Sandra S.

Corona
7720 W. 87th Drive, Unit N
Arvada, CO 80005
520-975-9514, sc5352a2@westpost.net

Philosophy Statement
I have been a teacher for 24 years and my focus has not changed: to motivate an
d teach students how their bodies work, how to achieve and maintain fitness, and
to be life-long learners. My avenue for teaching these principles has varied b
ut I have found that this emphasis has always brought interest and motivation to
learn for my students, as well as for myself.
As a middle school physical education teacher and life science teacher, I strive
d to teach students the information to have them gain ownership of their bodies
so they could make life choices to support their personal goals.
As a high school physical education, health, general science-chemistry, biology,
and human anatomy & physiology teacher, I have focused on providing lessons in
application of information to their personal health and fitness.
I am a life-long learner and try to instill the belief that "the more you know,
the more you know you don't know!" I am thrilled when my students come up with
questions that I have to tell them I will research (do my homework!) to find out
the answer, and then work it in to a lesson. I use current publications and vi
deo clips to bring interest and application to the content. However, I believe t
he bottom line in teaching is to remember I teach kids, not content! I am a mom
of two, my son is 17 and my daughter is 20. I look at my students and see some
one else's Louis and Brittany. I believe having that "mom perspective" has enric
hed my teaching style and dedication to my students as individuals.
Our daughter is currently attending Colorado Christian University in Lakewood an
d our son will be a high school senior. We believe moving to the Denver area wi
ll provide a better opportunity for his success in college. As an outdoors-lovi
ng family, we are thrilled with the area. I am pursuing a teaching position in t
he Denver area beginning in the 2010-2011 school year. I am interested in teach
ing high school level science-Anatomy & Physiology and Biology, as well as, Phys
ical Education and Health, or middle school Science, Physical Education, and Hea
lth.

Education
University of Phoenix
Tucson, AZ
College Coursework - no degree
Major: Continuing Education
GPA: 3.330
June 1994 to July 2006
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Graduate Coursework
Major: Teaching and Teacher Education/Environmental Education
GPA: 3.500
May 1994 to December 1998
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Bachelor of Science
Major: Physical Education
Minor: Biology
GPA: 3.200
August 1982 to December 1985
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ
College Coursework - no degree
Major: Education
GPA: 3.500
January 1982 to June 1983

Experience
Flowing Wells School District
Flowing Wells HS Aug 2000 - May 2010
Teacher
Tucson, AZ
I taught Human Anatomy & Physiology (grades 10-12), Biology (grades 9-11), Healt
h (grades 10-11) and General Science-Chemistry (grade 9).

Reason for leaving: We have loved visiting Colorado and have decided to move to
Arvada.
Supervisor: Jim Brunenkant (520-696-8001), brunenkj@flowingwells.k12.az.us
Experience Type: Public School, Full-time

Amphitheater School District Aug 1987 - May 2000

Teacher, Department Chair, Coach
Tucson, AZ
Cross MS from 8/87-5/99: I taught Physical Education (grades 7-8) and served as
Physical Education Department Chair from 1996-1999. I coached volleyball, baske
tball, and softball.
Coronado MS from 8/99-5/00: I taught 7th grade Life Science (human body emphasi
s).
Reason for leaving: I decided to switch to high school level science. I also s
witched districts to be on the same schedule as my husband and children.
Supervisor: Donny Bridges (520-696-5000)
Experience Type: Public School, Full-time.

Sunnyside HS Nov 1986 - May 1987

Teacher
Tucson, AZ
I taught Physical Education and Health (grades 9-12).
Reason for leaving: This was a temporary position. I then applied and was hire
d as a permanent full-time teacher at my student teaching site - Cross MS in Amp
hitheater District.
Supervisor: Dr. Teran (520-545-2003)
Experience Type: Public School, Full-time
Flowing Wells JHS Mar 1986 - Oct 1986
Teacher, Coach
Tucson, AZ
I taught Physical Education (grades 7-8) and coached volleyball.
Reason for leaving: This was a temporary position for a teacher on pregnancy le
ave, then bereavement leave.
Supervisor: Larry Gray (520-696-8823)
Experience Type: Public School, Full-time

Amphitheater School District/Cross MS Aug 1985 - Dec 1985

Student Teacher, Coach
Tucson, AZ
I taught Physical Education (grades 7-8). I coached tennis and soccer.
Reason for leaving: I completed my BS degree in December 1985.
Supervisor: Tracy Benson (520-696-5000)
Experience Type: Student Teaching, Full-time

Certifications
Colorado License # 0449620
Professional Teacher License
Endorsements: K-12 Physical Education
Secondary Science
K-12 Health Education
Expires 5/6/2014
Arizona License # 2101871
Standard Secondary Education, 7-12
Approved Areas: Biology, Health, Physical Education, General Science,
Physical Education K-12 Endorsement
Expires 2/20/2015
Provisional Structured English Immersion Endorsement, K-12
Expires 4/16/2011

References
Name: Jim Brunenkant
Relation: Supervisor
Time Known: 8 years, 8 months
Employer: Flowing Wells HS
Title: Principal
Address: 3725 N. Flowing Wells Rd.
Tucson, Arizona 85704
United States
Phone: (520)696-8001, (520)820-7444
Email: brunenkj@flowingwells.k12.az.us
Letter: Reference on Mar 24, 2009

