Wendy Trainer Kerr
NEW CANAAN,CT
Summary
Dynamic educator with 18 years of experience dedicated to fostering a differentiated learning environment and implementing child-centered curricula. Proven expertise in initiating and executing effective curriculum changes tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of students, enhancing engagement and academic success. Recognized as a valued community member by parents and colleagues, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and effective communication with all stakeholders. Committed to cultivating a classroom community that prioritizes students' social and emotional well-being, ensuring a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for optimal learning while leading initiatives in mindfulness in education for both students and teachers.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher
Unquowa School
Fairfield, CT
08.2018 - Current
- Design and deliver engaging lessons in reading, writing, math and social studies
- Differentiate instruction to meet diverse learning needs, including gifted students and those requiring intervention
- Integrate technology tools to enhance student learning
- Implement hands-on, project-based learning activities to improve student engagement
- Monitor student progress using formative and summative assessments to guide instruction
- Establish a positive, inclusive classroom environment that promotes respect and collaboration
- Implement effective classroom management strategies to support student behavior and engagement
- Foster social-emotional learning (SEL) skills such as empathy, responsibility, and self-regulation
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians through conferences, emails, and progress reports
- Partner with special education staff, counselors, and support personnel to meet student needs
- Participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with educational best practices
- Lead an after-school class in yoga
- Organize field trips and enrichment activities to extend learning beyond the classroom
Classroom Teacher – Grade 3
King School
Stamford, CT
01.2006 - Current
- Held responsibility in mapping curriculum; planning and executing weekly lessons in all subject areas; and differentiating instruction for students based on their learning profiles.
- Develop and implement a balanced literacy program that incorporates Words Their Way spelling program, guided reading, and Teacher's College Writing Workshop.
- Differentiate instruction through enrichment and modification using the Singapore Math program, manipulatives, technology, and games.
- Draft detailed progress reports from daily assessments and observations in the classroom.
- Serve as the lower school coordinator for the global studies program in the school, which includes providing assistance to the strategic planning committee and global studies curriculum; and submitting reports regarding global study initiatives to the lower school.
- Train and coach new faculty regarding their duties in the school through the new faculty mentor program.
- Launched yoga and mindfulness program for faculty and students.
Yoga Instructor – Afterschool Yoga Program, Grades Pre-K-5
King School
Stamford, CT, USA
01.2007 - 07.2017
- Design yoga classes for students of various ages.
- Utilize stories, games, hands on activities and journaling to enhance the program.
Yoga Instructor – Summer Institute, Yoga Camp Pre-K-5
King School
Stamford, CT, USA
01.2008 - 07.2016
- Design age-appropriate lessons regarding mindfulness, yoga postures, and relaxation.
- Teach two daily sessions to a mixed age group.
- Direct camp counselors on how to engage with students and offer 1-on-1 assists in postures.
Yoga Instructor
Liberation Yoga and Wellness Center
Mahopac, NY, USA
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Facilitated group workshops and taught weekly individual classes.
- Provided Thai Massage sessions for clients.
Teaching Intern (Full-Time) – Grade 2
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich, CT
01.2005 - 01.2006
Teaching Intern (Full-Time) | Computer Specialist
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich, CT
01.2004 - 01.2005
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
Manhattanville College
Purchase, NY, USA01-2006
Certificate of Excellence - Film Studies
Vancouver Film School
Vancouver, BC, Canada01-1999
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT, USA01-1997
Skills
- Lesson Planning & Curriculum Design
- Differentiated Instruction
- Classroom Management (SEL-informed approaches)
- Technology Integration
- Emotional Literacy & Self-Regulation Support
- Relationship-Building and Empathy Development
- Class Meetings and Morning Circles Leadership
- Conflict Resolution and Restorative Practices
- Mindfulness Practices for Students
Timeline
Grade 3 Homeroom Teacher
Unquowa School
08.2018 - Current
Yoga Instructor – Summer Institute, Yoga Camp Pre-K-5
King School
01.2008 - 07.2016
Yoga Instructor
Liberation Yoga and Wellness Center
01.2008 - 01.2011
Yoga Instructor – Afterschool Yoga Program, Grades Pre-K-5
King School
01.2007 - 07.2017
Classroom Teacher – Grade 3
King School
01.2006 - Current
Teaching Intern (Full-Time) – Grade 2
Greenwich Academy
01.2005 - 01.2006
Teaching Intern (Full-Time) | Computer Specialist
Greenwich Academy
01.2004 - 01.2005
Certificate of Excellence - Film Studies
Vancouver Film School
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Vermont
Master of Arts - Teaching
Manhattanville College
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Singapore Math, Week Long Training, Stamford, CT, June 2007
- Radiant Child Yoga, Level 1-2 Kid’s Yoga Teacher Training, Lenox, MA, July 2007
- International Thai Massage Institute Training, Chaing Mai, Thailand, July 2009
- International Conference on Global Studies, San Diego, CA April 2011
- Handwriting without Tears, Stamford, CT, June 2011
- National Conference on Geography Education, Denver, CO, July 2012
- Learning and the Brain, San Francisco, CA, February 2014
- Mindfulness in Education, New York NY, March 2015
- Learning and the Brain, San Francisco CA, February 2016
- Teacher’s College Writer’s Workshop, Stamford, CT, June 2017
- LitCon: National K-8 Reading Conference, January 2024
- Omega Institute: Mindfulness in Education Conference: June 2024
- Virginia Birdsall Award: Teacher Grant: to visit and create curriculum about the Pueblo tribes of New Mexico 2025