Work Preference
Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Designation and Distinction
Generic
Open To Work

Karen Thomas

Katy

Work Preference

Job Search Status

Open to work
Desired start date: Open to discussion

Desired Job Title

Curriculum DeveloperCurriculum WriterTraining SpecialistTraining Manager

Work Type

Full Time

Location Preference

RemoteHybridOn-Site
Location: Katy, TXTyler, TX
Open to relocation: Yes

Salary Range

$75000/yr - $200000/yr

Important To Me

Work-life balanceWork from home optionPaid time offHealthcare benefitsPersonal development programsPaid sick leave401k match4-day work weekCareer advancementCompany CultureFlexible work hoursStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing

Summary

Dynamic instructional designer and educator with extensive experience in crafting engaging, standards-aligned curricula and training materials. Proven ability to lead collaborative teams, design effective learning pathways, and enhance educational outcomes through data-driven decision-making. Recognized for adaptability and reliability, with a talent for translating complex concepts into accessible learning experiences. Expertise in curriculum writing, instructional planning, and utilizing educational technology and LMS platforms to elevate both student and adult learning.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Middle School Teacher

Katy Independent School District - Stockdick Junior High
Katy, TX
08.2024 - Current
  • Created and aligned curriculum frameworks with TEKS standards, focusing on real-world applications to promote literacy skills among middle school students.
  • Developed and curated over 50 instructional resources, featuring rubrics, exemplars, anchor charts, and student guides, to facilitate and improve literacy education.
  • Developed and executed accountable talk routines and targeted questioning strategies, resulting in improved student performance in text analysis assessments.
  • Facilitated collaboration among grade-level teams to model and reinforce best practices in literacy instruction.
  • Conducted thorough analysis of student assessment data to facilitate targeted curriculum adjustments.
  • Identified and interpreted data trends with administrators and instructional coaches to inform and refine instructional practices for better student outcomes in reading and writing.

Elementary School Teacher

Katy Independent School District - Faldyn Elementary
Katy, TX
08.2023 - 05.2024

Designed and implemented a comprehensive literacy curriculum incorporating real‑world reading and writing tasks, increasing student engagement by 50% and improving reading/writing proficiency scores by 55% over the school year.

• Created 25+ instructional resources—including scaffolds, exemplars, rubrics, and student-friendly guides—that improved clarity of learning expectations and increased student independence during literacy tasks by 50%.

• Developed and delivered structured guided practice routines, differentiated independent learning tasks, and targeted supports for complex concepts, resulting in a 55% increase in student mastery on TEKS‑aligned assessments.

• Collaborated with grade‑level teams, specialists, and PLCs to evaluate instructional alignment, review benchmark and formative data, and enhance curriculum design—contributing to a 55% improvement in literacy outcomes across the grade level.

• Utilized formative assessments, exit tickets, and real‑time progress‑monitoring tools to track student growth and adjust instruction, leading to a 55% increase in proficiency among diverse learners, including multilingual and struggling readers.

Middle School Teacher

School District of Osceola County - Westside K8
Kissimmee, FL
11.2021 - 05.2023
  • Created dynamic lesson plans aimed at enhancing student understanding and participation in the learning process.
  • Developed and applied tailored instructional methods to address varied learning needs of students effectively.

4th Grade ELAR (FL LAFS Standards)

  • Designed LAFS‑aligned ELAR units using backward planning, real‑world tasks, and text‑based assessments to strengthen foundational reading and writing skills.
  • Developed high‑quality literacy resources—including writing guides, scaffolds for complex texts, and evidence‑based routines (annotation, discussion, guided writing)—to improve comprehension and engagement.
  • Collaborated within PLCs to refine instruction, review data, and implement collaborative literacy projects that promoted critical thinking, communication, and measurable student growth.

7th Grade U.S. History (NGSSS)

  • Created NGSSS‑aligned history curriculum emphasizing inquiry, primary‑source analysis, academic vocabulary, and document‑based assessments.
  • Developed instructional supports, such as writing frames, graphic organizers, targeted questioning routines, and structured discussions to scaffold complex historical texts and strengthen historical thinking.
  • Led team collaboration and data‑driven refinement, guiding project‑based learning, facilitating civic‑focused research activities, and providing actionable feedback through multiple assessment methods.

High School Teacher

School District of Osceola County - Celebration High School
Celebration, FL
12.2018 - 11.2021
  • Crafted comprehensive ELAR curriculum and units to enhance literary analysis, argumentation, and real-world communication skills.
  • Created comprehensive instructional materials to enhance student independence and readiness for college-level work.
  • Applied targeted literacy strategies to enhance comprehension and analytical skills through close reading, Socratic seminars, modeled writing, guided annotation, and structured peer review.
  • Implemented tailored instructional strategies for ACT/SAT preparation, ensuring continuity and engagement during COVID-19 through in-person and online platforms.
  • Analyzed performance data and adapted instructional methods to address real-time student needs and assessment trends.

Middle School Teacher

School District of Osceola County - Denn John Middle School
Kissimmee, FL
08.2013 - 12.2018
  • Created and executed instructional units that aligned with standards, incorporating real-world performance tasks and guided writing to foster mastery of priority standards among students.
  • Developed a diverse range of instructional materials aimed at improving student performance and engagement in writing and reading assessments.
  • Coordinated curriculum alignment efforts among four educators, emphasizing best practices and data-driven decisions to effectively reduce content gaps.
  • Designed and implemented comprehensive training programs for new teachers, resulting in significant advancements in school-wide literacy outcomes.
  • Enhanced daily instruction by incorporating WICOR routines, resulting in a 90% increase in student utilization of organizational and collaborative strategies.

