Resume

OBJECTIVE

A knowledgeable individual, versed in a variety of disciplines, methodologies, and technologies, seeks a teaching position in grades 1 through 8 to share his knowledge and facilitate learning for the 21^st-century student in flexible, creative, challenging, and complex ways.

CERTIFICATION

California Multiple Subject Credential, (CLAD) Emphasis, May 2000

Document Number: 080019531

Valid: 11/01/2008 to 11/01/2013

California Basic Educational Skills Test

            Test Date: 10/03/1998

            ID# 40200797

CSET Single Subjects – Passed Social Studies Subtests I, II, and III

            Test Date: 3/10/2012

            ID # 40200797

EXPERIENCE OVERVIEW

Talented, solutions-minded educator offering:

•        Twelve years’ work in a variety of educational settings, as classroom teacher, literacy coach, curriculum expert, technology trainer, and custom solutions consultant.

•        Recent classroom experience as a long-term substitute in the Carlsbad Unified School District. I filled a unique position at Calavera Hills Middle School to teach Drama, Math Support, and AVID classes. 

•        Consultative expertise in technology integration strategies focused on 21^st century skills with a wide array of educational technologies. Learning Management Systems, online tools, and devices.

•        The willingness to play a pivotal role in a school’s vision as a productive, collaborative, and collegial colleague. 

•        A commitment to foster creativity, improve critical thinking skills, build character, and deliver captivating lessons through unique constructive practices that will engage and motivate students.

CLASSROOM TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Long-term Substitute Teacher                May 2012 – Present

Calavera Hills Middle School, Carlsbad, California

•        Recently taught four levels of 8th grade math: Math Support, Algebra 1, Advanced Algebra, and Geometry.  

•         Hired at the end of last year to fill a challenging and unique position teaching Drama, Math Support, and AVID classes.

•        Supported students in the AVID program with study skills instruction, motivating activities, and college preparedness lessons.

•        Worked with students struggling with 7th and 8th grade math concepts in a Math Support class succeeding in our goal to make math relevant through hands-on lessons, technology activities, and personal responsibility coaching.

Middle School Teacher                             January 2000 – December 2004

Rincon Middle School, Escondido, California

•        Worked as a district literacy coach to help implement textbook adoption

•        Planned thematic units for Language Arts, Literature, and Social Studies

•        Incorporated technology into the learning and writing processes

•        Developed differentiated lesson plans to diverse student populations

•        Implemented successful instructional strategies and classroom management

•        Was awarded “Rookie of the Year” honors at Rincon Middle School

Substitute Teacher                                    October 1999 – January 2000

Various grade levels and subject content in Escondido and Oceanside

•     Demonstrated flexibility and responded positively to challenging situations

•     Collaborated with office personnel, teachers, and students

Student Teacher                             October 1999 – December 1999

Ditmar Elementary School, Oceanside, California

•     Facilitated all aspects of a bilingual second grade classroom

•     Created engaging units and learning centers based on student needs

Summer School Teacher              June 1999 – July 1999

Rincon Middle School, Escondido, California

•     Worked with a team of teachers to create a curriculum based on standards

•     Produced hands-on activities to construct conceptual knowledge

AVID Tutor               January 1999 – October 1999

Rincon and Del Dios Middle Schools, Escondido, California

•     Conducted collaborative tutorial sessions with small student groups

•     Assisted students in all academic areas while promoting attending college

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE

Enterprise Sales Manager                                                    July 2011 – January 2012

Cengage Learning: Mason, Ohio          

Enterprise Account Manager for Cengage Learning:      

•        Tasked to provide innovative print and digital solutions, course development services, and professional development training to large proprietary colleges.

•        Collaborated with internal marketing and editorial teams to identify and develop unique print and digital solutions.

•        Partnered with school administrative leaders in tough economic times to discover alternate content delivery methods while keeping abreast of changing federal regulations and educational trends.

Custom Solutions Consultant                                            January 2010 – June 2011

Pearson Learning Solutions, Boston, Massachusetts                   

West Regional Custom Consultant for Pearson Learning Solutions:    

•        Collaborated with editors, authors, and consultants to develop customized print and digital solutions that address the needs of the modern student in varied disciplines: literature, science, mathematics, summer school, college readiness, online learning, and more.

•        Worked with several school districts, including Escondido Union and Sweetwater JUHSD to create an innovative rhetorical literature curriculum based on the specific need of the district, teachers, and students

•        Helped Eugene School District 4J combine philosophies from traditional and reform mathematics to create a blended mathematics curriculum

•        Created custom web-portal templates helping educators access their technology resources through single sign-on access.

