Dina Choate
Buckeye
Summary
Dynamic educator with established success at Buckeye Elementary School District, specializing in early literacy and differentiated instruction.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
1st Grade Teacher
Buckeye Elementary School District
Buckeye
07.2022 - Current
- Deliver engaging, standards‑aligned lessons in reading, writing, math, and integrated content areas.
- Teach foundational literacy skills using phonics, sight‑word instruction, guided reading, and comprehension strategies.
- Reinforced core math concepts through hands‑on activities, manipulatives, and differentiated instruction.
- Design cross‑curricular lessons that encouraged critical thinking and problem‑solving.
- Incorporate technology to enhance instruction and supported students with device troubleshooting.
- Support students with adaptive skills, daily living needs, and toileting assistance to promote independence and dignity.
- Implement accommodations and modifications to ensure equitable access to learning.
- Collect data and contribute to IEP progress monitoring and planning.
- Establish clear routines, expectations, and community‑building practices.
- Use positive reinforcement, reteaching, and restorative approaches to support behavior.
- Maintain a structured, nurturing environment that encouraged continuous growth.
- Partner with colleagues to enhance instructional practices and support school‑wide initiatives.
- Maintain accurate records, prepared materials, and ensured an organized classroom.
- Participate in ongoing professional development to strengthen instructional and leadership skills.
- Implement hands-on activities to enhance student understanding of core subjects.
- Assess student progress using various evaluation tools and methods.
- Organize classroom resources to create an effective learning space.
- Assess student performance through formal testing and informal observation.
- Plan and facilitate small group activities to enhance student understanding of material presented in whole-class setting.
- Implement evidence-based interventions designed to improve academic achievement among all learners.
Specials Teacher (Technology & Library)
Buckeye Elementary School District
Buckeye
2020 - 2022
- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to maintain a positive learning environment.
- Assessed student progress using various evaluation methods and provided feedback.
- Utilized technology to enhance instructional delivery and student engagement.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Utilized technology-based learning tools to enhance classroom instruction.
- Utilized technology such as interactive whiteboards and online resources to enhance instruction.
Reading Intervention Paraprofessional
Buckeye Elementary School District
Buckeye
2018 - 2020
- Facilitated small group instruction to enhance learning outcomes.
- Applied positive reinforcement to redirect negative behaviors.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Supported students throughout academic instruction and assignments.
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support.
- Assisted with implementation of student's individualized IEP at discretion and direction of teachers and administrators.
- Assisted children at stations during small-group learning periods.
Reading Teacher (Classified)
Odyssey Preparatory Academy
2016 - 2018
- Provided small‑group and one‑on‑one reading instruction.
- Differentiated lessons to meet diverse learning needs.
- Reinforced foundational literacy skills and supported classroom teachers with instructional tasks.
- Facilitated small group discussions to enhance reading comprehension.
- Assessed student progress using standardized testing tools.
- Implemented individualized learning plans for struggling readers.
- Proctored tests and graded papers.
- Maintained up-to-date records of student attendance, grades, and assessments.
- Adapted lessons according to the needs of diverse learners including those with special educational requirements.
Qualifying Specialist / Student Services
University of Phoenix
2009 - 2016
- Guided prospective students in selecting appropriate academic programs.
- Managed high‑volume inbound/outbound calls and live chats (up to four simultaneously).
- Performed extensive data entry while multitasking across multiple systems.
- Supported the Office of Dispute Management by processing forms and resolving escalated concerns.
- Served on the Work‑at‑Home Beta Team; consistently ranked in the top 5% of the department.
Member Services Representative
Arizona Federal Credit Union
2008 - 2009
- Assisted members with transactions, account questions, applications, and issue resolution.
- Provided branch and call‑center support with accuracy and professionalism.
- Assisted members with account inquiries and transaction processes.
- Provided exceptional customer service to ensure member satisfaction.
- Processed loan applications and guided members through approval steps.
- Educated members on digital banking tools for improved access.
- Answered inbound calls from wide range of members, welcoming callers.
- Assisted members with account opening processes, loan applications, and other banking services.
- Cross-sold products such as credit cards, loans, accounts, investments, insurance policies and other financial services.
Senior Account Specialist
Wells Fargo
2003 - 2008
- Delivered high‑quality customer service and account support.
- De‑escalated challenging situations with patience and empathy.
- Guided customers through troubleshooting and online navigation.
- Reviewed accounts for accuracy, fraud concerns, billing issues, and transaction questions.
- Collaborated with team members to improve service quality and trained new employees.
- Managed client accounts and addressed customer inquiries effectively.
- Provided expertise on financial products and services to clients.
- Resolved complex customer inquiries regarding payment issues, product availability, pricing and delivery dates.
- Documented customer interactions in order tracking systems for future reference.
- Generated sales leads by researching potential customers using various sources including the internet.
- Worked collaboratively with other departments to ensure customer requirements were met.
- Handled spirited customer conversations and alleviated disputes using appropriate communication skills and conflict resolution techniques.
- Established accounts for new customers and updated existing accounts with current demographic and order information.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Education - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Associate of Arts - Education
University of Phoenix
Skills
- Instructional design and delivery
- Early literacy and foundational math
- Differentiation and student support
- Classroom management and behavior strategies
- Inclusive practices and IEP support
- Technology integration
- Family and community engagement
- Professional collaboration
- Record-keeping and organization
- Leadership and school culture
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
1st Grade Teacher
Buckeye Elementary School District
07.2022 - Current
Specials Teacher (Technology & Library)
Buckeye Elementary School District
2020 - 2022
Reading Intervention Paraprofessional
Buckeye Elementary School District
2018 - 2020
Reading Teacher (Classified)
Odyssey Preparatory Academy
2016 - 2018
Qualifying Specialist / Student Services
University of Phoenix
2009 - 2016
Member Services Representative
Arizona Federal Credit Union
2008 - 2009
Senior Account Specialist
Wells Fargo
2003 - 2008
Bachelor of Science in Education - Elementary Education
University of Phoenix
Associate of Arts - Education
University of Phoenix