Born and raised in Southern California. I enjoy working with and helping people. My professional career has been focused on teaching, but I also have skills beyond that. I put myself through college by waitressing. I worked at the Biltmore Hotel, The Magic Castle, restaurants and some night clubs. I had several years of physical work in construction. I started babysitting at the age of 12 and continued for the next 10 years, I'm very trust worthy and responsible. I'm self-motivated and determined to accomplish my goals. I've been supporting myself since my eighteenth birthday. Food, rent, car insurance, and tuition. While putting myself through UCLA, in my senior year, I had 3 part-time jobs. I had a GPA of 3.8 and was considering law school. However, being constantly broke, I went into education with ease, following in the footsteps of a best friend. I received an internship from LAUSD and quickly rose up through the ranks to max out on additional credits for higher education units. Returning to college, I sought and obtained a degree to be a PE teacher as well as an ESL adult school teacher, all before beginning full time employment as an elementary school teacher. Recently retired, I'm looking for a job that is fulfilling and enjoyable. I love to work with people and have a positive and polite demeanor.
Hi, I’m
Tracy Van Duzee
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Overview
29
years of professional experience
Work History
LAUSD Los Angeles Unified School District
Elementary School Teacher
03.1995 - 06.2023
Job overview
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Reinforced positive behavior by encouraging efforts through affirmation statements and praising accomplishments.
- Created and presented clever lessons to engage students and focus on core subjects necessary for personal and academic growth.
- Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
- Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
- Prepared and administered grade-specific tests and examinations regulated by school district to monitor students' growth and to report progress to parents.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Developed problem-solving and critical-thinking skills by presenting challenges to boost self-esteem and performance.
- Pursued professional development during summer months to maintain certification and extend skills.
- Maintained student portfolios to monitor learning progress and completion of work required for promotion to next grade level.
- Fostered student curiosity and interest in learning through hands-on activities and field trips.
- Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Directed class discussions to spark conversation about key concepts, complex problems and overarching themes.
- Coached students on physical and emotional safety as part of health curriculum.
- Sourced supplies to fill gaps in student activities.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Communicated student progress, academic difficulties, or behavioral concerns to parents, guardians and administration using tact and professionalism to improve student academic performance.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
- Provided individualized and diversified instruction to support student comprehension and assist with navigating challenges.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies, and discipline.
- Developed and implemented discipline strategies to maintain classroom order.
- Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
- Evaluated individual student abilities and created action plans based on current level and desired growth goals to support preparedness for transition to next grade level.
- Incorporated [Software] technology into lesson planning to create engaging, multi-dimensional lessons.
- Scheduled and directed field trips and hands-on activities to foster student learning and creativity.
- Utilized study guides and interactive study tools to increase standardized test scores.
- Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
- Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
- Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
- Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
- Provided regular feedback to students on progress and assigned grades based on performance.
- Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
- Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings, and meet learning needs.
- Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
- Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Retained student interest and maximized receptive learning.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
LAUSD Los Angeles Unified School District
Adult ESL Teacher
03.1994 - 01.1996
Job overview
- Taught classes daily with advanced, beginner and intermediate levels of students.
- Delivered and developed lesson plans by using broad range of teaching techniques and strategies.
- Instructed students in using visuals, games and textbooks to improve writing, speaking and reading skills.
- Tailored lesson plans to accommodate differences in learning styles and speeds.
- Established clear objectives for lessons and units to communicate objectives to [Number] students per semester.
- Provided supportive, nurturing learning environment to encourage student responsibility.
- Offered one-on-one tutoring to improve student classroom performance, boosting overall performance [Number]%.
- Attended team meetings with fellow bilingual teachers to integrate curriculum and improve student learning.
- Constructed classroom management system to keep classroom disruption to minimum.
- Educated students in basics of English grammar and conversational speaking.
- Created new lesson plans based on course objectives.
- Developed and taught ESL curriculum to improve students' conversational abilities.
- Gave one-on-one attention to each student while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Designed seasonal programs emphasizing vocabulary, pronunciation, and reading comprehension.
- Administered and graded tests and assignments to evaluate student progress.
- Attended workshops to learn about student motivation and engaging learning activities.
- Increased ESL students' reading levels by integrating online word games and altering lesson plans for students needing extra guidance.
- Documented student attendance and progress against goals.
- Developed activities and integrated technology to diversify instruction.
- Improved instruction methods by using various assessment tools and strategies.
- Emphasized critical thinking through small group activities.
- Assisted department head in establishing daily schedules, curriculum, and ESL activities.
- Administered language proficiency tests and awarded highest-scoring students.
- Collaborated with teachers and department heads to meet quarterly and yearly educational goals.
- Coordinated communication between students and school administration to create culturally-sensitive learning environment.
- Personalized instruction based on needs, interests and capabilities of individual students.
- Reviewed course materials and student progress to identify strengths and weaknesses for future improvements.
- Prepared students for tests by teaching relevant concepts and enforcing good test-taking skills.
- Provided individual mentoring and special tutoring to struggling students.
- Used positive reinforcement and provided clear feedback to help students succeed.
- Facilitated class discussion to help students work through questions and expand understanding.
- Encouraged students to deepen knowledge with additional learning opportunities.
- Conducted group lectures and small-group instruction to teach and reinforce concepts.
- Maintained complete student records with accurate grades and attendance information.
- Supplemented instruction and increased student understanding with use of audio-visual equipment and other technology.
- Conducted skills assessments to uncover performance gaps.
- Assigned lessons and corrected homework.
- Collaborated with other professionals to develop creative solutions to challenges faced by adult learners.
- Employed variety of assessment tools and strategies to improve instruction methods.
- Assessed work of adult students to evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Developed and maintained effective record keeping system for tracking learner attendance, participation and progress.
- Balanced instruction, demonstration and personal work time for optimal student learning.
- Demonstrated principles of subject material and advanced methods to students.
Education
University California Los AngelesLos Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Arts from History, Philosophy
1992
University Overview
- Dean's List [Semester and Year]
- Honor Roll [Semester and Year]
Skills
- Safety Awareness
- Special Education
- Elementary Education
- Field Trip Organization
- Materials Sourcing
- Play-Based Learning
- Standardized Tests
- Lesson Planning
- Student Testing
Timeline
Elementary School Teacher
LAUSD Los Angeles Unified School District
03.1995 - 06.2023
Adult ESL Teacher
LAUSD Los Angeles Unified School District
03.1994 - 01.1996
University California Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts from History, Philosophy