Kristen M.

Balch
870 Rosemont Avenue NW, Salem, OR 97304
832-725-7313 - kristen.m.balch@gmail.com
www.kristenbalch.com
PROFILE
A knowledgeable and hardworking teacher candidate, I am an enthusiastic collaborator in
developing standards-based curriculum designed to meet student needs. I strive to promote a safe
and welcoming environment for all students, including English Language Learners. Skilled in
multimedia and technology for teachers, I work hard to plan engaging and rigorous lessons that
draw from a wide variety of sources and prepare students for a successful life.
EDUCATION
Western Oregon University, Monmouth, OR
Anticipated June 2015
Master of Arts in Teaching, 4.0 GPA
Action Research Project: Use of the Remind Application and its Effect on Student
Attitude and Performance in the Classroom.
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
University of Houston Law Center, Houston, TX
Doctor of Jurisprudence, 3.02 GPA
Ewer-Oren J.D. Health Law 2012 Writing Award
2009 Tom Newhouse Mediation Competition

May 2012

University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

B.A. (Honours) Linguistics and English Language and Sciences and Psychology
GPA = Second Class Upper

June 2009

LICENSURE
Oregon Initial I Teaching License
Authorization Level 6-12th grade
Endorsement Integrated Science
ESOL Endorsement
Authorization Level K-12th grade

Anticipated June 2015

Anticipated June 2015

EXPERIENCE
Straub Middle School, Salem, OR
Jan. 2015 present
Student Teacher, Volunteer, 8th grade
Observed and implemented classroom strategies targeted to middle school students
designed to encourage academic vocabulary, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
Integrated myself within the school community and developed a rapport with students.
Dallas High School, Dallas, OR
Jan. March 2015
th
Student Teacher, 9 grade
Successfully created and implemented standards-based lessons
Collaborated with my mentor teacher on unit designs and daily lesson activities
Refined a culturally aware and methodical classroom management style.

Kristen Balch
Cascade High School, Turner, OR
Sept. 2014 Dec. 2014
Student Teacher, 9th grade
Observed and analyzed multiple different teaching styles and strategies
Diagnosed learning gaps and misconceptions for further individual coaching
Straub Middle School, Salem, OR
Oct. 2013 April 2014
th
th
AVID Tutor, 7 and 8 grade
Facilitated student discussions that underscored the principle of collaborative learning
Established high standards and motivated students to develop self-efficacy
Waldo Middle School, Salem, OR
Sept. 2013 April 2014
Enrichment Academy Site Assistant, 6-8th grade
Organized volunteers and prioritized placement to enable greatest student choice
Tutored and counseled students in assignment completion and organization
Fostered a welcoming and culturally aware environment for students
Classroom Volunteer Fall Semester, 8th grade
Aided in group activities
Monitored student progress throughout the class
Reinforced learning points and concepts
Museum of Mental Health, Salem, OR
Oct. 2012 Sept. 2014
Volunteer Team Leader
Coordinated volunteer assignments and found resourceful solutions to staffing shortages.
Spoke with visitors and interpreted exhibits for small and large groups
Houston Museum of Natural Science, Houston, TX
May 2005 - Aug. 2008
Visitor Services
Conscientiously identified the best financial and educational option for each visitor
Stimulated visitor interest in exhibits and made content accessible to variety of patrons
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Interfaith Hospitality Network Dinner Host for families in crisis
St. Pauls Episcopal Church Youth Program, Book Club, and Choir
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Northwest Council for Computer Education Conference (NCCE), Spring 2015
SmartBoard 101 Workshop, Winter 2015
Integrating Video into Teaching Presentation, Winter 2015
WOU College of Education Bridge Program Classroom Management, Fall 2014
Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA) Conference, Fall 2014
Managing Problem Behavior in the Classroom by Geoff Colvin, Fall 2014.
WOU College of Education Bridge Program Integrating Social Media, Spring 2014
AVID Tutor Training/Workshop, Fall 2013
ADDITIONAL SKILLS
Certificate in Essentials of Human Resource Management, Rice University
Basic Mediation Training, Blakely Advocacy Institute
Advanced Arbitration Skills, A.A. White Dispute Resolution Center
Computer Experience: Microsoft Office, Pinnacle Movie Maker, Windows Movie Maker,
Mimio, Photoshop, graphic design, and website creation