Emily Karkanen
Honolulu,HI
Summary
I am a dynamic and motivated educator with a passion for fostering student engagement and collaboration. Skilled in lesson planning and differentiated instruction, I leverage technology to create innovative learning experiences that support academic success and social development. Committed to continuous professional growth, I strive to create inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and encourage every student to reach their full potential.
With a focus on maintaining positive parent-teacher relationships, I am dedicated to providing a responsive and engaging learning environment for young learners. I excel in classroom management, student assessment, and adapting teaching methods to meet individual needs. Through clear communication, patience, and a caring attitude, I ensure students are supported, challenged, and motivated to succeed both academically and personally.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
1st Grade Teacher
Waiʻalae Elementary Public Charter School
10.2024 - Current
- Designed and delivered differentiated, engaging lessons in core subjects for 21 first graders, fostering curiosity and a love of learning.
- Cultivated a supportive, inclusive classroom culture by encouraging a growth mindset, promoting social development, and maintaining open communication with families.
- Assessed student progress using varied tools and data analysis to inform instruction, drive interventions, and enhance learning outcomes.
Online English Teacher (All Ages)
Preply
01.2024 - 09.2024
- Designed and delivered engaging, tech-integrated English lessons tailored to diverse proficiency levels and learning needs.
- Fostered speaking and comprehension skills through structured practice, interactive discussions, and multimedia tools in a virtual environment.
- Assessed student progress through varied evaluations and collaborated with colleagues to continuously refine online teaching strategies.
Kindergarten Teacher
Our Redeemer Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten
Oxnard, USA
10.2022 - 07.2023
- Designed and delivered differentiated, engaging lessons that supported academic growth, creativity, and social-emotional development.
- Created a structured, inclusive classroom environment through clear expectations, effective management, and strong relationships with students and families.
- Assessed student progress using varied evaluation methods and integrated technology and collaboration to enhance learning outcomes.
Substitute Teacher (Grades K-12)
Hawaii DOE
Honolulu, HI
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Maintained safe, orderly classroom environments while delivering organized lessons and engaging activities.
- Facilitated discussions to promote critical thinking, student participation, and exploratory learning.
- Collaborated with teachers to ensure instructional continuity and used technology to enhance presentations.
Student Teacher
Waiʻalae Elementary Public Charter School & Waipahu Elementary
08.2020 - 05.2022
- Supported multilingual kindergarten students through engaging, standards-aligned lessons and individualized learning plans tailored to diverse needs.
- Promoted active participation and critical thinking using effective questioning techniques, ongoing assessment, and collaborative progress monitoring.
- Maintained a structured, positive classroom environment and partnered with teachers and families to foster academic and social development.
After-School A+ Program Leader (Grades K-5)
Mānoa Elementary School
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Supervised elementary students and maintained a safe, structured environment during after-school activities.
- Planned and facilitated engaging academic, recreational, and enrichment activities tailored to diverse needs.
- Supported homework completion, encouraged positive social interactions, and communicated regularly with families and staff.
Coach
Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy
Camas, USA
07.2016 - 06.2017
- Instructed gymnasts on safe equipment use and proper technique, adapting coaching methods to individual skill levels.
- Tracked athlete progress, set goals, and maintained open communication with parents, coaches, and staff.
- Organized events and created tailored warm-up routines to support a positive, engaging, and safe training environment.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Elementary Education and Multilingual Learning
University of Hawaiʻi At Mānoa
05-2022
Skills
- Lesson Planning & Curriculum Development – Create standards-aligned, engaging, and differentiated lesson plans
- Technology Integration – Utilize Google Classroom, Docs, Slides, and Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for instruction and communication
- Distance Learning & Student Engagement – Implement interactive virtual teaching strategies via Zoom and other digital platforms
- Classroom & Time Management – Maintain structured and efficient online learning environments
- Student Assessment & Progress Monitoring – Evaluate student learning through formative and summative assessments
- Differentiated Instruction & Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) – Adapt lessons to diverse learning needs and abilities
- Parent-Teacher Collaboration – Foster strong communication and partnerships with families to support student success
- Cultural Awareness & Empathy – Create an inclusive learning environment that values diversity and student well-being
- Problem-Solving & Team Collaboration – Work closely with colleagues to develop innovative instructional approaches
- Professional Development & Continuous Learning – Stay updated on best practices in education and instructional technology
Certification
- Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and Multilingual Learning
- TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) Certified
- Substitute Teaching License
- First Aid, CPR, and AED Certified
Affiliations
- Clubs: Surfrider Foundation, FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America)
- Hobbies: Reading, surfing, gardening, cooking, ceramics, hula
References
- Dr. Brook de Sousa Chapman, (808) 489-0230, ebsoua@hawaii.edu
- Alysha Isono, (808) 225-2909, aisono@waialae.edu
- Peggy Shreiber, (805) 983-0612, office@lcoor.org
Timeline
1st Grade Teacher
Waiʻalae Elementary Public Charter School
10.2024 - Current
Online English Teacher (All Ages)
Preply
01.2024 - 09.2024
Kindergarten Teacher
Our Redeemer Lutheran Preschool and Kindergarten
10.2022 - 07.2023
Substitute Teacher (Grades K-12)
Hawaii DOE
08.2021 - 06.2022
Student Teacher
Waiʻalae Elementary Public Charter School & Waipahu Elementary
08.2020 - 05.2022
After-School A+ Program Leader (Grades K-5)
Mānoa Elementary School
08.2018 - 05.2019
Coach
Vancouver Elite Gymnastics Academy
07.2016 - 06.2017
Bachelor's Degree - Elementary Education and Multilingual Learning
University of Hawaiʻi At Mānoa
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