Kim Ortiz
Dos Palos
Summary
Dedicated educator with 18 years of experience in diverse educational settings, focused on fostering a passion for learning and multicultural awareness through English instruction. Skilled in developing and implementing hands-on curricula tailored to individual learning styles. Collaborates effectively with parents and faculty to support student success. Bilingual in English and Spanish, with a proven ability to enhance student performance through real-world applications and targeted guidance.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Middle School ELA Teacher
Firebaugh Las Deltas Unified School District
Firebaugh
07.2023 - Current
- Applied targeted reading and writing strategies, resulting in measurable improvements in student literacy skills.
- Designed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles, fostering student participation and understanding.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies based on individual student needs.
- Provided individualized instruction for students who required extra help in the subject area.
- Tutored students requiring extra help and gave additional practice work to help improve concept understanding.
- Assessed student performance through various evaluation methods and tools.
- Monitored student portfolios throughout the year to assess growth over time.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop new instructional strategies for teaching ELA topics.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects and activities.
- Integrated current technologies into classroom lessons to engage all learners.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding student progress and needs.
- Conducted parent-teacher conferences to discuss student progress and set goals for future development.
- Coordinated writing competition, increasing student motivation and enhancing engagement in writing through practical application.
- Advised afterschool clubs related to academic and community service activities.
- Participated in professional development workshops to refine teaching practices.
Teacher Leader/Community Leadership Member
UC Merced Writing Project
07.2016 - Current
- Led 20+ seminars for educators on teaching writing through environmental context, co-hosted professional development for 100+ LBUSD teachers
- Conducted data collection on student achievement levels for project lessons submitted to National Writing Advanced Institute for nationwide research
- Completed 60 hrs of coursework on CA government, public speaking and nonviolent communication, how to be a change agent for community.
- Completed 24 hours of coursework in environmental justice, water, land use, climate, and California government
- Parent Training Institute (PLTI)/Leadership Development Program, Leadership Counsel for Justice & Accountability
English Teacher
Dos Palos Oro Loma JUSD
Dos Palos
10.2021 - 06.2023
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student learning styles.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to enhance critical thinking skills.
- Integrated technology into lessons to improve student engagement.
- Incorporated reading strategies to inspire confidence and demonstrate fluent reading skills.
- Provided individualized support for students needing extra assistance.
- Raised average scores on exams points through goal-setting and improved study habits.
- Assessed student performance through regular quizzes and assignments.
- Communicated regularly with parents about student progress and concerns.
- Attended professional development training to improve knowledge and skills.
- Collaborated with other educators to develop curriculum and instructional materials.
President and Member - English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
Los Banos Unified School District/Los Banos High School (LBUSD/LBHS)
01.2016 - 12.2020
- Served as ELAC representative for Los Banos High on districtwide committee from 2018-2020, addressing ELLs' needs and collaborating in workshops to develop effective strategies.
- Advocated for English language learners (ELLs) as a member from 2016-2020, contributing to support initiatives and resources for their families.
- Facilitated communication of processes, events, and information to parents of English language learners (ELLs) at Los Banos High, enhancing parental engagement.
English/ELD Teacher
Gustine Unified School District
08.2018 - 06.2020
- Taught core curriculum using Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum (ERWC} to Freshman, Sophomores, Seniors; advised the Class of 2022 for the past 2 years developing and organizing Homecoming floats, various class activities and fundraising.
- Collaborated with faculty to enhance educational outcomes, implement student-centered learning strategies, maintain classroom discipline, and align lesson plans with curriculum objectives
- Monitored and evaluated progress of 140+ students and coordinated with staff to plan and streamline group lesson plans
- Delivered presentations to improve student comprehension of diverse topics and ensure thorough understanding across all areas of study
English and English Language Development Teacher
Los Banos Unified School District (LBUSD)
08.2015 - 06.2018
- Developed and taught core curriculum and RCD units, focusing on English as a Second Language and English Language Development, fostering student-centered learning.
