Sylvia M. Padilla
Long Beach,CA
Summary
Experienced and enthusiastic Bilingual educator with deep knowledge of dual-language pedagogy and skills. Possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills and connects with students with diverse backgrounds. Experience creating learning environments for students to raise confidence and increase their knowledge base. Passionate about literacy and the arts. Twenty-nine years of classroom teaching from Transitional Kindergarten to Fifth-grade levels, as well as collaborator, mentor, and professional developer for Bilingual teachers throughout California. Participated in numerous committees and projects at the district, state, and national levels.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Consultant
Gonzalez Unified School district
01.2022 - Current
- Enhanced communication among team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment, centered on dual-language pedagogy.
- Improved student engagement by implementing diverse teaching strategies.
- Established positive classroom environments by enforcing clear expectations and maintaining consistent communication with students and parents.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to understand dual language pedagogy.
- Organized professional development workshops, promoting effective teaching practices among staff members.
- Mentored dual-language teachers in effective instructional methods, enhancing overall teaching quality within the school community.
- Promoted collaboration among students through group work activities, fostering critical thinking skills and teamwork abilities.
- Coordinated training and professional development for dual language teachers and school administrators to integrate newly learned teaching strategies that encourage student learning.
Substitute Teacher
Long Beach Unified School District
01.2021 - Current
- Followed classroom plans left by the teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Enhanced classroom management by implementing positive reinforcement strategies and maintaining clear expectations for behavior.
- Repeatedly requested as a substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
Elementary School Dual Language Teacher
Patrick Henry , Long Beach Unified School District
09.1992 - 06.2021
- Implemented Dual Language pedagogical practices that promote biliteracy, high academic achievement, and cross-cultural understanding.
- Developed and executed lesson plans for both languages, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all essential topics.
- Enhanced cultural understanding among students by integrating authentic materials and culturally relevant content into lessons.
- Collaborated with other educators to create interdisciplinary projects, fostering a well-rounded educational experience for students.
- Assessed student progress regularly through quizzes, tests, and oral presentations, providing constructive feedback to support continuous improvement.
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents, updating them on their child's performance and addressing any concerns proactively.
- Differentiated instruction based on individual student needs, employing various teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learners.
- Mentored new dual language teachers, sharing best practices and offering guidance throughout their first year of teaching.
- Participated in professional development workshops focused on dual language education, staying up-to-date with current methodologies and pedagogical approaches.
- Enhanced cultural understanding among students by integrating authentic materials and culturally relevant content into lessons.
Co-Director of Pasos Alegría Folklórico
Patrick Henry Elementary School
01.2014 - 03.2020
- Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity.
- Oversaw purchasing and organization of costume inventory.
- Maintained a professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry stakeholders.
- Collaborated with the stage manager to run dress rehearsals and final performances.
- Developed a performance program for distribution.
- Established dressing rooms for over 100 dancers and managed each performing group to be on stage on time.
Instructor and Choreographer
Pasos de Alegría, Patrick Henry Folklórico
01.2009 - 03.2020
- Developed motivating dance lessons for young and novice dancers.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- Choreographed dances from Mexico, Spain, Columbia, Panama, and Puerto Rico by researching authentic folk dances, music, and costumes.
- Organized parents to make costume accessories.
- Instructed dance after school hours as an extracurricular activity that enriched students' educational experience beyond the classroom setting.
- Communicated frequently with parents.
Science Textbook Adoption Committee
Long Beach Unified School District
11.2020 - 05.2021
- Participated in professional development of new science standards from TK through 5th grade.
- Collaborated with district science curricular leader and teachers across the district.
- Reviewed science instructional materials approved by the state of California following rigorous guidelines and timelines.
- Reviewed eight instructional kindergarten-level programs.
- Recommended two science instructional programs that could service LBUSD's diverse district population, including students in dual language, special education, and English learners.
Lecturer
School of Education, California State University
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Used a variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate the learning process and accentuate presentations. Lectures took place in the FLIP classroom.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.
- Graded homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage active participation.
- Taught a diverse student population, and employed various delivery styles to reach learning styles and abilities.
- Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant to Common Core Standards In Language Arts.
Master Teacher
Patrick Henry Elementary School
09.2002 - 05.2019
- Supported student teachers acquiring their BCLAD certification in the instruction of primary language literacy instruction, as well as second language acquisition.
- Supported student teachers by modeling positive and respectful classroom management, culturally relevant lesson planning, lesson delivery, and assessment.
- Advised and mentored student teachers to help them develop the skills and confidence to support all students.
Language Arts Textbook Adoption Committee
Long Beach Unified School District
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Reviewed all state-adopted fourth-grade materials and collaborated in the selection of Language Arts and ELD materials approved by the district board of education. Recommended two programs that addressed the needs of dual language programs.
