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Kai Nakamura

Middle School Science Teacher
Seattle, United States

Professional Summary

Middle school science teacher with 6+ years designing inquiry-based labs, NGSS-aligned units, and inclusive classroom routines for grades 6–8. Track record raising state science assessment proficiency and leading STEM fair and after-school robotics. Skilled at co-teaching with special education partners and communicating clearly with families.

Employment History

Middle School Science Teacher
Cascade Ridge Middle School · Seattle, WA
Aug, 2021 · Present
Design and teach NGSS-aligned life, earth, and physical science units for ~150 students across grades 6–8 each year. Raised grade 8 science proficiency 14 percentage points over three years through lab notebooks, claim-evidence-reasoning writing, and targeted reteach cycles. Lead the annual STEM Fair (120+ projects) and advise after-school Robotics Club (24 students; regional qualifier twice). Co-plan with special education teachers to adapt labs and assessments; maintain weekly family communication via newsletter and conferences.
Science Teacher (Grades 6–7)
Harborview Academy · Seattle, WA
Aug, 2018 · Jun, 2021
Built hands-on lab sequences (ecosystems, weather, forces) with low-cost materials and clear safety protocols. Mentored two student teachers and facilitated PLC data meetings that cut D/F rates in science by 18%. Coordinated cross-curricular projects with ELA and math teachers for science literacy and measurement skills.
Environmental Education Instructor
Pacific Northwest Outdoor School (seasonal) · Issaquah, WA
2018
Led multi-day outdoor science residencies for middle school cohorts (water quality, forest ecology, outdoor ethics). Trained summer staff on inquiry facilitation and group management for 40–60 students per week.

Education

M.Ed., Secondary Science Education
University of Washington · Seattle, WA
2018
Washington State Residency Teacher Certificate (Science 5–12)
B.S., Biology
Western Washington University · Bellingham, WA
2016
Washington State Residency Teacher Certificate (Science 5–12)
Washington State · Washington

Skills

NGSS curriculum design
Inquiry-based instruction
Lab safety
Differentiated assessment
Classroom management
Family engagement
STEM Fair leadership
Robotics coaching
Google Classroom / Canvas
Data-driven PLC collaboration