•        Partnered with school districts to create bridge lessons for Common Core Standards, integrated science curricula, and summer school success programs.

Textbook Sales Representative                                  August 2007 – December 2009

Pearson Education, Sacramento, California                    

•        Exhibited market success by connecting with educators and administrators.

•        Supervised adoptions of learning materials at state, county, and local levels.

•        Supported districts with professional development in-services and trainings.

Regional Consultant                                                          January 2005 – July 2007

Pearson Prentice Hall, Sacramento, California               

•        Provided professional development to school districts in the western states

•        Trained teachers in language arts, social studies, science, and math

•        Assumed a leadership role in technology trainings.

EDUCATION     

Master’s Degree - Master of Education in Teaching

   Reading Instruction with Content Literacy Emphasis, March 2005

   National University: 11355 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1011

Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential     

California Multiple Subject Credential, (CLAD) Emphasis, May 2000

California State University San Marcos:

333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road. San Marcos, CA 92096-0001

College

Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Spanish, May 1999

California State University San Marcos:  

333 South Twin Oaks Valley Road. San Marcos, CA 92096-0001

High School

   Mira Mesa High School

   10510 Reagan Road, San Diego, CA 92126-3275

KEY SKILLS           

During my varied career in both the classroom and in publishing, I have been fortunate to work with wonderful educators, authors, and editors across the nation. I’ve worked closely with district coordinators and instructional designers to build cutting-edge curricula. I look forward to utilizing my new found skills to create an engaging and challenging learning environment for today’s students.

·    Comprehensive understanding of current trends in education

·    Ready to introduce innovative technologies into the classroom

·    Experienced in designing standard-based lessons and curricula

·    Able to manage a diverse classroom through differentiated instruction

·    Talented at working with colleagues to develop strong collegial relationships

·    Eager to put new theories and rhetorical studies to practice

	inventive            valuable             experienced                          creative         knowledgeable

Student Engagement Philosophy

Kirk's Student Engagement Plan

1. Connect the Real World to Learning: Provide students with relevant project-based models to help them understand the information.

2. Promote Peer-to-peer Interactions: Students are growing learners who thrive through interaction with others

3. Enhance Learning with Technology: Students learn by doing. Technology can help to engage children and fosters understanding.

4. Utilize Physical Movement: When a student is active they learn through physical or dramatic interactions.

5. Provide Visual Anchors: Visuals grab students’ attention and help to cement the concept in the mind.

6. Offer Student Choice: Offering students choices helps them to develop confidence in their strengths.

7. Incorporate Variety: Changes to routines and settings keep the learning experience fresh.

8. Understand your Students: The power of empathy and understanding allows for more relevant lessons.

Colleagues Share Kirk’s Praises

It is with complete confidence that I recommend Mr. Kirk Van Wagoner for a teaching position.

I have known him for two years as an enthusiastic and promising substitute teacher, parent volunteer, and solid community member here at Kelly Elementary School.  He is a person with integrity, character, compassion, and a drive for learning and teaching which motivates and engages his students.

Mr. Van Wagoner made himself invaluable to us as a parent volunteer, particularly in the area of technology.  We recently adopted the Envision Math program and were working to increase our home/school use of the technology component across all grade levels K-1.  Mr. Van Wagoner provided professional development to our entire staff at a staff meeting and worked individually in each classroom to set the teachers up to implement this valuable tool.  We also purchased 85 I-pads for classroom use, and Mr. Van Wagoner volunteered his time, again, to support the teachers in their use for increasing instruction through technology.  One of Kelly School’s focus areas has been in the area of technology, and Mr. Van Wagoner has been instrumental in moving us forward!  His skill and expertise in instructional technology is invaluable for 21st century learning in the schools.

Mr. Van Wagoner also substituted regularly on the Kelly Elementary School campus. He quickly became the “go to” substitute that everyone wanted.    He incorporated an enriched and challenging curriculum using the state adopted texts that met the needs of all of the children in his classroom.  The students and parents developed trust in him rapidly, and the students’ growth through-out the year academically, behaviorally, and socially provided evidence that he did provide them an outstanding educational experience when he substituted in our classrooms.  Mr. Van Wagoner exemplifies the Kelly School motto, “Make good choices for healthy minds, bodies, and spirits…” and worked with the students to model this as well.

