evaluations per year validating competency and proficiency to fulfill operational plans and objectives.
- Monitored, evaluated, and mitigated all flight line operations to ensure 100% safety and reliability standards during home station and TDY missions.
- Reviewed & edited local supplements, policy letters and general safety procedures - ensured tasks precise to Air Force Instruction.
- Scheduled training and maintained Standardization & Evaluation Training and Certification Documents for 30+ certified military service members.
- Increased supply by utilizing accountability system and coordinating with LRS to maintain 100% tool accountability and training readiness.
Education
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV 06.2021 - 05.2023
Bachelor of Arts - English
American Military University, AMU
Online 01.2018 - 02.2021
Associate of Applied Science - Aircraft Armament Systems Technology
Community College of The Air Force, CCAF
United States Air Force 04.2015 - 02.2020
Military Professional Leadership School Certification -
Airman Leadership School
Nellis Air Force Base, NV 01.2020 - 02.2020
Skills
Organizational Leadership & Management
Accomplishments
- Awarded Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in 2020
- Awarded Air Force Good Conduct Medal in 2018 & 2021
Timeline
Licensed English Teacher - Grade 8/8 Accelerated
Mike O'Callaghan Middle School - I3 Learn Academy
08.2023 - 05.2024
Licensed English Teacher - Grades 6-7
Mike O'Callaghan Middle School - I3 Learn Academy
01.2022 - 05.2023
Long-Term Substitute English Teacher - Grade 7
Mike O'Callaghan Middle School - I3 Learn Academy
08.2021 - 11.2021
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
06.2021 - 05.2023
Military Professional Leadership School Certification -
Airman Leadership School
01.2020 - 02.2020
Bachelor of Arts - English
American Military University, AMU
01.2018 - 02.2021
Associate of Applied Science - Aircraft Armament Systems Technology
Community College of The Air Force, CCAF
04.2015 - 02.2020
Lead & Load Crew Chief - Aircraft Armament Systems
United States Air Force
02.2015 - 02.2021
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