- Reviewed two programs for English Language Arts and Spanish Language Arts at the fourth-grade level.
- Cultivated strong partnerships between district curriculum leaders and teachers across the Long Beach Unified School District.
Mathematics Textbook Adoption Committee
Long Beach Unified School District
05.2014 - 05.2015
- Participated in professional development of Common Core Mathematical standards from TK through 5th grade.
- Collaborated with Mathematics curriculum leaders and teachers across the Long Beach Unified School District.
- Reviewed math instructional materials approved by the state of California following rigorous guidelines and timelines.
- Reviewed fourth-grade instructional materials and selected two publishers that could service LBUSD's student population, including dual language, special education and English Language Learners.
- Reviewed eight instructional kindergarten-level programs
- Recommended two science instructional programs that would service
Common Core Mathematics Committee Member
Long Beach Unified School District
11.2012 - 05.2014
- Collaborated with math curriculum leaders and teacher leaders across the district to develop fourth-grade formative assessment challenge tasks
- Translated all third-grade through fifth-grade assessments into Spanish for all dual-language programs in the district. These formative assessments were used by 100% of district dual language teachers.
- Translated Math talk and Common Core Mathematical Practices posters used in all dual language classrooms.
District Teacher Council
Long Beach Unified School District
09.2006 - 05.2017
- Represented Patrick Henry Elementary School in District teacher council meetings as a liaison between the district and the school three times a year.
- Presented district information to teachers.
- Participated in district-led professional development.
Alternative Induction Pathway Mentor Teacher
Long Beach Unified School District
10.2011 - 05.2014
- Due to severe budget cuts in the State of California, a hiring freeze caused many teachers not eligible to obtain a teaching credential. The Long Beach Unified School District developed an alternative induction pathway.
- For three years assisted one teacher in fulfilling all California requirements to acquire a Multiple Subject Credential with Bilingual certification.
- Offered a fourth-grade classroom for practicum and support.
Spanish Language Arts District Committee Member
Long Beach Unified School District
07.2003 - 05.2008
- Committee Member to develop Kindergarten through 6th grade Spanish Reading Benchmark Book Assessments used throughout the district.
- Collaborated with revisions by thoroughly analyzing existing guidelines and proposing improvements based on best practices.
- Collaborated with fellow members to achieve consensus on key decisions, ensuring high-quality parallel alignment of Spanish assessments. These assessments were used district-wide until 2020.
- Co-authored two End of Kindergarten level benchmarks, "Con mi familia" and "Vamos a la granja".
- Contributed to the search and selection of high-quality Spanish passages and books.
- Translated and developed Teacher Protocol, Student questions, Recording Sheets, Awards, and Parent Information.
- Benchmark Assessments were primary Spanish reading assessments until 2019.
Spanish Language Arts Committee
Long Beach Unified School District
07.1996 - 06.1998
- Collaborated with a team of Spanish reading specialists and administrators to develop and write high-quality Spanish reading benchmarks for kindergarten through third grade, parallel to English benchmarks.
- Trained all K-3rd grade bilingual teachers in the protocol of Spanish benchmark assessments.
- Videotaped training videos that modeled the protocol of Spanish Benchmarks.
- Updated kindergarten and first-grade Spanish Foundational Skills Assessment.
- Developed personalized lesson plans to cater to diverse learning needs, resulting in improved student progress.
District Bilingual Intern Instructor
Long Beach Unified School District
09.1995 - 05.1998
- Taught Culture and Cultural Diversity (EDEL 203)
- Built a positive, inclusive classroom environment to foster open dialogue and mutual respect among district bilingual interns.
- Increased student participation by incorporating group activities and collaborative projects.
- Designed engaging curriculum with a focus on real-world applications, promoting cultural relevant practices and critical thinking skills.
