Big heart. High expectations. Whole-child focused.
Dominique De León
Creating a positive, inclusive classroom where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to learn.
I’ve always believed that every student deserves a champion, not just someone to teach them, but someone who truly sees them.
My approach to teaching is rooted in equity and social-emotional learning. I am committed to building an inclusive classrooms where students feel safe, respected, and motivated to reach their full potential.
Your Next Teacher
About Me
Hi, I’m Dominique.
Hi, I’m Dominique. My journey into the classroom started with a simple goal: to build a space where every child feels they belong. With my experience across TK-6th grade settings, I’ve seen firsthand how a little bit of structure and a lot of heart can transform a student’s day.
Why hire me?
I bring a strong balance of care, structure, and adaptability into the classroom. I am able to build relationships with students while maintaining clear expectations and a focused learning environment.
I understand that students learn in different ways, and I am willing to adjust my instruction to support their needs. I am dependable, collaborative, and committed to working with both staff and families to support student success.
I am ready to step into a classroom and contribute in a meaningful way.
Why I Teach
Growing up, I always loved school. Learning came naturally to me, and I had positive experiences in the classroom. On the other hand, my sister had a very different experience.
She often struggled and was told she wasn’t trying hard enough. It was frustrating to watch because I knew how much effort she was putting in. Everything changed when she reached 4th grade and a teacher took the time to truly understand her. Instead of assuming, that teacher recognized she had a learning disability and helped her get the support she needed.
That moment changed how I see education.
It showed me how much impact a teacher can have when they choose to look deeper, stay patient, and believe in a student. It’s the reason I care so much about understanding each child as an individual.
I also genuinely enjoy the challenge of finding different ways to help students learn. I like adjusting, trying new strategies, and seeing the moment when something finally makes sense to a student.
That’s why I chose this path, to make sure students feel supported, understood, and capable in their own way.
Teaching Philosophy
I believe every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and capable of success.
My teaching approach is grounded in social-emotional learning and the understanding that how students feel directly impacts how they learn.
My Master’s in Education with a focus on social-emotional learning has shaped how I see the classroom. It has taught me that a child’s heart has to be at ease before their mind can truly open to a lesson.
I am intentional about creating a space where students feel safe, respected, and comfortable being themselves. I focus on building strong relationships, setting clear expectations, and helping students develop skills like self-awareness, responsibility, and collaboration.
I also recognize that every student learns differently. I adjust my instruction, provide support where it’s needed, and create opportunities for students to engage in ways that work for them.
To me, a strong classroom is one where students feel secure enough to take risks, supported enough to keep trying, and confident enough to grow.
Professional Experience
Substitute Teacher
Chula Vista Elementary School District
2025 – Present
• Deliver standards-aligned instruction across TK–6 in core subjects including English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and social studies in alignment with California State Standards
• Implement and adapt teacher-created lesson plans to maintain instructional continuity, pacing, and student engagement
• Establish and maintain a structured, positive classroom environment using effective classroom management and behavior support strategies
• Differentiate instruction through whole group, small group, and individualized support to meet the needs of diverse learners, including English learners and students with varying academic levels
• Monitor student understanding through informal assessments and adjust instruction in real time to support learning
• Collaborate with grade-level teams, support staff, and administration to ensure consistency in expectations and student support
• Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined in IEPs and 504 plans when applicable
• Supervise students during transitions, recess, and other school activities while maintaining safety and expectations
Youth Development Teacher
• Lead daily program management and supervision for a group of students ages 5–12 in a licensed before and after-school setting
• Plan and facilitate structured academic support, enrichment activities, and social-emotional learning experiences aligned with student developmental needs
• Provide small group and individualized academic support, including homework assistance and targeted skill development in literacy and math
• Implement positive behavior guidance strategies to support student self-regulation, responsibility, and peer collaboration
• Build strong relationships with students to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment
• Communicate effectively with families, school staff, and program leadership to support student growth and program success
• Collaborate with school-day teachers to reinforce classroom expectations and align support for student learning
• Maintain a safe, organized, and engaging program space while following all YMCA policies and procedures
• Supervise and support Youth Development Aides, providing guidance and modeling leadership
YMCA
2023 – Present
Instructional Assistant
Eastlake Elementary
2022
• Provided targeted academic and behavioral support to students with diverse learning needs in both general education and special education settings
• Assisted in the implementation of IEP goals through small group and one-on-one instruction
• Supported literacy and mathematics development using teacher-directed strategies and interventions
• Reinforced classroom expectations and behavior plans to support student success
• Collaborated with classroom teachers, specialists, and support staff to ensure consistency in instruction and support
• Assisted with classroom organization, preparation of instructional materials, and daily routines
Jump Around Now
Manager
• Built and maintained strong relationships with families through clear, professional, and responsive communication
• Coordinated events and managed customer needs, ensuring positive and organized experiences
• Supervised and trained staff, modeling leadership, accountability, and teamwork
• Managed multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining organization and attention to detail
• Resolved customer concerns with professionalism, patience, and effective problem-solving
• Developed strong time management, communication, and leadership skills transferable to classroom settings
2017 – 2023
Education
Master of Education & Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
National University
In progress, Expected July 2026
English Learner Authorization included
Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
Emphasis: Elementary Education
San Diego State University
Emphasis in Elementary Education
Graduated May 2025
Teaching Skills
Standards-based lesson planning aligned to California State Standards
Classroom management with clear expectations and positive behavior support
Differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning needs
Small group and individualized instruction
English learner support using ELD and SDAIE strategies
Social-emotional learning integration
Student engagement through hands-on and interactive learning
Ongoing assessment and data-informed instruction
Building positive and inclusive classroom environments
Family communication and collaboration
Collaboration with teachers, support staff, and school teams
Technology integration (Google Classroom, Canva, Google Drive)
Professional References
I take great pride in the relationships I build with supervisors and colleagues, reflecting my commitment to professional excellence and student success.
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Janet Araiza
General Manager,
Jump Around Now
Contact information available upon request for professional verification.
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Ashley Garcia
Site Supervisor,
YMCA Character Builders Program
Professional verification and feedback available via formal inquiry.
Let’s Connect
Let’s connect! I would love the opportunity to connect and share more about my passion for teaching and how I can support your students and school community.