Duane Castillo
Palmdale
Summary
I am a certificated English and ESL Educator holding a Master’s degree in Education, with over a decade of domestic and international teaching experience. Proven track record in designing tiered curriculum, data-driven lesson plans, and targeted vocabulary frameworks for diverse student populations across K-12 and adult demographics. Expert in accelerating language acquisition, managing multi-level classrooms, and fostering inclusive learning environments that drive academic achievement.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Online English Teacher
Preply
Brookline, MA
02.2024 - Current
- Developed customized lesson plans tailored to individual student needs and learning styles.
- Facilitated engaging online classes using interactive tools and multimedia resources.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and provided constructive feedback.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to enhance language acquisition and retention.
- Analyzed student performance data to identify trends and improve curriculum effectiveness.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss student progress and set educational goals.
- Enhanced course materials by integrating current events and cultural topics into lessons.
- Enhanced students'' language skills by focusing on reading, writing, speaking, and listening activities.
- Gently corrected student pronunciation and grammar to improve conversation skills.
- Boosted student confidence through tailored feedback and individualized support in areas of improvement.
- Promoted active participation from students by incorporating interactive elements such as group projects, discussions, and collaborative activities in lessons.
- Maintained schedule of appointments and worked up to [60] hours each week.
English Language Arts Teacher
Palmdale School District
Palmdale
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.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to improve classroom dynamics and student participation.
- Developed individualized lesson plans to enhance student learning and engagement.
English Language Arts Teacher
Green Dot Public Schools
Los Angeles, CA
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
- Oral communication
- Vocabulary building
- Teaching expertise
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
References
References available upon request
Timeline
Online English Teacher
Preply
02.2024 - Current
English Language Arts 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
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Education
California State University Dominguez Hills
High School Diploma - Language Arts
North Torrance High School
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - English Teacher
Universidad Latina de Costa Rica