Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Publications
Awards
Credentialsandcertificates
Timeline
Generic

Alison Giska

Berlin,MD

Summary

Accomplished Literacy Curriculum Specialist with a strong background in structured literacy approaches, demonstrating a proven ability to enhance student outcomes through evidence-based practices. Committed to equipping educators and learners with effective tools and strategies for literacy success in a dynamic educational environment. Highly adaptable and proficient in swiftly acquiring and applying new knowledge, fostering continuous improvement and resilience in the face of change.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Title I Literacy Coach, Grades K-5

Worcester County Public Schools
Berlin, MD
07.2015 - Current
  • Provides targeted, job-embedded coaching for teachers to enhance their implementation of Wit and Wisdom curriculum
  • Leads school and district-based professional development initiatives focused on knowledge-building curricula that strengthen students' foundational literacy and comprehension skills
  • Contributes expertise to data analysis and curriculum planning, serving as the lead of the Literacy School Improvement Team to align instructional practices with state and district standards

Professional Development Facilitator

Learn Zillion
Washington, D.C
08.2015 - 09.2017

Collaborated with educators nationwide to develop guidebooks: high-quality, knowledge-building instructional resources aligned with state standards.

Contributed expertise in writing instruction to support the creation of engaging and effective digital learning materials for students in grades 3-12.

Curriculum Planner and Title I Specialist

Worcester County Public Schools
Berlin, MD
07.2013 - 07.2015
  • Designed and implemented Title I programs, ensuring alignment with knowledge-building curricula to support equity and access for a diverse population of learners
  • Coordinated home-school events and training sessions to build capacity among teachers and parents, promoting high-quality instructional practices that foster deep learning

ELA/English Teacher, Grades 7-12

Worcester County Public Schools
Berlin, MD
07.2004 - 07.2013
  • Created and delivered engaging ELA curricula grounded in knowledge-building approaches, emphasizing comprehension, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning

Adjunct Professor

Salisbury University
Salisbury, MD
08.2009 - 08.2010
  • Planned and delivered the undergraduate course, Instructional Analysis in the Elementary School, focusing on strategies for designing and implementing effective, standards-aligned curricula

Education

Masters - Post-Secondary Education

SALISBURY UNIVERSITY
Salisbury, MD
05.2009

B.S. - English and Secondary English Education

INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Indiana, PA
12.2002

Skills

  • Literacy instruction
  • Engaging Instructional Design
  • Writing instruction
  • Evidence-Based Instruction
  • Instructional planning
  • Instructional coaching
  • Program implementation

Publications

  • Leadership From the Bottom Up, Teach Boost, 06/19
  • How to Build Curiosity and Critical Thinking Within the Classroom, Education Week, 01/18
  • Unlocking Teacher Leadership in Your Building, Education Week
  • Promoting the Arts in All Content Areas, NAPDS Conference, Orlando, 2010, National Presenter

Awards

  • International Fellowship Award for Global Education, 2012, Participated in a two-week internship in Brazil, focusing on studying global education practices. Engaged in immersive learning experiences and cross-cultural exchanges to broaden understanding of global educational perspectives.
  • Maryland Teacher of the Year Finalist, 2009

Credentialsandcertificates

  • Member of Learn Zillion’s Dream Team, 2015-2017, Collaborated with educators nationwide to develop Guidebooks: high-quality, knowledge-building instructional resources aligned with state standards. Contributed expertise in writing instruction to support the creation of engaging and effective digital learning materials for students in grades 3-12.
  • National Board Certification, 2009

Timeline

Professional Development Facilitator

Learn Zillion
08.2015 - 09.2017

Title I Literacy Coach, Grades K-5

Worcester County Public Schools
07.2015 - Current

Curriculum Planner and Title I Specialist

Worcester County Public Schools
07.2013 - 07.2015

Adjunct Professor

Salisbury University
08.2009 - 08.2010

ELA/English Teacher, Grades 7-12

Worcester County Public Schools
07.2004 - 07.2013

Masters - Post-Secondary Education

SALISBURY UNIVERSITY

B.S. - English and Secondary English Education

INDIANA UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

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Alison Giska