Helen Carole Bystrom
Lincoln
Summary
Passionate English Language and Literature instructor with background in postsecondary education. Skilled in curriculum development, innovative teaching methods, and fostering critical thinking and analytical skills among students. Demonstrated ability to inspire love for literature while improving literacy and communication skills. Contributed to academic growth through collaborative learning techniques and effective feedback mechanisms. Dedicated educator with advanced knowledge and several years of related experience. Teach topics through in-depth lectures, discussions and special projects. Smoothly diversify and adapt instruction to serve needs of diverse student groups. Seasoned Adjunct Professor of English with deep understanding of literature analysis and composition instruction. Previous roles focused on fostering student engagement, encouraging critical thinking, and promoting academic growth. Strengths include effective communication, curriculum development, and ability to inspire students. Demonstrated history of improving overall literary comprehension among students through adaptive teaching methods.
Overview
50
50
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Adjunct Professor of English
Los Rios Community College District
Sacramento
08.1994 - Current
- I began working with American River College with English courses offered to high school students.
- Read English 58 and 102 entrance acceptance essays
- Began outreach and on campus ARC classes in English 102 while employed with San Juan Unified School District
- Began English 102 on ARC campus Fall 1994
- Created lesson plans, course materials, provided support and instructuoj for essys and research paper
- developoed an taught English composition courses
- conducted weekly office hours/mentored students in acadmic writing and research methodologies
- collaborated with faculty to align curriculum with department goals and standards
- integrated technology tools to support interactive learning experiences in classes
- participate in faculty meetings to discuss program improvements and student needs in both English and reading.
- taught multiple English composition, critical thinking, critical analysis, criticlal reading, critical reading classes, Writing Across the Curriculum and Reading Across the Disciplines sections.
Teacher's Assistant
Serrania Elementary School
Woodland Hills
08.1976 - 06.2025
- Supported individual student learning through tailored instructional strategies.
- Supervised students during recess and lunch, ensuring safety and engagement.
- Collaborated with teachers to create educational resources and activities.
- Supervised children and participated with children in activities.
- Prepared lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, and demonstrations to assist teachers in classroom preparation.
- Helped teachers with material generation, lesson plan development, class preparation, scheduling, exam distribution and student mentoring.
English Teacher Reading Coordinator
San Juan Unified School District Early Childhood E
Citrus Heights
06.1985 - 06.2012
- Hired to create and develop reading program for grades nine through twelve
- Wrote several grants for funding of reading program
- Purchased materials, created, and implemented effective lessons and classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment
- Assessed student progress through observations and tailored instructional approaches accordingly
- Facilitated professional development workshops for colleagues on best teaching practices
- Created and maintained a safe inclusive classroom atmosphere for all students based on student's unique needsExpleor
- Helped develop reading programs for other schools in the San Juan Unified School District
- Presented multiple workshops for California Assocation of Teachers of English ( CATE), San Juan Unified, and Reading Conferences
- Worked with Marlyn Pino to create Careers in Education program for San Juan Unified School District
- Worked with Joe Howard at American Riverr College to establish two year scholarship program for Careers in Education students who completed program. Discussed future Careers in Education classes at American River College
- Coordinated with CSUS to create link for Careers in Education
- Explored different approaches to help students improve their reading comprenehension and writing skills
- Conducted workshops to help teachers teach reading in all content areas
English Teacher
Roseville Joint Union High School District
Roseville
08.1984 - 06.1985
- Developed engaging lesson plans based on curriculum standards.
- Implemented diverse teaching strategies to meet student needs.
- Assessed student performance through regular quizzes and assignments.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting respect and learning.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress and concerns.
- Created lesson plans, handouts, and other materials for teaching English grammar, reading comprehension, and creative writing skills.
Reading Coordinator
Hillsdale Elementary School
North Highlands
08.1983 - 06.1984
- Developed reading programs to enhance student literacy skills.
- Collaborated with staff to assess student reading levels and progress.
- Organized community events promoting literacy and parental involvement.
- Implemented intervention plans for struggling readers to improve comprehension.
- Provided support to teachers in integrating technology into reading lessons.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, performance, and achievement levels in reading related courses.
- Facilitated small group reading instruction to promote literacy development.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to ensure effective instructional delivery.
- Coordinated activities during special events such as Read Across America Day or National Poetry Month celebrations.
Reading and Drama Teacher
Magnolia Junior High Chino School District
Chino
07.1979 - 06.1983
- Implemented individualized reading plans to support student progress.
- Developed engaging reading lessons for diverse student populations.
- Assessed student reading levels using standardized evaluation tools.
- Facilitated group reading activities to promote teamwork and communication skills.
- Created a positive classroom environment that encouraged a love for reading.
- Integrated technology to enhance interactive reading sessions.
- Encouraged love of reading and promoted literacy to students.
- Analyzed and reported on each student's progress in reading in accordance with school district's policies.
- Established positive and engaging classroom environment that was conducive to improving literacy skills.
