Kari A.

Sparks
720-496-7273 (Cell) Kariannesparks@live.com
TEACHER PORTFOLIO
http://mrssparksteaches.weebly.com/index.html
CREDENTIALS
Elementary Level 1 License, New Mexico Public Education Department
Special Education Level 1 License, New Mexico Public Education Department,
Early Childhood Teacher Internship License (Birth-3rd Grade),
New Mexico Public Education Department,
Expires: June 2017
* Eligible for additional license in Secondary-Social Studies

EDUCATION
Alternative Teacher Licensure Program,
Elementary Education & Special Education 2012-2014
Santa Fe Community College
Teachers Licensure Credits, Special Education and Elementary Education, 20102011, Metropolitan State University of Denver (formerly Metropolitan State College of Denver)
Please see my teaching sample website (contains lesson plans, example activities,
differentiated instruction, multi-sensory digital technologies and educational
methodologies):
https://mrssparksclass1stgrade.wikispaces.com/Welcome+to+First+Grade%21!
Bachelor of Science, Criminal Justice & Criminology Graduated, May 2010
Metropolitan State University of Denver (formerly Metropolitan State College of Denver)
SCHOOL/ TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Lead Early Childhood Teacher, Developmental Specialist & Family Service
Coordinator, Early Intervention (FIT program), Liferoots- Childrens Therapy
Services
January 2016-Present
Responsible for center-based instruction for 36-40 students (2-4 year-olds)
weekly.
Intake, Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) creation
Individualized in-home or community based developmental instruction and
service coordination.

Kari A. Sparks
720-496-7273 (Cell) Kariannesparks@live.com
(Continued)
1st Grade Inclusion Teacher, Rio Rancho Public Schools
August 2015- January 2016
Dual-role as main provider for primary special education services for 4 students,
SAT Interventionist to 3 students and general education teacher to 9 students.
Planning implementing CCSS based literacy lessons and utilizing the Eureka
math system.
Employing a primarily small-group rotation method to assure individualized
needs were met.
Progress monitoring through DIBELS and in-district data catching forms for SLP,
Behavior and academic progress.

Participated on the Science and Math committee and assisted with planning
school-wide and community involvement events.
Substitute Teacher, Albuquerque Public Schools
February 2014-August 2015
Supervised Field Experience (Student Teaching),
Elementary Education (First Grade)
Completed October 2014
Osuna Elementary, Albuquerque Public Schools under Mrs. Deborah Barnett
Create and implement multisensory lessons adhering to CCSS
Utilized preferred curriculum (Fundations, Treasures and Stepping Stones) in
large group, small group and one on one lessons
Learned and Utilized various methods of classroom management
Supervised Field Experience (Student Teaching),
Special Education (Kindergarten Second Grade ISP- Multiple Disabilities)
Completed October 2014
John Baker Elementary, Albuquerque Public Schools under Ms. Kara Henderson
Create and implement multisensory lessons adhering to Modified CCSS and
Individual Education Plan Goals
Utilized preferred curriculum (PCI and Unique Learning) in large group, small
group and one on one lessons
Learned and Utilized various methods of classroom management
Learned skills in communication for non-verbal and emerging communicators
Utilized tools and newly attained skills in assessment for exceptional students
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, New Mexico Pre-K Grant
September 2013-December 2013 (Relocated to Albuquerque)
Bloomfield Early Childhood Center, Bloomfield Public Schools

Create and implement multisensory activities adhering to State Essential

Indicators

Kari A. Sparks

720-496-7273 (Cell) Kariannesparks@live.com

(Continued)