- Taught core curriculum, RCD Unit/Units of Instruction to Sophomores, English as a Second Language, English Language Development
- Co-created and served on English Language Learners Task Force, leading teachers in providing efficient lessons tailored to the needs of English language learners
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure comprehensive curriculum delivery and enhance lesson effectiveness.
- Worked with faculty members to create student-centered learning experiences and develop a unique curriculum.
- Facilitated curriculum understanding for all students, providing targeted support for those needing extra guidance.
- Adopted distinctive teaching methodologies, documented all lessons, organized healthy group discussions, and mentored troubled students
Special Education/Speech Paraprofessional/Assistant SLP
Dos Palos Oro Loma Joint Unified School District (DPOLJUSD)
01.2004 - 12.2015
- Provided therapy for students across various needs and age groups to support their speech and language development.
- Organized student groups and assessed bilingual students for special education eligibility in speech and language.
- Prepared lesson plans.
- Interpreted and translated meetings and correspondence.
- Maintained accurate medical billing logs to ensure proper documentation and compliance.
Education
Bachelor or Arts - English with TESOL concentration
CSU Stanislaus
01-2013
West Hills Junior College
01-2010
Merced Junior College
01-2000
Business Administration
Devry Institute of Technology/Merced Junior College/West Hills Junior College
01-1999
Skills
- ELA Preparation
- Curriculum Development
- Differentiated Instruction
- Technology Integration
- TESOL
- SADAI Methods
- Cooperative Learning
- Multicultural Awareness
- Effective Listening
- Communication Skills
- Interpersonal Skills
- Bilingual
Achievements And Highlights
- Increased reading levels devoting extra additional time on Reading and Language Arts within the classroom; effectively altered lessons to accommodate lower reading and language levels and implemented Kate Kinsella/Dr. Trejo's Vocabulary Lessons.
- Maintained effective behavioral management within the classroom by incorporating motivational activities and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Provided supplemental in-class and cooperative ESL support to ELL students, developing and implementing diverse and rigorous curriculum with real-world connections to effectively meet the needs of each student's learning style and ability.
- 2 students were chosen to have poems published in 'The America Library of Poetry' book; (only 20% of poems are published nationally).
- 2 students chosen to publish their artwork with message in the San Joaquin Valley 'Healthy Air Living Kids' yearly calendar (only 14 published in Central Valley).
- UC Merced Writing Project Teacher Leader/Conduct Research Advanced Institute.
- Co-presenter with Nancy Velador-EL Coordinator at PLC meeting demonstration.
- Training/workshop with Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera at Fresno State.
- CABE Conferences.
- EL Task Force.
- 3 years of complete Kaagen Strategies Trainings.
- B.E.L.I.E.F (EL Blueprint) training.
- ERWC Certified
- CSF (California Scholarship Federation)-Co-Advisor/CJSF (California Junior Scholarship Federation Advisor
- California MTSS Professional Learning Institute 2025 & 2026
Timeline
Middle School ELA Teacher
Firebaugh Las Deltas Unified School District
07.2023 - Current
English Teacher
Dos Palos Oro Loma JUSD
10.2021 - 06.2023
English/ELD Teacher
Gustine Unified School District
08.2018 - 06.2020
Teacher Leader/Community Leadership Member
UC Merced Writing Project
07.2016 - Current
President and Member - English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
Los Banos Unified School District/Los Banos High School (LBUSD/LBHS)
01.2016 - 12.2020
English and English Language Development Teacher
Los Banos Unified School District (LBUSD)
08.2015 - 06.2018
Special Education/Speech Paraprofessional/Assistant SLP
Dos Palos Oro Loma Joint Unified School District (DPOLJUSD)
01.2004 - 12.2015
Bachelor or Arts - English with TESOL concentration
CSU Stanislaus
West Hills Junior College
Merced Junior College
Business Administration
Devry Institute of Technology/Merced Junior College/West Hills Junior College