Stephanie Retana
New York,USA
Summary
Professional educator with experience and preparedness for role. Skilled in developing and implementing engaging curricula that stimulate young minds. Strong focus on fostering collaboration and achieving educational goals within dynamic school environment. Adept at adapting to changing needs, ensuring reliability and effective teamwork.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Middle School Science Teacher for 5-7th Grade
Rodeph Sholom School
08.2024 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans integrating hands-on experiments to enhance student understanding of scientific concepts.
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and improve student performance.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects, fostering critical thinking and teamwork among students.
- Led professional development workshops for faculty, focusing on innovative teaching strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Evaluated student progress through assessments, providing timely feedback to support academic growth and achievement.
- Established a positive classroom environment that promoted curiosity, resilience, and respect among students.
- Organized field trips related to the curriculum content, offering students firsthand exposure to scientific processes at work outside the classroom setting.
- Created hands-on activities to demonstrate scientific principles and highlight various topics.
- Participated actively in professional development opportunities to stay current on the latest trends in education and continually refine teaching methodologies.
- Led after-school tutoring sessions focused on strengthening students'' foundational knowledge in key science concepts while also addressing specific areas requiring improvement.
- Promoted a love for science by integrating engaging inquiry-based activities into daily lessons, sparking curiosity and critical thinking skills among students.
Science Lead Teacher - Grades 1-3
Avenues: The World School
08.2021 - Current
- Created and implemented hands-on curriculum.
- Facilitated multiple partnerships between school and outside organizations, such as The Wildlife Bird Fund, Kodable and the Hudson River Project.
- Coordinated cross-curricular projects between the Science, Art, and Movement team.
Private Science Tutor for Grades 4-10th Grade
Science Tutoring
10.2017 - Current
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to determine student needs and develop tutoring plans.
- Used positive reinforcement techniques to encourage, motivate, and build confidence in students.
Science Lead Teacher - Grades K-4
Dream Charter School
08.2017 - 07.2021
- Created curriculum and hands-on lesson plants for students based on National Science Standards.
- Implemented technology programs for computer programming and coding for grades K-4.
- Created class environment conducive to learning and appropriate to maturity and interests of students.
Science Lead Teacher - Grades 2-4
Success Academy Charter Schools
08.2014 - 08.2017
- Adapted and implemented existing STEM curriculum, differentiating for student needs
- 100% of 4th grade students received the highest score possible (4) on NYS Science Test in 2016 and 2017
- Led RTI groups in both ELA and Math
Education
Master of Science (M.S.) - Early Childhood Special Education
Touro College
NY, NY05.2016
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Anthropology and Spanish
Smith College
Northampton, MA06.2014
Skills
- Trained in Positive Discipline
- 10 Years of experience teaching science
- Experience tutoring science to kids in grades 4-10th grade
- Trained in the use of computer programming and robotics in the classroom
- Inquiry-based teaching
- Problem-solving skills
- Laboratory oversight
- Classroom management
- Specimen handling
- Scientific inquiry
- Collaborative learning
- Student assessment
- Lesson implementation
- Science fair coordination
- Field trips
- STEM integration
- Lesson plan development
Accomplishments
- Coordinated a schoolwide STEM Expo showcasing project-based learning across grades 5–8, where students demonstrated mastery by applying scientific concepts in new contexts. Projects included biome-adapted plant design and research writing (Grade 5), structural engineering and bridge testing (Grade 6), climate change investigation and solution modeling (Grade 7), and independent research with formal presentations on emerging technologies (Grade 8).
Certification
- Responsive Classroom Educator - May 2024
- Student Centered Learned Training - September 2025-June 2026
languages
Spanish
Native
Timeline
Middle School Science Teacher for 5-7th Grade
Rodeph Sholom School
08.2024 - Current
Science Lead Teacher - Grades 1-3
Avenues: The World School
08.2021 - Current
Private Science Tutor for Grades 4-10th Grade
Science Tutoring
10.2017 - Current
Science Lead Teacher - Grades K-4
Dream Charter School
08.2017 - 07.2021
Science Lead Teacher - Grades 2-4
Success Academy Charter Schools
08.2014 - 08.2017
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Anthropology and Spanish
Smith College
Master of Science (M.S.) - Early Childhood Special Education
Touro College