JENNIFER CHRISTENSEN
Aptos,CA
Summary
Dedicated educator and experienced parent with a strong background in literacy intervention and curriculum development, committed to fostering a love of learning in students. Expertise in enhancing reading skills among diverse populations through tailored lesson plans and evidence-based practices, ensuring that each child's unique needs are met. Recognized for creating a collaborative classroom atmosphere that adapts to evolving educational demands while maintaining a steadfast focus on student success. Passionate about building lasting connections with students to improve their skills and lay the groundwork for lifelong learning.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Reading Intervention Teacher
Rio Del Mar Elementary
Aptos, CA
08.2019 - Current
- Developed tailored reading intervention plans to meet diverse student needs.
- Implemented evidence-based literacy strategies to enhance student engagement and comprehension.
- Collaborated with teachers to integrate reading interventions into classroom instruction.
- Assessed student progress regularly, adjusting interventions based on performance data.
- Analyzed literacy assessment results to inform instructional decisions and improve outcomes.
- Fostered a positive learning environment that encouraged risk-taking in reading activities.
- Gathered, organized, and analyzed data on student needs and progress.
- Developed interventions for students currently struggling or at risk of falling behind.
- Developed and implemented individualized reading intervention plans for multiple groups of students in various grade levels with diverse student needs.
- Conducted ongoing assessments to monitor student progress and adjust instructional strategies.
- Developed strong rapport with students by building trust through consistent encouragement, feedback, and respect for individual learning styles.
- Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
- Monitored student performance to evaluate effectiveness of instructional strategies.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.
President
Rio Del Mar Parent Alliance
Aptos, CA
06.2018 - 06.2020
- I oversaw and coordinated the work of the executive board to run the Parent Alliance effectively.
- Presided over the Parent Alliance and ran monthly meetings.
- Served as the official contact, and representative of the Parent Alliance
- Worked to fundraise and allocate funds to best serve the school's needs.
- Worked with other Parent Alliance members as well as the principal and staff to connect families, school, ad community to support students success.
- Oversaw budget management, ensuring resource allocation aligned with organizational priorities.
Coach
Girls On The Run Silicon Valley
Aptos, CA
02.2016 - 06.2019
- Prepared, organized, and supervised bi-weekly lessons for 30 young athletes. Lead the program participants through each lesson and served as a mentor for those girls. We coached on proper stretching, running form, hydration and worked towards an end goal with all program participant. In addition I met with the other coaches and the area director to plan the season and touch base during the season. I also sent weekly communications to parents and touched base with them throughout the season. Lastly, planned and coordinated an end of season celebration with the participants and coaches.
- Mentored girls, fostering teamwork and resilience through structured training sessions.
- Collaborated with volunteers to ensure effective program delivery and participant engagement.
Second Grade Teacher
Menlo Park City School District
Menlo Park, CA
08.1999 - 02.2006
- Using district, state, and local guidelines, I worked to create and administer a classroom program that facilitated student learning and which emphasized respect for all people. *
- Used a variety of formal and informal techniques to access student's achievement and design lessons that best served his or her individual needs.
- Set and maintained high expectation for all my students both in terms of achievement and behavior.
- Worked hard to create a classroom environment that was positive, emphasized respect, and where students felt comfortable taking academic risks that helped further their understanding of subject matter.
- Frequent communication with parents and caregivers regarding students progress was accomplished through weekly newsletters, emails, conferences, report cards, and individual meetings.
- Worked collaboratively as part of a grade level team, attended weekly grade level meetings, monthly staff meetings and participated actively as a team member.
- Wrote and received several grants that enhanced my classroom.
- Attended many conferences that helped better my practice as a teacher.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Assessed student progress through formative evaluations and provided targeted feedback.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of growth for students, implementing targeted interventions to close achievement gaps.
- Maintained knowledge of school curricula, standards, and policies to correctly prepare students for higher grade levels.
- Designed and presented lesson plans in one or more academic subjects using variety of teaching techniques to appeal to various learning styles within assigned grade level.
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
Second Grade Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
Los Angeles, CA
08.1997 - 06.1999
- Differentiated instruction to suit the needs of a diverse self-contained class of above grade-level students, E.L.L. students, Special Needs students and below grade level students.
- Created lessons plans driven by my students needs and the curriculum. I worked to create a safe, productive, and engaging learning environment for all students.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to address diverse student needs and learning styles.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Administered various reading tests and determined student reading levels based on assessment findings.
- Taught lessons encompassing skill-building activities in speaking, writing, reading and listening.
- Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.
Education
Muliple Subject Teaching Credential - K-8 Education
01-1999
Master of Science - Reading And Literacy
California State University, East Bay
Hayward, CA05-2024
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of California
Los Angeles, CA01-1996
Skills
- Core competencies include:
- Organizational skills
- Classroom management
- Problem solving
- Communication skills
- Flexibility and the ability to adapt easily
- The ability to work as party of a team
- Leveled literacy intervention
- Phonics instruction
Certification
California Multiple Subject Credential
Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development Certificate
Reading and Literacy Added Authorization
Timeline
Reading Intervention Teacher
Rio Del Mar Elementary
08.2019 - Current
President
Rio Del Mar Parent Alliance
06.2018 - 06.2020
Coach
Girls On The Run Silicon Valley
02.2016 - 06.2019
Second Grade Teacher
Menlo Park City School District
08.1999 - 02.2006
Second Grade Teacher
Los Angeles Unified School District
08.1997 - 06.1999
Muliple Subject Teaching Credential - K-8 Education
Master of Science - Reading And Literacy
California State University, East Bay
Bachelor of Arts - History
University of California