Pretzel Ann Baleto
Woodbridge
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Falls Church City Public Schools, specializing in curriculum development and literacy program implementation. Proven ability to enhance student engagement and improve learning outcomes through data analysis and instructional coaching. Recognized for exceptional interpersonal communication and a commitment to continuous improvement in educational practices.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Systemwide PreK-12 Literacy Coordinator
Falls Church City Public Schools
Falls Church
07.2021 - Current
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive literacy program for students in grades PreK-12.
- Assisted in the selection of appropriate materials, resources, and software programs that support literacy instruction.
- Participated in curriculum mapping activities to ensure alignment between grade levels and content standards.
- Developed curricula and recommended curricula revisions to improve student learning outcomes.
- Enhanced operations by realigning procedures with changing trends in education.
- Developed or used assessment instruments to monitor student learning results.
- Improved individual departments by working closely with faculty to reorganize class loads, promote resource utilization and modernize equipment.
- Screened students to determine specific reading levels and determine areas in need of improvement.
- Created educational materials according to lesson plans and school programs.
- Organized and facilitated professional development sessions on literacy instruction techniques.
- Prepared reports using academic or institutional data and information.
- Analyzed classroom observations to ensure fidelity of implementation of district initiatives.
- Participated in state and national events, developing partnerships with industry to increase university profile.
- Consulted with classroom teachers to develop strategies to help children excel at reading .
- Served as a liaison between school personnel, district staff members, parents, and outside agencies regarding matters related to literacy education.
- Researched current trends in literacy education and shared findings with colleagues during faculty meetings.
- Created assessments to measure student progress in reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
- Utilized technology tools to enhance literacy instruction and promote student engagement.
- Maintained accurate records of student assessment results, interventions, and other related information.
- Monitored student performance data to identify areas of need and develop intervention plans.
- Provided guidance to teachers regarding evidence-based instructional strategies for struggling readers and writers.
- Collaborated with teachers to understand and improve classroom conditions.
- Attended state and district meetings focused on improving student achievement outcomes through effective literacy instruction.
- Established relationships with community organizations to facilitate access to additional resources for faculty and families.
- Evaluated new materials prior to purchase or adoption by the district based on relevance to curriculum objectives.
- Provided innovative reading resources for students.
- Established policies and procedures and made modifications based on analysis of operations, performance and other research information.
- Provided support and guidance to colleagues to maintain a collaborative work environment.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
- Managed inventory and supplies to ensure materials were available when needed.
- Managed time effectively to ensure tasks were completed on schedule and deadlines were met.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
Gifted and Talented Teacher
Alexandria City Public Schools
Alexandria
01.2020 - 07.2021
- Integrated current events into lessons plans to increase global awareness among students.
- Prepared and graded subject tests for students.
- Attended professional development workshops related to gifted education.
- Provided guidance and support for teachers new to working with gifted populations.
- Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Created and maintained positive, orderly and academically focused learning environment for gifted students.
- Attended workshops, conferences and continuing education classes to learn latest trends in gifted education.
- Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
- Advised colleagues on best practices in teaching gifted students.
- Provided differentiated instruction to meet the needs of high ability learners.
- Tested students' comprehension of subject matter through quizzes, tests and projects.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Encouraged collaboration among peers in order to foster problem solving strategies and creativity.
- Created innovative curriculum materials to challenge higher order thinking skills.
- Met with parents to discuss students' progress and review areas requiring improvement.
- Consulted with administrators on policies related to the Gifted Education Program.
- Facilitated interdisciplinary activities that promote critical thinking skills.
- Used videos, lectures and moderated discussions to engage students during class.
- Evaluated student progress utilizing a variety of assessment tools including rubrics, portfolios, tests.
- Participated in parent meetings regarding their child's educational programing.
- Assessed student performance to identify areas of strength and weakness.
- Utilized technology-based resources to enhance instruction for advanced learners.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Screened and identified potential gifted students in order to provide appropriate services.
- Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
- Collaborated with teachers, media specialists and technology coordinators to offer continuum of services supporting gifted students.
- Engaged students through lecture and discussion, increasing classroom interaction to build inclusive learning environment.
- Collaborated with school staff, parents, and other stakeholders to ensure that all students are receiving appropriate services.
- Incorporated various instructional methods such as project-based learning or inquiry-based learning.
- Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Completed day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Gifted and Talented Teacher
Guam Department Of Education
Yigo
08.2018 - 12.2019
- Teach 4th- and 5th-grade students participating in the ELA and Math TAG program using the ACPS District standards of higher-level thinking skills to prepare students for real-life applications, career, and college-ready activities that go beyond the regular classroom activities.
- Expert in utilizing Canvas, web applications, and technology for hybrid learning.
- An expert in data analysis to determine strategic goals for student improvement.
- Maintain school files, documents, records, and reports for program accountability.
- Collaborate and train alongside other ACPS TAG educators and the ACPS TAG Coordinator once a month to discuss program curriculum, goals, objectives, and evidence-based strategies.
- Communicate with parents about program goals and objectives, lesson activities, classroom engagement, and behavior through educational technology resources and conferences.
- Train teachers and administrators about the TAG programs' procedures, regulations, goals, objectives, and evaluation practices.
- ACPS District Virtual Plus Committee member and representative.
District Teacher Mentor
Guam Department of Education
Mangilao
08.2015 - 06.2018
- Provide support and guidance to assigned mentee(s) in elementary, middle school, or high school to include English Learner teachers and Special Education teachers in their 1st-3rd year of teaching who hold an Initial Educator Teaching Certificate.
- Acclimate beginning teacher to school and community culture.
- Observe and interact weekly or bi-weekly with each mentee.
- Provide feedback on mentee’s performance in the areas of instruction, management, professional development and planning, aligned to both the Districts professional teacher evaluation tool and mentee’s personal goals.
- Coach and Model appropriate classroom and professional behaviors or lessons.
- Assist in identifying resources in the community and within the Department.
- Facilitate group meetings for sharing and networking and promoting collaboration.
- Enhance personal, professional growth by participating in the New Teachers Center conference in San Francisco, California, to keep abreast of changes in mentoring and to collaborate with other mentors and teacher leaders from around the world.
- Presenter and public speaker at Guam Department of Education’s annual Beginning Teacher Conference for all Initial Educators, limited term teachers (those not holding a Guam teaching license), and to University Professors from the School of Education.
- Train of Trainers for Classroom Instruction that Works & Classroom Instruction for Technology as a District Mentor Trainer for the Department and Mentor Program.
Curriculum Coordinator
Guam Department Of Education
Yigo
11.2013 - 08.2015
- Coordinator for the school’s curriculum to ensure that an explicit and systematic instruction is in place for every teacher, grade level, and school specialized program for all subject areas.
- Conduct walkthroughs and observations of Faculty and Teacher Assistants to assist with delivery of instruction, proper implementation of programs, classroom behavior and management, and classroom environment.
- Provide immediate feedback of observations to assist with improvement and sustainability of effective practices.
- Manage a school-wide and teacher created database for student data and report for each assessment in Reading, Language, Math, Progress Monitoring, Student Interventions, RTI Tier groups, ELL Students, GATE students, and Special Education for accountability of program contract.
- Managed inventory and budgets for school materials and teachers.
- Monitor the alignment of curriculum maps and non-negotiable power standards in lesson plans, lesson activities and educational tools.
- Review the assessments and its alignment to the Districts and grade level curriculum mapping and power standards.
- Plan, organize and facilitate all Professional Learning Communities that are data-driven and student focused.
- Responsible for creating an organized standard operating procedures and policy for teachers.
- Ongoing review of the District, school, and grade level improvement plan to identify areas of weakness and strengths.
- Active participant in our District’s Curriculum and Instruction Professional Developments and lead coordinator and trainer to provide professional development training to faculty and staff.
- Attend and make decisions for students in Child Study Team meetings.
