Grace Thomas

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Creative and patient teacher, dedicated to helping all students participate in an innovative learning community. Inspiring
students to be active learners through collaboration and cognitive thinking in a positive learning environment.

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
4/5th Grade Teacher - Los Gatos Christian School, Los Gatos
August 2021 - Present
● Regularly assess student understanding to guide personalized and small group instruction
● Facilitate engaging projects to increase student success
● Encourage growth mindset and real-world problem solving strategies
Piano Teacher - Willow Glen Music Studio, Willow Glen
August 2018 - July 2021
● Teach and plan group and private piano lessons
● Provide constructive feedback to students & communicate with parents
AVID Tutor - University Preparatory Academy, San Jose
January 2018 - May 2018
● Lead peer critique groups that underscore the principle of collaborative learning
● Assess student work and provide meaningful feedback
Receptionist - Altos Family Optometry, Los Altos
April 2014 - 2018
● Pre-testing patient vision
● Authorizing insurance and billing
● Assisting patients with frame selection

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Student Teaching, Pearl Zanker Elementary School (MUSD) Milpitas, CA — M.A. SJSU
Student Teacher
Aug 2020-May 2021
● Planned differentiated multiple-subject lessons, with various means of engagement and assessment to a diverse
5th grade classroom.
● Co-designed units with inquiry based instruction, technology, and small group collaboration.
● Regularly used assessment data to guide instruction
● Learned Responsive Classroom techniques to maintain a positive classroom culture.
San Jose State University — M.A. Education Curriculum & Instruction
May 2020 - May 2021
● Well versed in educational technology
● CLAD Authorization
San Jose State University — B.A. Liberal Studies - Prep for Teaching & Minor in Music
June 2018 - May 2020
● Magna Cum Laude Student
● Treasurer of Saltworks College Club 2018-2020
● 2018 President’s Scholar
● Reading Partners: Tutoring a student to learn specific reading skills through engaging literacy activities
West Valley College — A.A. Liberal Arts
August 2015 - May 2018
● Received Communication achievement award
● Secretary of Inter Club Council - Fall 2016

CREDENTIALS/CERTIFICATIONS
● 30 Day Substitute Credential - 2020
● RICA - 2020
● CALTPA - Cycle 1, Cycle 2- 2020, 2021
● CBEST - 2020
● Google Certified Educator - Level 1 - 2019
● Common Sense Education: Digital Citizenship Certificate of Completion - 2019
● First Aid, CPR, & AED - 2021