Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Wendy Nelson

Desert Hot Springs,CA

Summary

  • Dedicated to fostering a love of reading and empowering students to become confident, skilled readers. I bring 25 years of experience in teaching literacy in diverse educational settings. My passion for literacy education is rooted in the belief that every child deserves access to engaging and meaningful reading experiences that ignite their curiosity and inspire lifelong learning.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Reading Intervention Teacher

Palm Springs Unified School District
Palm Springs
07.2020 - Current
  • Planned and implemented reading intervention programs for students with reading difficulties.
  • Provided one-on-one tutoring sessions to improve literacy skills, including phonemic awareness, decoding and fluency.
  • Taught small group instruction to target specific areas of need in reading comprehension, word recognition and writing.
  • Assessed students' progress through formal tests and informal observations.
  • Collaborated with classroom teachers and other professionals to ensure effective implementation of intervention strategies.
  • Maintained records on students' academic performance and attendance in order to track progress over time.
  • Created a positive learning environment by utilizing behavior management techniques that encouraged cooperation among students while fostering self-esteem.
  • Monitored student achievement data regularly to identify areas of strength or need within the class.
  • Stayed current on best practices related to teaching reading interventions through research articles or online courses.
  • Analyzed and reported on each student's progress in reading in accordance with school district's policies.
  • Tutored and provided assistance after school to students in need of additional reading help.
  • Adapted instructional techniques to appropriate ages and skill levels of supervised students.

First and Second Grade Teacher

Palm Springs Unified School District
Palm Springs
07.2018 - 06.2020
  • Developed and implemented lesson plans that aligned with state standards and district curriculum.
  • Encouraged students to think critically and develop problem solving skills.
  • Provided individualized instruction based on each student's academic needs.
  • Monitored students' progress in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
  • Utilized data analysis to inform instruction and adjust lesson plans accordingly.
  • Organized small group activities designed to promote cooperative learning among students.
  • Engaged parents in their children's education by providing regular updates about class activities.
  • Communicated effectively with administration regarding student needs or concerns.
  • Attended in-service training and professional development courses to stay on top of policy and education changes.

Kindergarten and Second Grade Teacher

Morongo Unified School District
Twentynine Palms
07.2011 - 07.2018
  • Developed and implemented lesson plans to meet the needs of all students in a second grade classroom.
  • Utilized instructional materials, such as books, multimedia sources, and manipulatives to enhance student learning.
  • Encouraged students to set individual goals and strive for academic excellence.
  • Assessed student performance through formal and informal assessments throughout the year.
  • Provided feedback on student progress by utilizing data-driven instruction techniques.
  • Integrated technology into daily lessons to engage students in the learning process.
  • Instructed small groups of students in remedial or enrichment activities according to their individual needs.
  • Established clear expectations for classroom behavior and reinforced appropriate behavior with positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction methods based on each student's ability level.
  • Promoted good communication between home and school by sending weekly newsletters home with updates on class events.
  • Actively participated in staff development workshops designed to improve teaching skills.
  • Administered tests and assessed results to evaluate student understanding of material.
  • PBIS Representative and Trainer

Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher

Lake Havasu Unified School District
Lake Havasu City, AZ
07.2000 - 07.2011
  • Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
  • Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
  • Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies among students.
  • Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
  • Monitored student behavior in classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, playgrounds.
  • Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
  • Utilized technology-based learning tools to enhance classroom instruction.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
  • Incorporated instructional best practices such as differentiated instruction into lesson plans.
  • Participated in professional development workshops related to teaching methods or curriculum changes.
  • Supported English Language Learners by providing additional resources tailored towards their specific needs.
  • Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
  • Differentiated instruction according to student skill level.
  • Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
  • Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
  • Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
  • Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and areas requiring improvement.
  • PBIS Representative/ Trainer
  • District Parent Involvement Committee Chair

Substitute Teacher, K-12

Lake Havasu Unified School District
Lake Havasu City
01.1997 - 06.1999
  • Provided instruction and guidance to students in the absence of a regular teacher.
  • Maintained accurate records of student performance, attendance, and behavior.
  • Ensured that each student had access to appropriate materials and resources.

Education

Master of Science - Educational Leadership

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
03-2024

Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction

University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ
04-2003

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education (K-8)

Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, AZ
05-1998

Skills

  • Literacy Assessment and Intervention
  • Literacy: Phonemic and Phonics Instruction
  • Research Based Instructional Practices
  • Data Analysis and Progress Monitoring
  • LTRS Professional Learning
  • Cooperative Learning/Kagan
  • Collaboration/Teamwork
  • Culturally Responsive Teaching
  • Communication/Parent Involvement

Timeline

Reading Intervention Teacher

Palm Springs Unified School District
07.2020 - Current

First and Second Grade Teacher

Palm Springs Unified School District
07.2018 - 06.2020

Kindergarten and Second Grade Teacher

Morongo Unified School District
07.2011 - 07.2018

Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher

Lake Havasu Unified School District
07.2000 - 07.2011

Substitute Teacher, K-12

Lake Havasu Unified School District
01.1997 - 06.1999

Master of Science - Educational Leadership

Western Governors University

Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction

University of Phoenix

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education (K-8)

Northern Arizona University

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