Patricia C. Verdella Keenan
6219 40th Street NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335 • 253.530.1163 • verdellakeenanp@psd401.net
PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS
Master Teacher – Highly experienced, committed educator and lifelong learner with a drive for academic excellence and student success. Results-oriented professional, specializing in the teaching and learning of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) along with integrated math, English Language Arts, and International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) standards. Skilled in selecting and adapting best teaching practices, materials, and curriculum aligned assessments. Focused on the 4C's of 21st Century Learning where students collaborate in teams to communicate their creative ideas and apply critical thinking. Provides a safe, loving, learning environment where students maintain ownership of their successes, take responsibility for their actions, and strive to be positive contributing members of society.
SKILLS
Lifelong Learner Critical Thinker Engineering & Technology Integrator
Curriculum Frameworks Developer Facilitator Design Challenge Instructor
Complex Problem Solver Active Listener Event Coordinator
QUALIFICATIONS IN ACTION
Peninsula School District Teacher
Gig Harbor, WA (Aug 2009 – Present)
· Adapting teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Specialist to 500+ students K-5th grade
· Preparing students for later grades by encouraging them to explore learning opportunities and to persevere with challenging tasks through engineering design, fashion design, and nature clubs, while teaching growth mindset
· Support the advancement of STEM fair students to the Regional and State Science and Engineering Fairs…resulted in two 1st place Regional awards, three 1st place, one 2nd place and one 3rd place State awards
· Implementing authentic Next Generation Science Standards aligned formative assessment and Ambitions Science Teaching practices as the WA State Science Fellow for the Peninsula School District , in cooperation with and under the direction of Puget Sound Educational Service District (PSESD)
· Successfully completed schoolwide Hour of Code for 500+ K-5th graders six years running
· Incorporating technology in research, hands on labs, student presentations, collaboration and demonstrations
· Completed a middle school six month long science substitution assignment educating 180+ 7th/8th graders…producing highest district 8th grade science EOC scores with a 99% pass rate
· Ensures implementation of all student accommodations making every experience meaningful
Self Employed Educational Curriculum Consultant
Gig Harbor, WA (Mar 2019 - Present)
· Knowledgeable in science curriculum performance expectations, methods for teaching using phenomena, and measuring performance through detailed evidence statements
· Critique and advise science curriculum developers on the alignment of curriculum with regards to the teaching and learning of NGSS
· Evaluate unit assessment tools used to gauge the teaching and learning of NGSS through science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas
· Provide science curriculum publishers constructive feedback when necessary to redirect science activities to focus on grade level standards
Western Washington University Faculty
Bremerton, WA (Mar 2019 - Sep 2021)
· Preparing educators for successful implementation of ISTE Standards through careful examination of various technology platforms and applications across all content standards
· Guiding educators through theoretical perspectives of technology integration, digital citizenship, skills for professional learning, and tools to engage and inspire learners to meet specific teaching and learning targets for 21st century learners
· Facilitating instructional methods for teaching with technology, assessing particular content, and developing fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes teachers need to implement technology to maximize learning in the elementary classroom
NNRI Consulting Inc. Career Development Trainer
Gig Harbor, WA (Aug 2013 – Nov 2013)
· Human Capital Investor working with special populations such as the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Division of Services for the Blind as they encounter career transitions
· Presented information using a variety of instructional techniques and formats, such as role playing, simulations, team exercises, group discussions, videos, or lectures
· Assessed training needs through surveys, interviews with employees, focus groups, or consultation with managers, instructors, or customer representatives
· Supported communities with barriers to employment through a holistic approach by identifying their value, KSAOs and target employment marketing strategies
· Organized, evaluated, and developed training materials, manuals, and guides for course instruction
· Prepared marketing presentations to enhance a nationwide customer base of special populations
Poway Unified School District Substitute Teacher and Volunteer
San Diego, CA (Aug 2005 – Feb 2009)
· Diversified to teach in all grades K through 8
· Discovered unique love for teaching students needing individual instruction in the resource room
· Completed a long term sub assignment for 5th grade teacher on maternity leave
· A by name requested substitute teacher – selected for strong classroom management skills
Benjamin Martin Accelerated Learning Academy Classroom Teacher
Fayetteville, NC (Aug 2002 – Feb 2005)
· Wrote and taught dynamic differentiated lesson plans – consistently went beyond the Standard Course of Study using collaborative planning for both kindergarten and 4th grade curriculum to enhance thematic learning processes across the curriculum and the school
· Facilitated student produced school newspaper as a part of the advanced language arts curriculum
· Successfully instructed all technology courses for over 125 4th graders; integrating software usage, search engines, and online communication processes for many without home computers
· Participated in specialized county wide training to increase literacy skills – engaged below grade level readers and writers with center based learning strategies through technology, grammar lessons, spelling contracts, reading clubs, multiple writing techniques, and hands-on activities
· Implemented creative curricula utilizing outcome based education and alternative assessment
· Conducted individual student conferences to implement portfolio building, reflection, and a timeline of positive progression
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
US Air Force Reserve
446th Airlift Wing Operations Group Executive Officer
JBLM, WA (Jan 2009-Oct 2017) Deputy Mission Support Group Commander
Services Flight Commander
4th Air Force Assistant Deputy to A1
Riverside, CA (Mar 2005 – Dec 2008) Director of Services
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Campbell University, Master of Education, Buies Creek, NC
~ Graduate Assistant and Technology Classroom Instructor ~
University of Florida, Bachelor of Science, Gainesville, FL
~ Distinguished Graduate of R.O.T.C. ~
~ Vice Commandant Award Winner ~
University of Florida, Associate of Arts, Gainesville, FL
Radisson Resorts, Radisson “Yes I Can” Customer Service Training, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
446th Airlift Wing, Franklin Covey – 7 Habits, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
446th Airlift Wing, Operational Risk Management, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
HQ JBLM, Customer Service Tier I Training, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA
Air University , USAF Incident Management, Westover ARB, MA
Peninsula School District, Google 101 & 201, Gig Harbor, WA
~ Google 201 Facilitator ~
Peninsula School District, Schoology 101, Gig Harbor, WA
Olympic Educational Service District, Novel Engineering 1 & 2, Bremerton, WA
Community Emergency Response Team, ICS100, ICS 200, ICS 700, ICS 800, CPR/AED/First Aid, Gig Harbor,WA