Manage 2 sessions of 20 students, 40 in-depth developmental assessment

portfolios

Enrichment Teacher, K-2nd Grade Science

Childrens Choice Child Care Services
January 2013-May 2013
Double Eagle Elementary, Albuquerque Public Schools
Create and implement multisensory science enrichment course adhering to
common core
Classroom Para-educator
August 2011-October 2011
Sixth Avenue Elementary, Aurora Public Schools
Quarter 1 Assist Kindergarten Teachers with special needs students
Lesson Planning, Management and Instruction for 3rd & 4th Grade English
Language Development (Native English Speakers) (20 students per class)
Classroom Coverage, Small group & one-on-one instruction
Test proctoring for AGATE program (GT)
Recess/Lunch Duty
Quarter 2 Support behavior and instruction 2nd grade class for Literacy, Math, Social
Studies & Science.
Tutoring Small groups
Metropolitan State University of Denver,
Center for Urban Education
Tutor , Summer School-Language Arts, Science and Social Studies
Summer 2011
Martin Luther King Jr. Early College (High School), Denver Public Schools
Small group & one-on-one instruction
Test proctoring
Working with mentor teachers to individualize and differentiate instruction and
lesson plans
Classified Substitute
Spring, 2011-Summer 2011
Various Elementary, Middle, High, Vocational Schools, Aurora Public Schools
3

As needed, variety of functions and positions (mainly ILC & ECE)

Kari A. Sparks
720-496-7273 (Cell) Kariannesparks@live.com
(Continued)
Special Education Para-educator
Affective Needs/ Emotionally Disabled
Self-Contained Classroom (3rd-5th Grade)
Fall, 2010-Spring 2011
Wheeling Elementary School, Aurora Public Schools
Classroom behavior management/ Crisis intervention
Created and implemented lessons and related activities i.e.
Worked in classroom with small groups and one on one
Applied classroom management skills i.e. reward systems, visuals etc.
Elementary Reading Tutor 1st Grade- 5th Grade
Fall 2010-Spring 2011
Step to Success Tutoring, Aurora/Denver Public School Students
Utilized multi-sensory and digitally aided educational techniques
Worked one on one with ESL/ELL students
Taught lessons in early and emergent reading skills per CDE standards
Assessed student reading fluency and comprehension
OTHER EXPERIENCES WORKING WITH CHILDREN
Youth Care Specialist 1, State of New Mexico, Children, Youth & Families Dept.
Juvenile Justice Services- Albuquerque Boys Center
August 2009-April 2010
Monitor and implemented behavior management of 12 youthful felons (aged 15-21)
Supervised and aided Middle/High School and Higher Education classrooms
Planned weekly and daily life-skills activities
Caseworker assignments (average 4 clients)
Formulated and Implemented Treatment and Post-parole plans
Tutored one on one with clients
Responsible as a security staff for community and facility safety
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING AND CERTIFICATIONS
FIT Program IDEA Part C
(CDD, UNM)
April 2016
Conscious Discipline
(Bloomfield Schools)
4

October 2013

Kari A. Sparks
720-496-7273 (Cell) Kariannesparks@live.com
(Continued)
New Mexico Pre-K New Teacher Orientation
(State of New Mexico)
September 2013
PBiS-Postive Behavior Interventions and Supports
(Aurora Public Schools)
January 2010
No Child Left Behind Training
(Aurora Public Schools)
9/2010-2/2011
Child Abuse/ Training
(Aurora Public Schools)
November 2010
Crisis Prevention Intervention Training (CPI)
Restraint Training
(Aurora Public Schools)
September 2010
Medicaid/ HIPPA Training
(State of New Mexico)
November 2009
SKILLS
Microsoft Word, Excel, One Note and PowerPoint
Able to utilized laminator, die-cutter and binding equipment
Familiarity with multiple educational technologies i.e. Promethean, Smartboards,
Powerschool, STAR, TIENET, Synergy and SEAS
Other work experience
Public Safety/Security/ Community Corrections/ Juvenile Corrections 2007-2010
Agency Clerk/Office Assistant/ Whole Sales Account Administrator
2005-2008
Retail/Customer Service
2003-2006
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Auraria Student Council for Exceptional Children
Professional Development Student Organization
Colorado Education Association-Metro State Chapter
Delta Phi Omega, Criminal Justice Student Organization

2010-2012
2011-2012
2005-2009