Sonia Barajas
Montgomery
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at SD 308, adept at fostering a supportive learning environment and enhancing student engagement. Skilled in differentiated instruction and effective classroom management, I leverage strong organizational abilities and interpersonal skills to drive student success and facilitate communication with families. Committed to continuous professional development in language acquisition.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
EL Screener and Placement Specialist
SD 308
08.2017 - Current
- Utilize in-depth knowledge of ISBE mandated screening protocols grades EC-12.
- Attend training, workshops/conferences as needed to remain current on EL screening and placement requirements.
- Communicate regularly with the ML Department so that lists of new students to be reviewed for language are accurate and up-to-date.
- Demonstrate knowledge of SD 308 ML programs and criteria for placement.
- Demonstrate knowledge for best practice ML and bilingual instruction.
- Demonstrate knowledge of WIDA standards.
- Demonstrate knowledge of balanced bilingual instruction and language acquisition theory.
- Develop rapport with incoming students and their families.
- Educate families regarding the varied SD 308 ML service options based on their children's English language proficiency.
- Responsible for identifying and coordinating placement of new ML students.
- Responsible to oversee that all placement and assessment documents and records are kept in accordance with ISBE requirements.
- Support ML and Classroom teachers in the acquisition of records from new students' previous schools.
- Demonstrate knowledge of technology used to support the student identification and placement process.
- Recommend professional development opportunities related to English proficiency assessments as identified through observations, conversations, and building/district needs.
- Develop and maintain a confidential, collegial relationship with district staff, families and teachers.
- Demonstrate strong oral, reading, writing, and interpersonal skills in English and Spanish.
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail and accuracy.
Teacher
SD 308
08.2008 - 05.2017
- Newcomers teacher/Sheltered English Instruction teacher/English as a Second Language resource teacher/Bilingual Resource teacher/Dual Language teacher
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Developed and taught ESL curriculum to improve students' conversational abilities.
Education
Master of Arts - Education: Curriculum And Instruction
National Louis University
Chicago, IL06-2014
Skills
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively plan and prepare for lessons
- Demonstrate effective instruction by engaging students in their learning
- Apply knowledge of students’ backgrounds, strengths, needs, and interests to plan for groups of students
- Reflect on teaching
- Effectively manage student behavior
- Establish a culture for learning that is characterized by high expectations
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
EL Screener and Placement Specialist
SD 308
08.2017 - Current
Teacher
SD 308
08.2008 - 05.2017
Master of Arts - Education: Curriculum And Instruction
National Louis University
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