Alisa Cohen
Studio City,CA
Summary
Dynamic education leader with over sixteen years of experience enhancing instructional practices across classroom, school, and district environments. Proven expertise in faculty mentorship, student teacher supervision, program leadership, and special education coordination. Fosters a culture of trust while upholding high standards for instructional quality and accountability. Recognized for extensive support of gifted learners and students with diverse needs, including successful leadership of a comprehensive Autism Program. Proficient in instructional systems, compliance oversight, professional development design, and cross-departmental collaboration to drive educational excellence.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher Advisor and Program Coordinator
LAUSD Student Health and Human Services
Beaudry
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Designed and facilitated districtwide professional development and in services serving more than one hundred educators.
- Led implementation of the IMPACT program across multiple school sites.
- Served as liaison among administrators, educators, and community partners supporting coordinated student services.
- Managed schedules, logistics, communication, and confidential documentation with strict compliance standards.
- Strengthened cross departmental collaboration and operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment to facilitate student engagement.
- Utilized data analysis to inform instructional strategies and improve outcomes.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices and classroom management techniques.
Master Teacher and Supervisor to Student Teachers
Pepperdine University
01.2002 - 01.2008
- Mentored and formally evaluated student teachers through structured classroom observation and coaching cycles.
- Guided credential candidates in instructional planning, assessment practices, and classroom management.
- Ensured instructional programs and documentation met credentialing and compliance standards.
- Designed and implemented innovative curriculum that enhanced student engagement and learning outcomes.
- Mentored novice teachers, providing guidance on instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Facilitated professional development workshops to share best practices among faculty members.
- Collaborated with academic leaders to align teaching methodologies with institutional goals and standards.
- Developed assessment tools to evaluate student progress and adapt teaching approaches accordingly.
- Participated in professional development workshops and conferences to stay current with educational trends and research-based best practices for teaching excellence.
History and English Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and Autism Program Lead
Millikan Middle School
01.2001 - 01.2008
- Taught English Language Arts and Social Studies to honors and gifted students in grades 6 through 8.
- Led the school Autism Program, overseeing instructional planning, compliance, and student support services.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized education plans.
- Designed rigorous differentiated curriculum tailored to diverse learning needs.
- Partnered with families, faculty, counselors, and administrators to ensure consistent communication and student success.
- Designed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning and comprehension.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that encouraged critical thinking and student participation.
District Mentor
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.1999 - 01.2008
- Mentored new and veteran educators through instructional coaching and documentation support.
- Strengthened classroom management, assessment practices, and instructional planning.
- Facilitated mentorship sessions to support student academic and personal growth.
- Developed individualized learning plans based on students' strengths and needs.
- Collaborated with educators to enhance classroom engagement strategies.
- Evaluated student progress and adjusted support strategies accordingly.
- Served as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and dedication within the mentorship program environment.
- Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
- Offered constructive feedback on mentee progress, enabling them to refine their skills and enhance their potential.
- Assisted mentees in setting achievable goals and creating realistic action plans for personal and professional growth.
General and Special Education Teacher
South Park Elementary School
01.1994 - 01.2001
- Provided instruction across grade levels in both general and special education settings.
- Conducted assessments, progress monitoring, and reporting to support academic achievement and student growth.
- Partnered closely with families to strengthen home school connections.
- Developed individualized education plans tailored to student needs.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to promote positive behavior.
- Adapted instructional materials for diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Provided training and support to paraprofessionals in special education techniques.
- Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
Founder and Owner
Alisa Michelle Designs
- Founded and built a successful retail and design business from the ground up.
- Hired, trained, and managed a staff of up to twenty employees.
- Led daily operations including budgeting, payroll coordination, inventory management, vendor relations, and customer service.
- Developed organizational systems to streamline workflow and maintain high service standards.
- Managed recruitment, onboarding, and staff evaluation processes.
- Developed innovative design concepts to enhance brand identity and customer appeal.
- Established efficient operational workflows to streamline production processes and reduce turnaround time.
Private Tutor
Self Employed
Studio City, CA
01.1994 - Current
- Facilitated individualized learning experiences to enhance academic performance and engagement among a variety of student abilities.
- Designed and implemented personalized lesson plans to enhance individual student learning outcomes.
- Assessed student progress and adapted teaching strategies to enhance understanding.
- Implemented effective study techniques that improved student retention rates.
- Collaborated with parents to provide updates on student performance and areas for improvement.
- Developed personalized lesson plans tailored to individual student needs.
Education
California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Pre K-6
National University
Los Angeles, CASpecial Education Credential Level I -
National University
Los Angeles, CASupplementary Credential in Health - High School
National University
Los Angeles, CACross Cultural, Language and Academic Development Certificate - CLAD
National University
Los Angeles, CABachelor of Arts and Sciences - Elementary Education and Criminal Justice
University of Miami
Miami, FL05.1994
Skills
- Student Teacher Supervision and Evaluation
- Autism Program Leadership
- Special Education and IEP Compliance
- Districtwide Professional Development
- Assessment and Data Informed Decision Making
- Academic Scheduling and Placement
- Student Records and Data Management
- Division Level Administrative Support
- Blackbaud Student Information Systems
- Hiring and Staff Management
- Event Planning and Community Engagement
- Team leadership
- Strategic thinking
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurial and innovative
Core Leadership Strengths
- Curriculum Design and Differentiated Instruction
- Instructional Coaching and Faculty Mentorship
- Student Teacher Supervision and Evaluation
- Autism Program Leadership
- Special Education and IEP Compliance
- Districtwide Professional Development
- Assessment and Data Informed Decision Making
- Academic Scheduling and Placement
- Student Records and Data Management
- Division Level Administrative Support
- Blackbaud Student Information Systems
- Hiring and Staff Management
- Event Planning and Community Engagement
Timeline
Teacher Advisor and Program Coordinator
LAUSD Student Health and Human Services
01.2008 - 01.2010
Master Teacher and Supervisor to Student Teachers
Pepperdine University
01.2002 - 01.2008
History and English Teacher, Special Education Coordinator, and Autism Program Lead
Millikan Middle School
01.2001 - 01.2008
District Mentor
Los Angeles Unified School District
01.1999 - 01.2008
General and Special Education Teacher
South Park Elementary School
01.1994 - 01.2001
Private Tutor
Self Employed
01.1994 - Current
Founder and Owner
Alisa Michelle Designs
California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential - Pre K-6
National University
Special Education Credential Level I -
National University
Supplementary Credential in Health - High School
National University
Cross Cultural, Language and Academic Development Certificate - CLAD
National University
Bachelor of Arts and Sciences - Elementary Education and Criminal Justice
University of Miami