Kari Pliaconis
Manhattan Beach,CA
Summary
Dynamic, student-centered educational leader with 18+ years of experience in instruction and school administration. Proven ability to lead high-performing teams, oversee special education programs, and build inclusive learning environments that support all students. Skilled in instructional leadership, staff development, strategic planning, and collaborative problem-solving with families and stakeholders. Known for clear communication, strong follow-through, and maintaining a calm, solutions-focused approach while driving continuous school improvement and student success.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice Principal
Manhattan Beach Middle School
Manhattan Beach, CA
07.2025 - Current
- Oversee Special Education department, supervising 40+ aides and 6 case carriers; lead staff training and development, and actively participate in IEP meetings to ensure student success and compliance.
- Facilitated communication between staff, students, and parents to enhance school community engagement.
- Assisted in developing and implementing school-wide policies to promote a positive learning environment.
- Coordinated professional development sessions for teachers to improve instructional practices and student outcomes.
- Monitored student behavior and academic progress, addressing issues promptly to support individual needs.
Multi-Tiered Support System Educator
Manhattan Beach Unified School District
Manhattan Beach, CA
08.2024 - 06.2025
- MTSS Educator; 60% & Ed Services (at the district office) 40%
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with state standards to support Tier 3/the most impacted, struggling students in reading and math intervention, grades K-5
- Collaborated with stake holders on progress monitoring in data conversations
- Reported data at the district level for LCAP purposes
- Lead an elementary math text book adoption
- Ran, planned, coached, and hosted a district-wide elementary math competition
- Took the top mathematicians to a county competition at LACOE
Educator: 2nd & 5th Grades, Science Specialist
Grand View Elementary
Manhattan Beach, CA
08.2010 - 06.2024
- Served as administrator designee
- Facilitated Student Success Team meetings as SST site coordinator
- Advocated for my grade level team on the leadership Committee
- Supported School as personalized Learning Lead
- Contributed to shaping MBUSD's literacy program by serving on the Writing Workshop and Literacy committees
- Lead Student Council as the mentor teacher
Educator: 2nd Grade & 5th Grade Math and Science
Westwood Charter School
Westwood, CA
08.2007 - 06.2010
- Assumed Leadership roles early in my career
- Served as team leader in my second year at the school
- Coached colleagues at the literacy demonstration class
- Hired new educators on the school's hiring committee
- Rewrote the school's charter with the charter team
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Montessori School of Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach, CA
06.2001 - 08.2007
- Taught the youngest children with creative methods to foster age appropriate play
- Assisted lead educators in implementing Montessori principles and individualized learning plans.
- Facilitated small group activities to enhance social skills and cognitive development among children.
- Observed child interactions, documenting behavioral patterns to inform personalized teaching strategies.
Education
Master of Arts - School Administration
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA12-2018
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA05-2007
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies: Human Behavior
California State University, Long Beach
Long Beach, CA12-2005
Skills
- Visionary Leadership
- Head of Special Education Department
- Instructional Leader, emphasis in classroom management
- Confident & Effective Public Speaker
- Organizational Leadership
- Staff Management
- Discipline Management
- Specialize in Student and Parent Relations
- Department Collaboration & Oversight
Timeline
Vice Principal
Manhattan Beach Middle School
07.2025 - Current
Multi-Tiered Support System Educator
Manhattan Beach Unified School District
08.2024 - 06.2025
Educator: 2nd & 5th Grades, Science Specialist
Grand View Elementary
08.2010 - 06.2024
Educator: 2nd Grade & 5th Grade Math and Science
Westwood Charter School
08.2007 - 06.2010
Early Childhood Educator Assistant
Montessori School of Manhattan Beach
06.2001 - 08.2007
Master of Arts - School Administration
Loyola Marymount University
Master of Arts - Elementary Education
Loyola Marymount University
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies: Human Behavior
California State University, Long Beach