- Monthly Curriculum Coordinator meetings with the GDOE Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction to discuss progress, needs, and curriculum information.
- Communicate with the Administrator in all curricular activities, decisions, and evaluations.
- Occasionally facilitated Faculty Meetings in lieu of the school Administrator
- Supervised the school when the Administrator attended mandatory meetings or training at the District office.
- Communicate with off-island consultants or trainers for program implementation through webinars, emails, or during their site visits.
- Ongoing research on current trends in education is shared with the faculty and staff to help with their teaching.
- Actively involve and commit to activities (Spelling Bee Judge, Geography Bee, Science Fair, Math Olympiad, SAT 10 Team, National Elementary Honor Society Adviser, Chamorro Program, Family and Students Together (FAST) workshops, etc.)
- Participant and Trainer for Marzano’s Classroom Instruction that Works (CITW) instructional strategies, and Aimsweb for Reading, Language, and Math Interim Assessments.
Adjunct Professor
University of Guam
Mangilao
01.2015 - 05.2015
- Provide instruction to future elementary majors with Math Common Core State Standards, Math CCSS domains, Math clusters, and prepare students for the Math Praxis test.
- Provide elementary math instructional resources and strategies through examples, research, and practice.
- Provide useful information and tools aligned with the current practices and expectations of the Guam Department of Education (GDOE).
- Explain the major components of lesson planning by providing students with the opportunity to practice appropriate lesson delivery for diverse learners.
- Introduce various assessments, their formats, and uses for evaluation and analysis.
- Require 6 hours of practicum and microteaching in a district public school of their choice, with documentation for evidence, and a presentation as part of the grading artifact for the university.
- Use of technology tools as a form of teaching, assessing, student collaboration on assignments, and sharing information with students on WebAdvisor and Moodle.
- Present research-based articles, and assign research projects to enhance critical thinking skills relevant to real-life teaching experience, the GDOE District goals and expectations, and the current trends in education.
Adjunct Professor
Guam Community College
Mangilao
08.2012 - 05.2014
- Plan and create a syllabus aligned with the College’s goals and objectives for Human Growth and Development by using a variety of educational tools, such as the Promethean board, educational videos, social media, PowerPoint presentations, Prezi presentations, group or partner work, games, and numerous engagement activities for discussion.
- Teaching theories on lifespan development from infancy to late adulthood.
- Use of various instructional tools and effective strategies (i.e., Group or partner work, games, and activities allow for collaboration and differentiated learning among undergraduate students.
- Increase critical thinking and problem-solving skills through research-based articles, videos, collaborative discussions, and assigning research projects.
- Create assessment tools to evaluate learning, content knowledge, and lesson planning.
- Record keeping for accountability and evaluation purposes on the subject matter taught, lessons created, and course evaluation.
Direct Instruction School Site Coordinator
Guam Department Of Education
Tamuning
02.2011 - 08.2012
- Conduct classroom observations with immediate feedback for improved teaching and learning.
- Model and demonstrate program implementation lessons in Reading, Language, or Math, based on contract and grant requirements.
- Supervise peer coaches and teacher assistants with time distribution, training, and schedules.
- Provide in-service training during professional development sessions and meetings.
- Assess and analyze data for validation and reliability using program assessment tools, or unobtrusive assessment, aligned to the curriculum and content standards.
- Consult and lead meetings with teachers, parents, peer coaches, and administrators about program implementation and areas needing improvement.
- Managed budgets and distribution of federal funds for supplies, resources, instructional tools, and technology.
- Record keeping, data analysis reports, and documents to compare growth, and finding solutions to problem areas of the curriculum.
- Collaborate with consultants and other professionals to enhance and improve curricular and instructional concepts for program contract accountability.
- The School Leadership Team focused on accreditation, school, and district-wide learning outcomes.
- Other: School Co-Chair for Focus B: Curriculum and Instruction Committee for Accreditation.
