Karen Natalie Lopez Garcia
San Diego,CA
Summary
Dedicated and student-centered educator with over six years of experience supporting students in general and special education settings. Experienced in mathematics instruction, classroom management, differentiated learning strategies, and supporting students with autism and significant support needs. Skilled in adapting instructional approaches to meet diverse learning needs, fostering inclusive and engaging classroom environments, and collaborating with educators to promote academic achievement and student growth. Committed to empowering students to build confidence, develop essential skills, and reach their full academic potential.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Day to Day Visiting Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
San Diego, California
08.2026 - Current
- Provides instructional coverage for teachers across various grade levels and subject areas to maintain classroom continuity and support student learning.
- Implement lesson plans and instructional materials provided by classroom teachers to ensure alignment with established learning objectives and curriculum standards.
- Collaborated with school staff and administrators to address daily instructional needs and ensure adherence to school policies and procedures.
- Cultivated positive, structured, and inclusive classroom environment, enhancing student engagement and academic success.
- Adapted instructional approaches to meet diverse student learning needs and align with classroom expectations.
- Apply effective classroom management strategies to maintain student participation, promote positive behavior, and ensure a safe learning environment.
NWR Recreation Assistant (Fitness)
Navy Life Southwest
Point Loma, CA
07.2025 - Current
- Oversaw daily operations at Point Loma Navy Base fitness center, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all patrons.
- Supported Navy Life Southwest recreation programs and community events.
- Managed facility reservations for fitness, leisure, and outdoor activities.
- Assisted patrons with equipment checkout and program information.
Substitute Paraeducator
San Diego Unified School District
San Diego, CA
02.2024 - Current
- Provided individualized instructional and classroom support to students with diverse learning needs, enhancing learning experiences for students with autism and significant support needs.
- Assisted students with academic activities, communication, daily routines, and the development of functional and independent living skills.
- Support the implementation of teacher-directed instructional strategies and individualized student support plans.
- Promoted positive behavior and student engagement through consistent routines and tailored support strategies, fostering social-emotional development.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers, special education staff, and other school personnel to enhance student learning, inclusion, and overall well-being.
- Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment tailored to students' individual abilities and needs.
Math Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
San Diego, CA
10.2025 - 05.2026
- Transitioned from a long-term substitute teacher to a part-time contracted mathematics teacher following credential clearance.
- Delivered mathematics instruction to two sixth-grade classes and one seventh-grade class, while also facilitating a sixth-grade advisory class.
- Implemented the Amplify Desmos Math curriculum to support student learning and align instruction with grade-level mathematics standards.
- Collaborated with seventh-grade mentor teacher Ms. Latuszek and sixth-grade teacher Ms. Grantham to support instructional planning, curriculum alignment, and student success.
- Adapted curriculum materials and assessments as needed to address students’ learning needs and support understanding of mathematical concepts.
Substitute Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
San Diego, CA
01.2025 - 09.2025
- Provided classroom instruction across multiple subject and grade levels. I worked primarily at Hoover high school. I substituted for my mentor teacher and I also substituted for the special education department at Hoover. I obtained a long-term substitute position as a summer school special education teacher.
Teacher Assistant
San Jose State University Child Development Center
San Jose, CA
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Assisted lead teachers with classroom instruction, student supervision, and educational activities supporting child development.
Teacher
Champions Extended Learning
San Jose, CA
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Supervised and instructed students in after-school and extended learning programs while fostering a safe and engaging environment.
Behavior Technician
Behavior Learning Partners
San Jose & San Diego, CA
11.2022 - 01.2023
- Provided behavioral support services for children with autism and collaborated with families and educational staff to support student success.
Paraeducator
Cajon Valley Union School District
El Cajon, CA
05.2021 - 06.2022
- Supported classroom instruction and worked closely with students requiring additional academic and behavioral support.
Paraeducator
San Diego Unified School District
San Diego, CA
08.2019 - 08.2020
- Assisted teachers in classroom instruction and supported students with diverse learning needs at Franklin Elementary School.
Customer Service Representative
Charter Communications
San Diego, CA
02.2018 - 06.2019
- Provided customer support, resolved account issues, and demonstrated strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Education
Single Subject Mathematics Preliminary Credential -
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA12-2025
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA12-2024
Associate of Science - Mathematics
San Diego City College
San Diego, CA05-2022
High School Diploma -
Altus Charter School
San Diego, CA01-2015
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Mathematics Instruction (Grades 6–7, 9-11)
- Student Support and Academic Assistance
- Special Education Support
- Autism Support and Significant Support Needs
- Behavioral Support and Positive Behavior Strategies
- Differentiated Instruction and Diverse Learning Strategies
- Lesson Planning and Curriculum Implementation
- Curriculum Adaptation and Assessment Development
- Student Engagement and Relationship Building
- Individualized Instructional Support
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Bilingual Communication
- Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
- Time Management and Organization
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Classroom Supervision and Student Safety
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Amplify Desmos Math Curriculum
- Inclusive Learning Environments
LANGUAGES
English, Spanish
AWARDS
Health Information Technology Certificate, Completed certification focused on healthcare technology systems and information management., Preliminary Mathematics Credential, Earned preliminary credential for teaching mathematics in secondary education settings.
Timeline
Day to Day Visiting Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
08.2026 - Current
Math Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
10.2025 - 05.2026
NWR Recreation Assistant (Fitness)
Navy Life Southwest
07.2025 - Current
Substitute Teacher
San Diego Unified School District
01.2025 - 09.2025
Substitute Paraeducator
San Diego Unified School District
02.2024 - Current
Behavior Technician
Behavior Learning Partners
11.2022 - 01.2023
Teacher Assistant
San Jose State University Child Development Center
07.2022 - 07.2023
Teacher
Champions Extended Learning
07.2022 - 07.2023
Paraeducator
Cajon Valley Union School District
05.2021 - 06.2022
Paraeducator
San Diego Unified School District
08.2019 - 08.2020
Customer Service Representative
Charter Communications
02.2018 - 06.2019
Single Subject Mathematics Preliminary Credential -
San Diego State University
Bachelor of Science - Mathematics
San Diego State University
Associate of Science - Mathematics
San Diego City College
High School Diploma -
Altus Charter School