- Spoke with parents to discuss student progress and discuss reading issues.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student groups.
- Fostered a supportive classroom environment for artistic expression.
- Organized and directed school-wide theatrical productions and events.
- Mentored students in character development and performance skills.
- Assessed student progress and provided constructive feedback regularly.
- Coordinated with parents to promote student participation in drama activities.
- Supported creativity by teaching lessons improvisation.
- Taught students theater terminology and performance skills.
- Participated and assisted with set lighting design and assembling of stage props.
- Executed and directed dramatic performances that engaged and captivated audiences, increasing drama performance attendance .
- Maintained records to document attendance and information.
- Partnered with community and academic units to create collaborative partnerships.
- Organized rehearsals to ensure that all aspects of a production were running smoothly.
- Choreographed musical numbers for school plays and performances.
- Reviewed scripts prior to casting decisions being made in order to ensure age-appropriate content was used.
- Supervised technical crews during productions to ensure safety regulations were met.
Reading Clinic Coordinator/English Teacher
Willows School
Cucamonga
08.1977 - 06.1978
- Created Reading Clinic K-6
- Purchased reading materials and equipment for all grade levels
- Purchased reading tests and evaluated student scores/needs/progress
- Managed day-to-day operations of the clinic, diagnosed and monitored and student progrss
- Designed individual reading programs for students.
- Monitored inventory levels and ordered additional supplies as needed.
- Met with parents and teachers regularly to discuss and monitor student needs and progress
- Purhased technology needed
- Taught sixth grade English
- Taught, supervised, published school newspaper
Teacher's Assistant
Claremont High School
Claremont
08.1976 - 06.1977
- Organized classroom materials and resources for daily activities.
- Supported individual student learning through tailored instructional strategies.
- Prepared lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, and demonstrations to assist teachers in classroom preparation.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
- Provided individualized and small group support to reinforce classroom topics and promote student learning.
- Distributed and collected tests and homework to prepare for grading by head teacher.
- Handled clerical duties, managed classrooms, and coordinated documents for teachers.
- Graded assignments and tests and documented results into filing systems.
- Facilitated small group learning activities to reinforce lesson objectives.
English Teacher's Assistant
Honby Elementary School
Canyon Country
- Supported individual student learning through tailored instructional strategies.
- Organized classroom materials and resources for daily activities.
- Supervised students during recess and lunch, ensuring safety and engagement.
- Supervised children and participated with children in activities.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators.
Teacher's Assistant Serrania Elementary
Serrania Elementary School
Woodland Hills
- Supported individual student learning through tailored instructional strategies.
- Organized classroom materials and resources for daily activities.
- Implemented behavioral management techniques to promote a positive environment.
- Supervised children and participated with children in activities.
Education
Master of Arts - Education Secondary Reading Improvement
California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA06-1978
Bachelor of Arts - English
California State University Northridge
Northridge, CA05-1974
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Lesson planning
- Student assessment
- Instructional design
- Classroom management
- Educational technology
Affiliations
- As a professional educator for almost fifty years, I have participated in numerous extra curricular activities, sponsored cheerleaders, led fundraisers, student club activities. There were too many to list here
- In high school, I was in editor of our school newspaper for three years, and we won several awards. I also served in Student Government and was on Drill Team
- As a Girl Scout leader for more than ten years, I supervised and led a innumerable activities including community service programs and summer camps.
- When my children were little, I sponsored Little League, Brownies, led Cub Scouts, led Girl Scouts, volunteered in classrooms and was PTA President for three years.
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Limited
Accomplishments
- I have written and published two books: Iris in the Snow and Remember Christmas
- Teacher of the Year for Mesa Verde High School 2003-2004, 2006- 2007. 2010-2011
- Wizard of Magnolia : Award for outstanding drama/musical productions at Magnolia Junior High
- Multiple awards during time at Mesa Verde High School
Certification
- Certification for English National Board of Professional Teaching Standards 1994. First cohort for English standards
- Selected delegate to Washington, DC to meet President Bill Clinton and numerous governors to discuss national teaching standards in English 1994
Timeline
Adjunct Professor of English
Los Rios Community College District
08.1994 - Current
English Teacher Reading Coordinator
San Juan Unified School District Early Childhood E
06.1985 - 06.2012
English Teacher
Roseville Joint Union High School District
08.1984 - 06.1985
Reading Coordinator
Hillsdale Elementary School
08.1983 - 06.1984
Reading and Drama Teacher
Magnolia Junior High Chino School District
07.1979 - 06.1983
Reading Clinic Coordinator/English Teacher
Willows School
08.1977 - 06.1978
Teacher's Assistant
Serrania Elementary School
08.1976 - 06.2025
Teacher's Assistant
Claremont High School
08.1976 - 06.1977
English Teacher's Assistant
Honby Elementary School
Teacher's Assistant Serrania Elementary
Serrania Elementary School
Master of Arts - Education Secondary Reading Improvement
California State University Northridge
Bachelor of Arts - English
California State University Northridge
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