In short, Mr. Van Wagoner is a consummate professional eager for learning and for the opportunity to work with young people.  He is one who truly makes a positive difference in the lives of children in all areas of their lives, and he is a positive contributor to the community as a whole

It is, again, with great confidence that I recommend Mr. Van Wagoner for any teaching position.  The district that hires him will be fortunate to have him on its team.

Sincerely,

Tressie Armstrong

Tressie Armstrong
Kelly Elementary School…Principal
Carlsbad Unified School District
760-331-5800
tarmstrong@carlsbadusd.net
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Teamwork Award:

In appreciation for your commitment to excellence and dedication to success of our students and staff here at Rincon Middle School. You are the best!

Lou Bailey
Principal – Currently at West Linn High School
baileyl@wlwv.k12.or.us

_________________________________________________________________

To Whom It May Concern:

Kirk Van Wagoner has served as an exemplary humanities teacher for Rincon Middle School for the past four years. As Kirk’s support provider for the teacher’s induction program, I observed Kirk’s expertise with the California Standards for the teaching profession as her demonstrated his knowledge and understanding of curriculum to his growing population of 7th grade students. As Kirk’s mentor, I have observed how his goals and expectations have proven to demonstrate his dedication to the teaching profession.

Throughout the school year Kirk has willingly mentored his team, department, and the staff as he served on the Blue Ribbon Literacy Committee. Teachers throughout Rincon admire his creative ability to adapt as well as differentiate curriculum to meet the needs of language learner and Gate students in his class. Kirk has successfully tied technology in to his program through independent research and student projects.

During my observations of Kirk’s classroom I have noted the positive role model he maintains with students and the continued high level of motivation he creates to make history and language arts come alive for his students. Reluctant learners are motivated to learn and excel in his classroom. Activities and group experiences are a norm upon entering his room as a visitor; making everyone feel a welcome part of the student climate.

Respectfully yours,

Glenda Wickstrom
(Teacher on Assignment BTSA/PAR)
gwickstr@csusm.edu

_________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Sir/Madam:

I am writing in support of Kirk Van Wagoner.  During spring 2012, it was my pleasure to work with Kirk at Calavera Hills Middle School in Carlsbad.  As acting assistant principal, I worked closely with Kirk in his position as a long term substitute, teaching Drama and math support. During the time we worked together, Kirk consistently demonstrated his professionalism.  He was diligent in his lesson planning and dedicated to mastering his subject area.  Above all else, Mr. Van Wagoner was well liked by students and staff.

In my opinion, Kirk Van Wagoner is well prepared and well suited for a career in education. He will be an asset to any school.  Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Judi Stapleton
Electives Department Leader
Calavera Hills Middle School
jstapleton
@carlsbadusd.net
760-331-6408

_________________________________________________________________

I can't think of enough superlatives to express what a wonderful teacher Kirk is. I had my special education students mainstreamed into his class for a few years and felt so lucky to have such a good teacher on my team for my students. He gets along well with everyone, is creative, compassionate, well-versed in standards - he's just about perfect.

Carolyn Zeisler
Special Education Teacher
Rincon Middle School, Escondido, CA
czeisler@eusd.org

__________________________________________________________

I have known Kirk as a fellow educator for over a decade. He has consistently displayed enthusiasm and innovation whether working directly with students or with school staff on curricular paths. During his tenure at Pearson Publishing, I had the opportunity to work as a curriculum developer for him, and I sat in on department meetings where Kirk expertly and diplomatically collected instructors' needs and desires for thematic units. His active listening, along with his expertise in guiding, planning, and developing resulted in the department's product: a tailor-made, custom-built curricula that met the expectations of state standards, the passion of the teachers, and the interest of students. His leadership through the shaping and creating of this body of work provided unwavering energy and positive direction from start to finish.

Kathleen Ferrara
Speech-language Pathologist at San Bernardino County
katferrara@aol.com

_________________________________________________________________

Kirk Van Wagoner has been a friend I have known since High School. He has always been very motivated and goal oriented. I had the honor to work with him as colleagues, as teachers, in the Escondido Union School District. He is so creative and takes his work to the next level leading the way in his field. His work is polished and he is an inspiration to work with. I had the pleasure to work with him on an independent project. He was a great team leader, had clear communication and expectations and he introduced me to new technology to share our work and keep it interactive. He is adaptable to changes in the field, he works well under pressure, and he is a people person. He is a true professional and sets the standard in education.

Gwen SmithTeacher/Supervisor
gsmith017@san.rr.com