Candace Goregaoker

Experience

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  CEDAR CREST ACADEMY

  Apr 2008 - May 2009

  Lead Preschool Teacher

  • Instructed children in letter and number recognition, classification and patterning, fine motor and communication skills while integrating Visual and Performing Arts in the curriculum • Developed partnerships with parents and students from diverse cultural backgrounds while incorporating their cultures into the daily curriculum • Incorporated technology in the classroom by introducing students to the basic operation and concepts of computers while making connections to classroom learning via software • Mentored new teachers regarding lesson planning, assessment and parent-teacher relationships Show less

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  CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS (Thomas J. Waters Fine Arts Magnet School K-8)

  Jan 2011 - May 2011

  2nd Grade Student Teaching Intern (1/2011-5/2011)

  • Prepared and presented daily lesson plans in Reading, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies while also participating in grade-level planning initiatives • Partnered with the Special Education teacher and other members of the Multi-Disciplinary team in order to provide specific accommodations for students according to IEPs • Developed and implemented comprehensive instructional unit plans on a variety of topics such as “Aquatic Insects”, “Exploring Volume Measurements” and ”Simple Machines” while partnering with the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago Natural History Museum to extend student learning beyond the classroom Show less

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  Cornerstone Academy Preparatory School

  Sept 2011 - Feb 2012

  English Language Arts Instructor, Kindergarten

  •Created and implemented a Language Arts curriculum for a diverse student body that focused on the alphabet, reading readiness, literacy, writing, as well as oral English language conventions • Facilitated regular informal assessments (CAFE system) and formal assessments ( i.e., running record, DRA, and IRI ) in order to assess student understanding and inform future instruction as well as intervention (RtI)- Implemented a balanced literacy program by utilizing literacy work stations that honored multiple intelligences for students meeting diverse standards as well as for English Language Learners ( 70 % ELL population according to school demographic data)• Utilized the Daily Five system and Whole Brain teaching strategies to extend student thinking, to facilitate differentiated instruction, and to maximize student engagement Show less

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  Mt. Pleasant Elementary School District

  Aug 2013 - May 2015

  Kindergarten Teacher/Kindergarten SEI Teacher

  •Responsible for engaging , managing, and instructing students in ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and Technology•Presented arts-integrated, hands-on, and academically focused curricula to create a learning environment uniquely suited to student needs, with a focus on oral language development and critical thinking skills•Facilitated project-based learning as Lead while collaborating with K team and STEM teacher to provide rigorous and relevant project- based learning•Approached learning gaps through differentiated instruction, inclusion of Guided Language Acquisition Strategies and Whole Brain teaching, as well small group instruction and afterschool one-on–one tutoring/intervention •Utilized district-wide Benchmark Assessments, Writing Prompts, as well as Fountas & Pinnell assessments to guide future instruction and track student progress in areas of fluency and comprehension•Advocated for students with disabilities as a member of the Student Success team and helped create long-term success plan based on Common Core standards for Kindergarten. Created modified lesson plans that addressed developmental and academic needs of students, along with IEP goals•Acted as PLC facilitator for grades K-1 and ran effective biweekly professional learning group focused on analysis of student work, data analysis, and collaboration through inquiry groups, using district-wide foci, and project-based learning goals to drive instruction•Piloted DRDP in class and used data and research to develop age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate materials, lesson plans, experiments, and technology-based lessons•Maintained effective weekly communication via bilingual class newsletters, phone calls and one to one meetings•Created and facilitated “Management” workshop for group of clinicians at Foothill Family Counseling Center targeted for small group therapy, school- site “Peace Builder” camps, and Kindergarten Orientation Show less

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  Timberlake Christian Church

  Jun 2017 - Aug 2018

  Lead Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
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  The Bear Creek School

  Aug 2019 - Nov 2021

  Preschool Teacher/Spanish Teacher
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  Eastridge Church

  Aug 2023 - now

  Pre Kindergarten Teacher