- Assessed student progress regularly, providing detailed feedback and adjusting instruction as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
Education
Master of Arts - Elementary Education-Reading
California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA05.2007
Multiple Subject Clear Credential - Elementary Education
California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA05.1992
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
California State University - Long Beach
Long Beach, CA05.1990
Skills
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Cross-Cultural Competence
- Workshop Facilitation
- Student Engagement
- Lesson Planning
- Student Rapport
- Classroom Management
- Biliteracy Instruction
- Communication-Based Instruction
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Google Drive, Canvas, Google Classroom, and Zoom
Accomplishments
- California Professional Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Bilingual Cross-cultural, Language & Academic Development Emphasis: Spanish
- California Reading Specialist Credential
Additional Professional Experience
PRESENTER ASSOCIATION OF TWO-WAY AND DUAL LANGUAGE EDUCATION NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2012-2020
- Art and Writing in the Kindergarten Classroom, 2020
- Compañeros de aprendizaje , 2018
- New Teacher Institute: Fourth Grade, 2015
- QR Codes in the Classroom , 2015
- “Talk Moves” in Dual Language Classrooms, 2013
CONSULTANT, SAN DIEGO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION, 2012
- Common Core en Español Review Panel
- Reviewed and edited the 4th grade translation and linguistic augmentation of the California Common Core ELA and Math Standards to Spanish California Department of Education
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION, 2009
- Instructional Materials Review Panel for Program 3: Reading/Language Arts/English-Language Development
- Reviewed Publisher Spanish Language Arts Instructional Materials at the Fourth Grade Level
- Recommended Instructional Materials to be approved by State of California
CONSULTANT, SAN DIEGO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION 2004-2007
- Collaborated in the editing of Spanish AB466 (Reading First) materials
- Kindergarten trainer of trainers for the state of California, Houghton Mifflin Lectura AB466 en Español
- Prepared teacher leaders to provide professional development in Spanish Language Arts across the state of California.
- Lectura AB466 en Español Kindergarten Teacher Leader
- Presented week long professional development across the state of California
CALIFORNIA READING AND LITERATURE PROJECT, STATEWIDE, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO, 2001-2004
- Collaborated to develop Reading Results summer professional development institute for teachers In bilingual classroom settings
- Collaborated in the Reading Results development team by co-authoring the Spanish adaptation of the Logographic Phase and K-3 Spanish Reading Results Assessment Manual
- Primary Language/Spanish Reading RESULTS teacher leader
CALIFORNIA READING AND LITERATURE PROJECT, LOS ANGELES REGION 1998-2004
- Biliteracy teacher leader for Governor's Reading Professional Development Institutes K-3
Affiliations
- CSULB Alumni Association
- California Association for Bilingual Education
- Association for Two-Way and Dual Language Education
- Retired Teacher's Association
- Long Beach Memorial Hospital Women's League
Additional Information
- President's Distinguished Service Award, California State University, Long Beach, (2013)
- Commitment to Excellence Award, “Champion of Change” White House (2012)
- California State University, Long Beach Graduate Dean's List of University Scholars and Artists (2007)
- Los Angeles County Teacher of the Year (2004-2005)
- Long Beach Unified School Teacher of the Year (2004-2005)
- National Council of La Raza, Outstanding Community Service Award (2005)
- California Association for Bilingual Education, Teacher of the Year (2003)
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading great books
- Volunteering at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center (Books for Babies)
- Tennis Player
- World traveler
- Hiker and nature lover
- Guitar player
- Cooking and Baking
- Grandparenting
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
References
Martha Alba-Gonzales
District Dual Language Coordinator,
Long Beach Unified School District
Amanda Flores
Retired Dual Language Teacher
Patrick Henry Elementary
Dr. Anarosa Estevez
Department of Teacher Education
California State University, Northridge
Angela Medina
District Dual Language Coach
Long Beach Unified School District
Timeline
Consultant
Gonzalez Unified School district
01.2022 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Long Beach Unified School District
01.2021 - Current
Science Textbook Adoption Committee
Long Beach Unified School District
11.2020 - 05.2021
Lecturer
School of Education, California State University
01.2015 - 01.2016
Language Arts Textbook Adoption Committee
Long Beach Unified School District
01.2015 - 01.2016
Mathematics Textbook Adoption Committee
Long Beach Unified School District
05.2014 - 05.2015
Co-Director of Pasos Alegría Folklórico
Patrick Henry Elementary School
01.2014 - 03.2020
Common Core Mathematics Committee Member
Long Beach Unified School District
11.2012 - 05.2014
Alternative Induction Pathway Mentor Teacher
Long Beach Unified School District
10.2011 - 05.2014
Instructor and Choreographer
Pasos de Alegría, Patrick Henry Folklórico
01.2009 - 03.2020
District Teacher Council
Long Beach Unified School District
09.2006 - 05.2017
Spanish Language Arts District Committee Member
Long Beach Unified School District
07.2003 - 05.2008
Master Teacher
Patrick Henry Elementary School
09.2002 - 05.2019
Spanish Language Arts Committee
Long Beach Unified School District
07.1996 - 06.1998
District Bilingual Intern Instructor
Long Beach Unified School District
09.1995 - 05.1998
Elementary School Dual Language Teacher
Patrick Henry , Long Beach Unified School District
09.1992 - 06.2021
Master of Arts - Elementary Education-Reading
California State University - Long Beach
Multiple Subject Clear Credential - Elementary Education
California State University - Long Beach
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
California State University - Long Beach
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