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Elena Vasquez

High School Biology Teacher
Austin, TX

Professional Summary

High School Biology Teacher with 7+ years designing inquiry-based labs and NGSS-aligned curricula for grades 9–12. Track record raising AP Biology pass rates and building inclusive STEM clubs. Skilled in lab safety management, differentiated instruction, and parent/community engagement.

Employment History

High School Biology Teacher
Westlake High School · Austin, TX
Aug, 2020 · Present
Designed and taught Biology I, Biology II, and AP Biology for ~150 students across 5 sections annually. Raised AP Biology exam pass rate from 62% to 84% over three years through targeted tutoring labs and spiral review. Built a student-led Biotech Club (40+ members); mentored 12 students into regional science fair finals. Led lab safety overhaul: rewritten SOPs, chemical inventory, and annual OSHA-aligned training for 8 science faculty.
Biology Teacher
Riverside Early College High School · Austin, TX
Aug, 2017 · Jun, 2020
Taught Biology and Environmental Science in a dual-credit early-college setting (90–110 students/year). Co-wrote NGSS unit maps adopted department-wide; cut prep redundancy ~25% for new teachers. Coordinated field studies with Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; 200+ student contact hours outdoors. Advised first-gen students on STEM pathways; 18 graduates entered biology/health majors.
Teaching Intern / Long-term Substitute (Science)
Austin ISD · Austin, TX
Jan, 2016 · Jun, 2017
Covered Biology and IPC classes for 18 weeks; maintained pacing guides and parent communication logs. Supported after-school tutoring for ELL students in life science vocabulary and lab reports.

Education

M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction (Science Education)
University of Texas at Austin · Austin, TX
May, 2017
B.S. Biology
Texas State University · San Marcos, TX
May, 2015
Texas Educator Certificate: Life Science 7–12; ESL Supplemental
Texas Education Agency

Skills

NGSS curriculum design
AP Biology
Lab safety & chemical hygiene
Differentiated instruction
Google Classroom / Canvas
Data-driven intervention
Science fair mentoring
Parent engagement
ELL supports
Club advising

Courses

AP Summer Institute (Biology) 2021
College Board

Extra-curricular Activities

Campus STEM Teacher of the Year 2023
Westlake High School
Region XIII Science Fair Mentor Recognition 2022
Region XIII
Member
National Science Teaching Association