2nd Grade Teacher
Guam Department Of Education
Dededo
08.2010 - 02.2011
- Develop daily lesson plans and testing materials aligned to the District's content standards; leverage the use of technology to enhance instruction, infusing the latest technology to conduct research and prepare reports, including PowerSchool, Teacher, PowerPoint presentation software, and online library research.
- Record and analyze data to identify areas of improvement and strength in the use of curricular and instructional practices.
- Self-create an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of students’ placement, information, grades, data, and record keeping.
- Communicate with parents using various communication tools (weekly progress reports, phone calls, emails, etc.).
- Grade Level Chairperson for the 2nd-grade team for the 1st and 4th quarters.
- Grade Level Representative for Science Committee
- Grade Level Representative for the Yearbook Committee.
- Representative for the Accreditation Team.
Success For All Program School Facilitator
Guam Department Of Education
Dededo
08.2009 - 08.2010
- Supervise K-5 and Support Program teachers with the Success for All (SFA) Program implementation and regulations based on contract and grant.
- Support faculty and staff with program implementation in meetings, training sessions, and professional development.
- Utilize multiple assessments in compliance with district and state contracts to inform instruction.
- Use innovative methods and materials to produce effective learning experiences, including cooperative learning, thematic instruction, and differentiation.
- Monitor reading group assessments and placements using data analysis of student scores and assessments.
- Co-teach and model program lessons as needed.
- Budget federal funds for school inventory: Organize, distribute, and track instructional materials, resources, and tools for program implementation.
- Lead Peer Learning Communities within each grade level once a week to discuss and problem-solve as a team.
- Lead organizer and planner for professional development.
- Collaborate and communicate with off-island program consultants to ensure that program accountability and achievement are in progress.
- Classroom observations and feedback to support instructional practices and lesson activities for learning.
- Manage the schedule, time distribution reports for payroll, training, and evaluation for all teacher assistants and/or program tutors.
- Data analysis to monitor progress, goal setting, and to problem-solve for solutions to issues or concerns.
- Collaborate with other facilitators to share ideas and improve job roles and responsibilities.
Education
Virginia Teaching Certificate, Postgraduate Professional License -
06.2029
Guam Commission for Educator Certification, Master Educator K-5 -
08.2028
Talented and Gifted Endorsement -
03.2025
Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) -
09.2022
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education
Argosy University Hawaii
01.2014
M.Ed. - Education
University of Portland
01.2007
BA - Elementary Education K-5
University of Guam
01.2001
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Literacy assessment
- Educational technology
- Professional development
- Student engagement
- Data analysis
- Team collaboration
- Literacy instruction
- Instructional coaching
- Mentoring and support
- Literacy program development
- Teacher mentoring
- Program implementation
- Conflict resolution
- Resource allocation
- Multitasking capacity
- Planning and coordination
- Continuous improvement
- Public speaking
- Interpersonal communication
- Project management
- Problem-solving abilities
Certification
- Professional II, Master Educator in Elementary Education K-5, Guam
- Professional I, Elementary Education K-5 Certification, Guam
- GDOE Leadership Academy Cadre'
- ACT Aspire Assessment Coordinator
- National Elementary Honor Society Chair SY' 13-14 and Co-Chair SY' 14-15
- Team B/Focus B Curriculum and Instruction Member
- 2016 Co-Chair for Accreditation
- Common Core State Standards Training, GDOE
- Classroom Instruction that Works (CITW) Participant and Trainer, GDOE
- Classroom Instruction that Works for Technology (GDOE)
- Aimsweb Program for Reading, Language and Math Training and Trainer, GDOE
- Standards-Based Grading by Dr. Marzano Cadre', GDOE
- Big 8 Literacy Training Participant, GDOE
- Common Core State Standards Curriculum Documents Training, GDOE
- Lesson Plan Design Training, GDOE