Stay At Home Mother and Business Owner

Cy-Rides
Cypress, TX
01.2011 - 01.2013
  • Coordinated transportation logistics for children, focusing on safety standards and timely execution of schedules.
  • Analyzed current processes and instituted effective resource management strategies to improve operational efficiency.
  • Identified key industry trends and implemented focused marketing campaigns to boost brand recognition and encourage customer interaction.

Elementary School Teacher

Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District - McFee Elementary School
Katy, TX
01.2008 - 01.2011
  • Facilitated targeted literacy instruction by integrating read-alouds, guided reading, phonics routines, and structured independent practice to promote student learning outcomes.
  • Created and implemented instructional charts and rubrics aimed at promoting engagement and clarity in literacy programs.
  • Created and implemented structured tutoring sessions during recess and Saturday camps, concentrating on elevating mastery levels for participating students.
  • Executed comprehensive data analysis alongside grade-level teams and specialists to refine instructional approaches and elevate literacy standards.
  • Evaluated and improved classroom management practices to support instructional effectiveness and promote a positive learning environment.

6th - 8th Accelerated Reading Intervention Program Teacher

Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District - Dean Middle School
Houston, TX
01.2007 - 01.2008
  • Designed and implemented lesson plans for grades 6–8, ensuring targeted interventions met the diverse literacy needs of students requiring additional support.
  • Developed and curated 10+ instructional resources that promoted collaborative learning and optimized lesson delivery strategies.
  • Analyzed student performance data meticulously to develop targeted instructional strategies aimed at minimizing misplacement occurrences.
  • Developed and maintained routines and communication methods that significantly improved engagement among varied student populations.
  • Facilitated the creation of educational resources and interventions in partnership with reading teachers to elevate campus literacy benchmarks.

Exceptional Student Education Aide

School District of Hillsborough County - Helen A. Davis Elementary School
Tampa, FL
01.2005 - 01.2006
  • Created and structured educational materials to enhance teaching effectiveness.
  • Developed and implemented interactive educational programs to boost student participation and academic performance.
  • Created and implemented dynamic learning experiences aimed at boosting student participation and academic success.
  • Collaborated with educators to develop and organize instructional resources to improve student learning outcomes.

Customer Service Representative

Continental Airlines
Tampa, FL
06.1998 - 08.2001
  • Guided customers in refining travel reservations to ensure enhanced satisfaction and seamless experiences.
  • Enhanced customer satisfaction through timely inquiry resolution and proactive issue management.
  • Delivered prompt solutions to customer inquiries and issues to enhance service satisfaction.

Education

Master of Science - Business Administration

Strayer University
Florida, Tampa
12-2005

BBA - Business Administration And Management

Strayer University
Tampa, FL
09-2006

Associate of Arts - Business Administration

Strayer University
Florida, Tampa
12-2005

Skills

  • Instructional Design & Lesson Planning
  • Learning Assessments & Data Analysis
  • Student Engagement & Teaching Strategies
  • Differentiated & Adaptive Instruction
  • Classroom Management & Organizational Skills
  • Collaboration, Communication & Customer Service
  • Critical Thinking & Problem‑Solving
  • Standards Alignment & Curriculum Development
  • Rubric Development, Editing & Proofreading
  • Learning Management Systems & E‑Learning Platforms

Accomplishments

  • Recognized for outstanding teaching and dedication to student service.
  • Collaborated with department and faculty members to design a year-round standard-based curriculum.
  • Spearheaded a student literacy initiative that increased reading comprehension through targeted incentives and engagement strategies.

Certification

  • Driver's License
  • TX - Generalist Grades (4-8)
  • TX - English as a Second Language Supplemental Grades (4-8)
  • FL - Elementary Education
  • FL - English for Speakers of Other Languages
  • FL - K-12 Reading Endorsement

Languages

English
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Middle School Teacher

Katy Independent School District - Stockdick Junior High
08.2024 - Current

Elementary School Teacher

Katy Independent School District - Faldyn Elementary
08.2023 - 05.2024

Middle School Teacher

School District of Osceola County - Westside K8
11.2021 - 05.2023

High School Teacher

School District of Osceola County - Celebration High School
12.2018 - 11.2021

Middle School Teacher

School District of Osceola County - Denn John Middle School
08.2013 - 12.2018

Stay At Home Mother and Business Owner

Cy-Rides
01.2011 - 01.2013

Elementary School Teacher

Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District - McFee Elementary School
01.2008 - 01.2011

6th - 8th Accelerated Reading Intervention Program Teacher

Cypress Fairbanks Independent School District - Dean Middle School
01.2007 - 01.2008

Exceptional Student Education Aide

School District of Hillsborough County - Helen A. Davis Elementary School
01.2005 - 01.2006

Customer Service Representative

Continental Airlines
06.1998 - 08.2001

Master of Science - Business Administration

Strayer University

BBA - Business Administration And Management

Strayer University

Associate of Arts - Business Administration

Strayer University

Designation and Distinction

TIA Recognized Designation

Earned the Texas Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) “Recognized” designation, awarded to top‑performing educators for exceptional student outcomes and instructional effectiveness. This five‑year merit distinction signifies high-impact teaching and generates additional state funding for the district, highlighting excellence in classroom performance and student growth.