Kara Pierce
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Professional educator. Proven track record of developing engaging lesson plans that foster a positive learning environment. Strong skills in classroom management, curriculum planning, and student assessment. Especially effective in implementing targeted early literacy assessment and instruction that meets the needs of struggling readers. Reliable team player known for effective communication and adaptability to changing needs.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Owner
Chic's Beach CrossFit
01.2024 - Current
- Collaborated with the gym director to align programming and class schedules with member feedback and seasonal trends, optimizing engagement and retention.
- Executed marketing and social media strategies to attract new members, promote community events, showcase member success and growth, and increase visibility.
- Forged partnerships with local youth sports programs to offer practice space and sport-specific conditioning programs, expanding gym reach and community presence.
- Designed, sourced, and promoted branded merchandise to enhance gym identity, drive retail revenue, and build community loyalty among members.
Co-Founder
Little Laxers
01.2023 - Current
- Developed marketing materials and campaigns to boost brand awareness and customer engagement.
- Established foundational processes for business operations.
- Recruited, interviewed and hired new staff members and developed training materials for employees.
- Designed, implemented, and adapted age appropriate lacrosse curriculum for children ages 3-8, focusing on skill development, coordination, and teamwork.
- Led on field coaching in foundational skills and sportsmanship in an engaging and fun environment.
Superhost
Airbnb
02.2012 - Current
- Maintained top-rated "Superhost" status by consistently providing exceptional hospitality, communication, and cleanliness.
- Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews: Earned the trust and satisfaction of guests from around the world, resulting in a high volume of glowing reviews and repeat bookings.
- Successfully managed listing, optimized occupancy rates, and delivered seamless stays with personalized touches and local insight.
First Grade Teacher
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2011
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles, ensuring all students made progress towards academic goals.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need for individual students and adjusted teaching methods accordingly.
- Served as general education teacher in an inclusion classroom, collaborating closely with one special education teacher and two assistants, to support students through differentiation and shared planning.
- Coached, mentored, and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
- Met with parents and IEP team to review Individualized Education Plans.
Early Literacy Support - PALS
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2007
- Identified struggling students and provided additional support through tutoring sessions.
- Enhanced literacy skills with targeted reading instruction.
- Documented intervention efforts and supported schoolwide PALS assessment and progress monitoring for K-3 students.
Title 1 Teacher
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2006 - 06.2007
- Utilized data-driven approaches to differentiate instruction, addressing the unique needs of each student for optimal progress.
- Interpreted student assessment data and teacher feedback to ascertain best intervention methods.
- Designed engaging project-based learning activities, allowing students to explore real-world applications of course content.
- Delivered targeted phonemic awareness instruction to at risk kindergarten readers to meet needs determined by assessment data from the beginning and end of the year.
Education
Post Master's Certificate - Literacy Leadership
College of William And Mary
Williamsburg, VA01-2024
M.Ed. - Reading
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA05.2008
Bachelor of Science - Education
Messiah University
Grantham, PA05.2005
Skills
- Small business operations
- Relationship building
- Verbal and written communication
- Curriculum development and lesson planning
- Examining data to determine instructional needs
Accomplishments
- Served as Parent Ambassador for three years at Norfolk Christian Schools, serving as a liaison between class families and teachers to coordinate events, volunteer opportunities, strengthening the class and school community. (2022-2025)
- Homeschooled two children from preschool through fourth grade, developing and delivering comprehensive, age appropriate instruction across core subjects, while actively participating in a co-op for enrichment and learning. (2014-2019)
- Taught in the preschool ministry at Virginia Beach Community Chapel, delivering play centered Bible lessons that fostered biblical understanding and positive interaction. (2022-2024)
- Collaborated with team, planning, and delivering character based lessons in public schools in Soshanguve, South Africa with Kerus Global. (2013)
- Served on the board of Great Commission Resources International, collaborating with a team to evaluate and choose projects, organized and executed fundraising events, and directly secured new donors to fund projects. (2012-2019)
Timeline
Owner
Chic's Beach CrossFit
01.2024 - Current
Co-Founder
Little Laxers
01.2023 - Current
Superhost
Airbnb
02.2012 - Current
First Grade Teacher
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2007 - 06.2011
Early Literacy Support - PALS
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
09.2006 - 06.2007
Title 1 Teacher
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
08.2006 - 06.2007
Post Master's Certificate - Literacy Leadership
College of William And Mary
M.Ed. - Reading
Regent University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Messiah University