Jean A. Duran
Paducah,KY
Summary
Dedicated Educator with more than 16 years of experience and advanced verbal and written communication skills for delivery of quality instruction and creation of positive learning environment. Skilled in best practices for individual student learning. Experienced in use of technology to supplement traditional classroom delivery. Improves student engagement by facilitating interactive and collaborative use of classroom devices, digital curriculum, and assessments for learning.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Classroom Teacher
St. Mary School System
10.2024 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with early childhood education standards.
- Implemented individualized learning strategies to support diverse student needs.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment promoting social and emotional growth.
- Collaborated with parents to enhance student learning experiences and outcomes.
- Assessed student progress through observations and tailored interventions accordingly.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on classroom management techniques.
Classroom Teacher (K and 1st)
River Grove School District 85.5
01.2017 - 08.2024
- Serving as grade level Team Leader, reporting directly to administration
- Designing high quality instruction within the framework of existing curriculum
- Mentoring and observing new teachers to provide critical feedback to improve learning outcomes for students
- Collaborating with team members and support staff to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Piloting, evaluating and implementing new ELA, Math, and Social Studies Curricular materials
- Assessed student progress through formative and summative evaluations, adjusting instruction as needed.
- Collaborated with colleagues to enhance educational programs and share best practices.
Classroom Teacher (K and 1st)
Maywood School District 89
10.2013 - 01.2017
- Initiated Teacher Leadership Council to improve building culture and climate
- Created a resource room for families who were struggling to provide basic household and clothing items for children
- Hosted literacy nights to enhance parent participation
Classroom Teacher (K)
Alphonsus Academy and Center for the Arts
06.2006 - 05.2008
- Curriculum Mapping - created grade level curriculum aligned with CCSS
Classroom Teacher (K, 3rd 4th 5th split classroom)
Glenview School District 34
06.2003 - 06.2006
- Worked in a multi-age/grade level technology rich environment to flexibly meet the needs of learners
- Initiated and implemented individual problem-solving plans for students
Education
Master of Education - Teaching and Learning
Depaul
Chicago, Illinois06.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice/Psychology
Loyola University Chicago
Chicago, Illinois01.1999
Skills
- Flexibility
- Promoting social and emotional development
- Parent-teacher communication
- Growth mindset
- Positive reinforcement
- Special needs support
- Classroom management
- Curriculum development
- Relationship building
Accomplishments
ESL Endorsement - Dominican University - 2016
CPI - Crisis Intervention Training - 2021
Orton Gillingham Plus 30 Hour Training - 2023
Kagan Training to enhance student engagement and outcomes - 2024
Established enrichment clubs for students - 2025
Phonics Camp with Wiley Blevins - 2026
Affiliations
- Illinois Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development 4/2023 – present
- NAEYC (National Association for Education of Young Children) 4/2023 – present
Certification
Orton Gillingham Phonics Trained and Certified, EL Endorsed, CPR Trained and Certified, CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) Trained and Certified in safe holds
SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Fluent Spanish speaker
Timeline
Kindergarten Classroom Teacher
St. Mary School System
10.2024 - Current
Classroom Teacher (K and 1st)
River Grove School District 85.5
01.2017 - 08.2024
Classroom Teacher (K and 1st)
Maywood School District 89
10.2013 - 01.2017
Classroom Teacher (K)
Alphonsus Academy and Center for the Arts
06.2006 - 05.2008
Classroom Teacher (K, 3rd 4th 5th split classroom)
Glenview School District 34
06.2003 - 06.2006
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice/Psychology
Loyola University Chicago
Master of Education - Teaching and Learning
Depaul
LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION
- Grade Level Team Leader 8/2022 - present
- Working closely with administrators and building advisory committee to strengthen communication between teaching staff, administration and all building personnel
- Reporting directly to administrators and grade level teams on steps in decision making process
- Representing team and voicing concerns and suggestions at all building advisory meetings.
- Mentor Teacher 8/2023 - present
- Hosting first year, second year and student teachers.
- Supporting new teachers in the development of classroom routines and procedures to enhance learning time.
- Guiding teachers through engaging lesson plan development while maintaining fidelity to district curricular materials.
- Assisting in data collection and interpretation to inform instruction.
Orton Gillingham + Certified in Core Foundational Literacy Skills
Completed comprehensive OG Phonics Instruction Training and subsequently developed and executed plan to retrain primary teaching staff in current best practice.