Keith Kottenbach

I have over nine years of experience teaching Middle and High School History, which has provided me with a deep understanding of effective teaching methodologies, curricular planning, and classroom management. I have taught at both the Ivy Bound Academy of Math, Science, and Technology in Sherman Oaks, CA, from 2014-2020, and The Quarry Lane School in Dublin, CA, from 2020-present where I have served as a Middle and High School History Instructor. Additionally, I have been involved in various school activities and events, such as serving as a faculty mentor for Student Council and creating events such as Dances, Movie Nights, Valentine Grams, and March Madness. I hold a Master's in Education from Pepperdine University and a Master's in American Studies (All But Thesis) from California State University-Fullerton, where I also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. I have completed my Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Antioch University-Los Angeles and Associate in Acting from American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles. Additionally, I hold a California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science. My teaching philosophy centers on understanding current events through the context of History. I use a variety of teaching methods, ranging from lecture-based learning to project-based learning and student presentations. I am committed to utilizing technology in the classroom, and I provide line-by-line feedback and essay edits via Google Docs and hold Zoom meetings for both students and parents after school. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to school culture and community. I have volunteered my weekend time to judge Speech and Debate events, oversaw weekly meetings for both of my previous school’s Student Council, and mentored QLS students for National History Day in Alameda County with a student making it to State.

• The Quarry Lane School – Dublin, CA
• September 2020 to Present
  • Middle School History Instructor
  • High School History Instructor
  • Middle School Student Council Faculty Mentor
  • History Day Competition Faculty Mentor
  • 7th Grade Homeroom Advisor
  • Competitive Speech and Debate Judge
• Technology
  • Digital Gradebook using PlusPortals software.
  • Students use personal electronic devices daily for notes, research, and projects.
  • Line by line feedback and edits of essays provided via Google Docs.
  • Provide Zoom meetings to both students and parents after school.
• School Culture
  • Spent weekends supporting QLS students at Speech and Debate events.
    • Judged 15 events in the 2022-2023 academic year.
  • Ran weekly Student Council meetings. 
    • Oversaw the creation and implementation of school events.
      • March Madness
      • Movie Night
      • Halloween Dance
      • Trunk or Treat
      • Food sales
• Mentored QLS students for National History Day in Alameda County
  • Projects included
    • Historical Papers 
    • Websites
• 7th Grade Homeroom Advisor
  • Oversee the academic well being of 7th grade students
  • Contact home and create personalized success plans based on the student and family’s needs
  • Follow-up with subject teachers on student success

Middle School History Teacher/Department Head

• Ivy Bound Academy of Math, Science, and Technology - Sherman Oaks, CA 
• January 2014 to June 2020
  • Middle School History Instructor
  • Department Head for both school campuses
• Head of all school activities
  • Scholars (Founder of a peer tutoring, twice a week, lunchtime group) 2014-2020
  • Ambassadors (Co-founder of IBA’s leadership, and school events club) 2014-2020
  • Day-to-day announcements
  • Weekly student homeroom visits
  • Head of Bulletin Board competitions
• On Site Activities (Collecting money, buying products, distribution)
  • Spirit Week Coordinator (Once a year school wide event)
  • Movie Night Coordinator (Three times a year)
  • Boo Grams Coordinator (Every October)
  • Valentine Grams Coordinator (Every February)
  • 8th Grade Sweater Coordinator (Once a year)
  • Renaissance Faire (Creator)
• Off Site Activities
  • 8th Grade Washington D.C. (creator and leader of the trip from 2014-2018)
  • 8th Grade Grad Night at Six Flags (leader from 2014-2018)
  • 8th and 5th grade Autry Museum of the American West
  • 7th Grade Getty Center
  • 7th Grade Medieval Times 6th Grade La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
  • 6th Grade Getty Villa 
• Technology
  • Chromebooks Pilot of day-to-day Chromebooks in the Classroom and have used Chromebooks day to day from 2015-2020.
  • Each class had its own Google Classroom to receive announcements and turn in assignments
  • PowerSchool gradebook from 2014-2020
  • All lectures are based on PowerPoint/Google Slides.
  • Test's (written and multiple choice) administered through Google Forms

Master’s in Education

Pepperdine University - Malibu, CA 

January 2013 to December 2013

Master’s in American Studies (All But Thesis)

California State University-Fullerton - Fullerton, CA 

August 2010 to December 2012

Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts

Antioch University-Los Angeles - Culver City, CA 

January 2009 to June 2010

Associate in Acting

American Academy of Dramatic Arts-Los Angeles - Hollywood, CA 

August 2006 to June 2008

High School Diploma

Agoura High School - Agoura Hills, CA 

June 2006