Toija Fitzgerald
Irvine,CA
Summary
A devoted proponent of the Oxford comma, I am even more devoted to children developing a love for learning. A professional educator with a proven track record of fostering academic success, I am adept at developing personalized lesson plans, utilizing effective teaching methods, and leveraging strong communication skills to engage students. Collaboration, positivity, adaptability, and reliability are core values to me, as well as continuous improvement and support for both students, parents, and colleagues.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary, Junior High, and High School Teacher
Eldorado School for the Gifted
08.1994 - 07.1996
- Taught and managed 4th and 5th grade science, social studies, language arts, math, and spelling.
- Designed and taught the high school Honors English and A.P. English curriculum.
- Designed and taught the junior high English curriculum.
- Developed a grading system and maintained student progress records and portfolios.
- Developed strong relationships with students for enhanced academic performance.
- Collaborated with colleagues to align teaching strategies for cohesive curriculum delivery.
- Involved parent volunteers for extra help and support in the classroom.
- Integrated performing arts into curriculum.
Elementary Teacher and Aide
Irvine Unified School District
09.1996 - 06.2004
- Taught 2nd and 4th grades at Santiago Hills Elementary and Westpark Elementary Schools.
- Participated in school meetings, I.E.P. meetings, and staff development opportunities.
- Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
- Planned lessons according to district standards to cover requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Incorporated differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
- Offered after-school tutoring sessions to provide additional support for struggling students.
Partner Teacher and Yearbook Advisor
Compass Charter Schools
08.2007 - 05.2019
- Taught grades K-8 in all subject areas with personalized curriculum, focusing on developing a love of learning.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lessons.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Mentored new teachers and parents, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Helped students develop the yearbook's theme and style; coaching students on writing, editing, and proofreading the yearbook.
- Oversaw the content coverage, story features, and accuracy of the yearbook.
- Coordinated photography sessions, managed the budget, and ensured the yearbook was produced on time.
- Collaborated with administration and staff to be sure yearbook complied with school policies, laws, and procedures; as well as reflected school's mission and values.
Junior High Writing Teacher and Tutor
Willow Tree Academy
08.2020 - Current
- Assist students to become confident and competent communicators and thinkers.
- Develop engaging lesson plans for diverse learners that promote critical thinking and creativity.
- Foster a collaborative learning environment by implementing group activities that encourage student participation.
- Monitor student progress and adjust instruction to meet individual needs.
- Establish strong relationships with families to support student success.
- Provide a safe and positive learning setting.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Westmont College
Santa Barbara, CACLAD Multiple Subject Teaching Credential -
National University
Costa Mesa, CASkills
- Group and individual instruction
- Patience and empathy
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Verbal and written communication
- In-person tutoring
- Student motivation
- Essay writing
- Adaptable nature
Accomplishments
- Tutored student to achieve National Merit Scholarship
- Maintained contact with many students and families.
- Nominated by students for Who’s Who Among American Teachers®
- Assisted dozens of students with college applications to gain admissions into prestigious universities.
Timeline
Junior High Writing Teacher and Tutor
Willow Tree Academy
08.2020 - Current
Partner Teacher and Yearbook Advisor
Compass Charter Schools
08.2007 - 05.2019
Elementary Teacher and Aide
Irvine Unified School District
09.1996 - 06.2004
Elementary, Junior High, and High School Teacher
Eldorado School for the Gifted
08.1994 - 07.1996
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
Westmont College
CLAD Multiple Subject Teaching Credential -
National University
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