Karen Martin is seeking employment as a teacher and believes she would be a strong asset for the district. She has over 16 years of teaching experience in various states and subjects, including gifted education. Her classroom utilizes hands-on, student-centered learning approaches aligned to 21st century skills and standards. She differentiates instruction to meet student needs and has a track record of significantly improving student test scores.

1. Karen Martin kmartin92553@yahoo.com
Professional Summary 2016
My name is Karen Martin. This is written to express my desire to be employed by your district.
Why do I want to work for your district? Sharing the same values (high expectations and consistency) and
recognizing every child as an individual learner and wanting to instill in each learner a thirst for learning
and recognizing that “Knowledge is Power.” After carefully researching your district, I am certain that I
would be an asset to your district and that I would find it very easy to find a new family as an employee for
your district. I am a people person and enjoy teaching others. I am a kind, caring, compassionate,
competent teacher.
I have over 16 years teaching experience and have my Master of Arts Degree in Education. I am
currently certified in CA, MO and OH. My Ohio License is Pre K-3rd with a 4th
,,5th
grade endorsement. I
also am licensed as a Gifted Intervention Specialist K-12. I Just finished working a temporary job for
Ashtabula City School as Intervention Teacher/Tutor. I was hired on in February of 2016. I have also
worked at Fort Knox in Kentucky teaching Gifted K-3rd
but received a RIF notice due to closure of four
schools. I was also the Gifted Coordinator for 11 years in CA. I have handled every aspect of Gifted
Education including identification, testing, maintaining records, writing goals, mentoring teachers,
conducting meetings, etc.
If one were to walk into my classroom they would see students that were engaged in their own
learning. This would be evident by the numerous hands on projects both two-dimensional and three-
dimensional that would be displayed around the room. You would observe me instructing students
utilizing the (5-E’s model) engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation method of
instruction. Students would be observed working on research papers, creating Power Points about what
they are learning, participating in a literature circles, being part of an academic discussion or reading
independently, and exploring STEM or STEAM (science, technology, engineering and math and sometimes
art) activities. 21st
Century Learning along with Common Core Standards are used as a driving force as I
prepare lessons that are engaging to students and encourage critical thinking skills and application to real
life experiences.
I served as the Science Fair Coordinator for 11 years and I have also planned and overseen the
production of a school history play involving students with the assistance of two colleagues. Additionally,
I have also planned and overseen history presentations conducteded by my students for their parents,
including a potluck dinner after the performance. In the past I have rotated on a regular basis with another
5th
grade teacher for Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science. (We differentiated for Language Arts and
my colleague taught Social Studies to both groups while I taught Science to both groups, utilizing a block
schedule. Normally, I prefer a self-contained classroom so that it is more efficient to integrate subject
matter and develop a rapport with the students and parents.) My students are self- motivated and enjoy
learning. Tests data has shown that I have the ability to raise most my student test scores significantly from
where they were when they entered my classroom to the next testing cycle.
I also have both personal and professional experience, working with Special Education
students. This enhances my ability to differentiate the curriculum to meet the needs of every student. I am
also willing to do what ever it takes to help a student learn by giving of my time freely. I am a team player
also and have held many leadership roles through out by teaching career. Brandi’s student testimonial is a
testament of that I will do what ever it takes to make a difference in a student’s life.