March 24, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

I have known Sandra Corona for eight years as her colleague and principal. For m
e, writing letters of recommendation is usually a chore, but when Sandra asked m
e to write a letter for consideration of a teaching position in Colorado, I was
more than happy to do so; this is because she is one of the most intellectually
gifted, and thoughtful people I have had the pleasure of knowing.
Sandra has the presence and demeanor necessary for being an effective instructor
: She isn't shy, rather she walks around the classroom, and she talks with the k
ids during group and individual activities. Her sustained questioning techniques
during these activities allow the students to form answers on their own. This s
hows a willingness to be part of the learning and her desire to gain more knowle
dge about teaching. She teaches to the individual, not to the class; this type o
f presence in the classroom provides for a positive feeling tone, as Sandra obvi
ously cares about students personally as well as academically.
Sandra prepares and teaches lessons that are fun, yet the teaching provides for
higher-level thinking. Her teaching includes the key concepts of the Essential E
lements of Instruction: anticipatory set, modeling, motivation, closure, teachin
g to the objective, and most important-active participation. These are just a fe
w of the many reasons the students love Mrs. Corona's class.
Sandra also has a strong work ethic. She attends all the faculty and department
meetings, and many athletic events.
Sandra has a gift and ability to motivate the at-risk student. Her expectations
are high, yet she is flexible and understanding. She is an effective and success
ful educator. Sandra has become an extremely important part in our students' suc
cess. She will be an asset to any school staff.

Sincerely,

Jim Brunenkant
Principal

Name: Bev Waters

Relation: Co-worker
Time Known: 11 years
Employer: Flowing Wells HS
Title:
Address: 3725 N. Flowing Wells Rd.
Tucson, Arizona 85705
United States
Phone: (520) 696-8128, (520)465-4073
Email: bdhaguas@cox.net
Letter: Reference on Mar 25, 2009

Thank-you for accepting this letter as a letter of reference for Sandy Corona. I
have known Sandy for more than 8 years. Sandy currently teaches Human Anatomy a
nd Physiology as well as Biology at Flowing Wells High School. I have served as
Sandy's department chair for her entire teaching career at the high school. Sand
y and I also have rooms right next to one another.
I have had the honor of working with Sandy in a very close relationship for all
8 years as we both teach biology. She has been not only a very strong teacher bu
t an amazing friend as well. We continually work together on curriculum, share s
upplies, and provide feedback and support to one another. On a few occasions in
emergency situations Sandy has made sub plans for me and taken care of my classr
oom when I was pulled away...with a smile...and said, "It's okay Bev that's what
friends do for one another!"
Sandy is an extremely knowledgeable teacher as well as a strong and organized le
ader in the classroom. She has implemented many different styles of instructiona
l models to reach a variety of learners. On any given day you might observe her
class learning an inquiry based lesson, doing a lab, working in small groups, or
functioning independently on an assignment.
Sandy has excellent classroom management. She definitely is one of the most orga
nized teachers in our science department. Her organization skills make learning
even that much more efficient for the school and students. Her students highly r
espect her and follow the classroom rules and schools policies. Her professional
ism, sense of humor, and flexibility all contribute to the success of her studen
ts. She continually objectively observes her student's providing constructive cr
iticism as necessary and positive reinforcement throughout the day.
Sandy really cares about her students and not just at school she also cares abou
t them personally. She wants to make sure they're okay as a "whole" person not j
ust academically. Sandy is very good at setting boundaries and doesn't intrude b
ut rather let's them know she's there if they need someone to talk to. Sandy is
truly respected by all teachers as well. I know if I ever had any questions or c
oncerns about anything with science from lessons, to supplies, or questions I co
uld always turn to Sandy and she will assist me...and if she can't help she will
find someone who can. Sandy is highly respected by all her fellow cohorts at Fl
owing Wells.
Thank-you for accepting this letter as a letter of reference for Sandy Corona, y
our district will only grow and benefit by having Sandy as a teacher. She is one
of the very best teachers you'll ever find.
Thank-you,
Bev Waters
Science Department Chair
Name: Nathan McCann
Relation: Supervisor
Time Known: 4 years, 8 months
Employer: Flowing Wells HS
Title: Assistant Principal
Address: 3725 N. Flowing Wells Rd.
Tucson, Arizona 85705
United States
Phone: 520-696-8002, (520)609-6518
Email: mccannn@flowingwells.k12.az.us
Letter: Reference on Apr 8, 2009
April 7, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to write this letter of recommendation for Sandy Corona. Mrs.
Corona has been employed as a science teacher at Flowing Wells High School for t
he past nine years.
Sandy is a skilled and talented teacher. She holds herself to very high standard
s in terms of her lesson planning and instructional delivery. She demonstrates a
n understanding of the importance of meeting the diverse educational needs of he
r students and incorporates the Essential Elements of Instruction in her lesson
planning and instruction. She has a firm grasp on objective driven lessons that
prepare students to be successful in achieving state standards. Sandy's sense of
professionalism and her relationship with her students adds to her overall succ
ess in the classroom. Mrs. Corona has demonstrated the ability to analyze and sy
nthesize complex material and she works hard to develop those same higher-level
thinking skills in all of her students.
In addition to her classroom duties, Sandy has taken numerous leadership roles w
ithin the school, sponsoring student clubs and supporting athletes and coaches a
t competitions and events.
As a fellow educator, I possess great respect for Mrs. Corona. She is a person o
f good character and intellectual capacity. These qualities, combined with a str
ong work ethic have been assets to the Flowing Wells community and I'm confident
she will be a wonderful addition to your staff and school.

Sincerely,

Nathan McCann
Assistant Principal - Curriculum/Instruction
Flowing Wells High School

*2010 updated references available to fax or send.