Zach Baca

Experience

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  Breakthrough Collaborative

  Aug 2008 - Jun 2013

  Intern/Summer Program Teacher

  Taught New Mexico History and Algebra and grew into leadership responsibilities for this national leader in education equity. • Created lesson plans and facilitated classroom instruction and individual tutoring. • Promoted positive public relations by communicating with donors and members of the community about the program’s mission and vision. • Facilitated presentations to students and parents about building a culture of academic excellence and high expectations.

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  Achievement First

  Jan 2015 - Jun 2017

  Mathematics Teacher

  Taught 11th grade Algebra 2 with Pre-Calculus and SAT preparation courses.• Spearheaded and launched the Math Motivators program to provide free one-on-one tutoring to students. • Analyzed student data to identify areas for improvement and prepare students for exams and the SAT. • Encouraged a culturally competent learning environment by partnering with The National Conference for Community and Justice to facilitate difficult conversations about race and class.

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  DSST Public Schools

  Jul 2017 - Jun 2021

  Mathematics Teacher and Department Chair

  Led a team of five math teachers in designing and facilitating instruction for 11th grade students in Pre-Calculus Honors and 12th grade students in Pre-Calculus. Coached teachers on improving instruction through video analysis.• Managed a team responsible for the complete redesign of the Pre-Calculus curriculum, unit plans, teaching materials, and assessments across five high schools. Served as the team lead for ongoing development of trimester exams, scaffolded academic resources for learners, and math problem banks for educators.• Trained and empowered the math department in preparing students for the SAT and achieving the highest growth in scores in the Denver Metro area (2018/2019 school year). • Developed inclusive, school-wide, Olympic style events with 500+ students. • Navigated the COVID pandemic by learning and utilizing various online platforms, making changes to the curriculum, and restructuring grading norms. Show less

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  Denver Test Prep

  Sept 2020 - May 2022

  SAT and Mathematics Tutor

  Facilitated five small-group, weekly SAT prep courses (virtual and in-person) and served as a mathematics tutor for exams and homework. Delivered individual tutoring for students in grades 6-12.• Fostered an inclusive, supportive learning community by building trusting relationships with students and families. • Applied differentiated instruction to encourage learning across students with varying learning styles.

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  Arvada High School

  Jul 2021 - May 2022

  Mathematics Teacher

  Planned and implemented instruction in 9th grade Algebra 1 and 11th grade Pre-Calculus. • Built Algebra 1 curricula from scratch, including an honors track Algebra 1 Accelerated curriculum.• Launched a five-week SAT preparation course to achieve an average 15% increase in student test scores. • Collaborated with co-teachers to deliver accessible learning materials with 85% of students improving 3-5% on successive quarterly exams. • Earned a “highly effective” rating during lesson observations. • Nominated and selected for the Student Empowerment Award in 2022 for supporting students in top performance. Show less

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  Paramount

  Nov 2022 - Mar 2024

  Presentation Scheduler

  Took a career sabbatical while living abroad in the Netherlands. Served as the main point of contact for programming, media planning, and on-air promotional strategies for Comedy Central and Nickelodeon.• Created and delivered daily television schedules with 95% accuracy. • Trained and mentored other schedulers on day-to-day operations.

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  D'Evelyn Junior/Senior High School

  Aug 2024 - now

  Mathematics Teacher

  • Focused on understanding individual student needs and adapting teaching methods to ensure all students achieve their full potential.• Effective in creating a respectful and productive classroom environment where students feel safe and motivated to learn.• Provide timely and constructive feedback to students to support their academic growth.• Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, achievements, and concerns.