Duane Castillo
Palmdale
Summary
Passionate Teacher with experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering wide range of subjects. Highly skilled at motivating students through positive encouragement and reinforcement of concepts via interactive classroom instruction and observation. Successful in helping students develop strong literacy, numeracy, social and learning skills.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Palmdale School District
08.2021 - 02.2024
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Increased student literacy rates by implementing targeted reading strategies in individualized instruction plans.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and interactive activities into lessons.
- Supported diverse learners with differentiated instruction strategies tailored to individual needs and abilities.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations, enforcing classroom rules, and fostering open communication.
- Increased students'' critical thinking skills through the implementation of group projects and problem-solving exercises.
- Enhanced students'' reading and writing skills by implementing engaging literature-based activities.
- Developed a positive classroom environment by incorporating collaborative learning strategies.
- Assessed student progress, providing constructive feedback to motivate improvement in language proficiency.
English Language Arts Teacher
Green Dot Public Schools
03.2020 - 06.2021
- Prepared, administered and corrected tests and records results
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
- Established and maintained open lines of communication with students, parents and community members
- Provided individual and small group instruction for identified students
- Participated in faculty committees and sponsorship of pupil activities
- Implemented curricula and activities to meet academic standards
- Created, planned and taught rigorous curriculum while meeting needs of diverse student population
- Prepared lesson plans for classroom instruction, developing program syllabi, goals and objectives
- Conducted ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal testing
- Managed participant filing systems both in hard copy and electronically
- Helped students analyze and improve study methods and habits
- Communicated with regular teacher and school administration.
Substitute Teacher
Scoot Education
08.2019 - 06.2020
- Maintained positive and professional atmosphere in classroom
- Developed and implemented applied academic projects
- Maintained open communication with administration and teacher of record
- Implemented lessons provided by teacher and student engagement and achievement of course outcomes
- Prepared instructional materials for use in classroom
- Maintained friendly and positive attitude toward parents, students and administration.
English Language Arts Teacher
ICEF Inglewood Middle Charter Academy
08.2017 - 06.2018
- Maintained healthy, secure and safe classroom environment
- Implemented curricula and activities to meet academic standards
- Followed policies, regulations and procedures of school district
- Administered assessments under supervision of English Language Learning Teacher
- Provided individual and small group instruction for identified students
- Communicated and interacted with students, parents, staff and community in positive manner
- Maintained data on students participating in programs
- Encouraged students to set and maintain standards of classroom behavior
- Participated in faculty committees and sponsorship of pupil activities
- Followed safety procedures and written and verbal instructions
- Continued professional development through attending workshops, reviewing literature and collaboration with colleagues
- Designed lessons appropriate to goals and philosophy of school curriculum.
Substitute Teacher
Torrance Unified School District
08.2012 - 06.2016
- Managed student behavior which supported positive learning environment
- Assumed all duties and responsibilities of regular teacher on given day
- Provided accommodations for differences in student learning styles
- Guided students in maintaining acceptable standards of classroom behavior
- Maintained friendly and positive attitude toward parents, students and administration
- Took direction from Lead Teacher with implementing lesson plans and picture schedules
- Maintained positive and professional atmosphere in classroom
- Prepared instructional materials for use in classroom
- Maintained and kept all necessary records for each student
- Maintained open communication with administration and teacher of record.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English Teacher
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
San Pedro, San Jose05.2020
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Education
California State University Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA05.2020
High School Diploma - Language Arts
North Torrance High School
Torrance, CA06.1999
Skills
- Classroom Instruction
- Student Engagement
- Group Instruction
- Small Group Instruction
- Curriculum Implementation
- Lesson Planning
- Parent Communication
- Distance Learning
- Exam Proctoring
- Lecturing
- Instructional technology
- Organization
References
References available upon request
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Teacher
Palmdale School District
08.2021 - 02.2024
English Language Arts Teacher
Green Dot Public Schools
03.2020 - 06.2021
Substitute Teacher
Scoot Education
08.2019 - 06.2020
English Language Arts Teacher
ICEF Inglewood Middle Charter Academy
08.2017 - 06.2018
Substitute Teacher
Torrance Unified School District
08.2012 - 06.2016
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English Teacher
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Education
California State University Dominguez Hills
High School Diploma - Language Arts
North Torrance High School
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