- Direct Instruction Program Coach A, B, C, D, Guam
- Direct Instruction Reading Coordinator, Guam
- Direct Instruction Levels (Various Program Levels for Reading, Language, and Math), Guam
- Success for All Leadership Academy Training, Guam
- Success for All Program Training for Reading, Language, and Math, Guam
- Success for All Tutor Training, Guam
- Success for All Solutions Committee Training, Guam
- Direct Instruction Peer Coach Level 1 Facilitator/Training, Guam
- Autism Awareness Training, GDOE
- Google Docs Training, GDOE
- Striving Readers, District Literacy Plan Committee Member, GDOE
- New Teacher Center Training online module and Conference, webinar and SF California
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Math Training (STEM), GATE program
- Diversity in Context: Stretching the Idea of Building Diverse Collections (edWeb.net, October 17, 2019)
- The e-Coaching Continuum: Digital-Age Professional Learning that Supports the Whole Educator in Reaching the Whole Child (ASCD webinar, 2019)
- Dyslexia Awareness Training Certificate, February 2, 2020
- Child Abuse Training Certificate, February 8, 2020
- Alexandria City Public Schools School Building Closure Technology Trainings, 2020
- Alexandria City Public School technology training (e.g., Canvas, Nearpod, Dreambox, Seesaw, Flocabulary, BrainPop, WeVideo, MAPs testing for Math and ELA, Zoom, CommonLit, EPIC, Desmos, Gizmos, Discovery Education, etc.)
- Student Centered Coaching Training and Trainer, 2021-Present
- Language Essentials for Teachers of Spelling and Reading (LETRS) Training and District Trainer, September 2022
- Science of Reading Trainings and Conferences, 2021-Present
Accomplishments
- Alexandria City Public Schools Representative for the District's Virtual Plus Committee
- Outstanding evaluations from current and previous supervisors with my work ethics and leadership roles.
- Public speaker and trainer for an Education course in the University of Guam.
- Guest speaker for post-graduate students in the Argosy University Doctoral program.
- Guest speaker for an elementary school during their National Elementary Honor Society.
- District trainer for Classroom Instruction That Works and Classroom Instruction that Works for Technology
- Trained in Common Core State Standards (CCSS), Standards Based Assessments and Grading, CITW, and Autism Awareness.
- Participated in the New Teacher's Center Conference in February 2017 and 2018 at San Francisco, CA. Information was shared with new teachers at the annual Beginning Teacher Conference held by the Mentor Program.
- Committee member and writer for the Guam District Literacy PlanStriving Readers
- Experienced with program implementation and data reports to assist with goal setting.
- Highly recognized by program point coaches and district coordinators in getting tasks completed on time, being organized and constantly thinking ahead.
- Continuously selected, volunteered or assigned as a Lead Teacher for numerous committees, events and leadership teams.
Languages
English
Full Professional
Affiliations
- Professional Associations with Literacy Organizations
- Personal Projects and content creation
- Entrepreneurial Ventures
- Public Speaking and Presentations
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Systemwide PreK-12 Literacy Coordinator
Falls Church City Public Schools
07.2021 - Current
Gifted and Talented Teacher
Alexandria City Public Schools
01.2020 - 07.2021
Gifted and Talented Teacher
Guam Department Of Education
08.2018 - 12.2019
District Teacher Mentor
Guam Department of Education
08.2015 - 06.2018
Adjunct Professor
University of Guam
01.2015 - 05.2015
Curriculum Coordinator
Guam Department Of Education
11.2013 - 08.2015
Adjunct Professor
Guam Community College
08.2012 - 05.2014
Direct Instruction School Site Coordinator
Guam Department Of Education
02.2011 - 08.2012
2nd Grade Teacher
Guam Department Of Education
08.2010 - 02.2011
Success For All Program School Facilitator
Guam Department Of Education
08.2009 - 08.2010
Virginia Teaching Certificate, Postgraduate Professional License -
Guam Commission for Educator Certification, Master Educator K-5 -
Talented and Gifted Endorsement -
Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) -
Ed.D. - Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education
Argosy University Hawaii
M.Ed. - Education
University of Portland
BA - Elementary Education K-5
University of Guam
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