Karina Flores
Brownsville,TX
Summary
Dynamic educator with a strong background in fostering student connections to enhance engagement and academic success. Skilled in designing and implementing diverse instructional strategies that immerse students in learning. Demonstrated success in classroom management and tailored support for students with different abilities. Passionate about cultivating a growth mindset and serving as a role model for lifelong learning.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning Instructional Specialist
The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Brownsville, Texas
11.2025 - Current
- Provides instruction and tutoring to students on an individual or group basis in areas related to areas such as reading, writing, mathematics, English as a second language, study skills, and English. Other areas of content may be incorporated as needed.
- Maintains and submits a variety of records and reports including student attendance, lesson plans, daily activities, student progress, and workshop and meeting participation.
- Develops curricula, course outlines, instructional methods, training aids, manuals and other materials.
- Formulates learning objectives, plans, and develops methods for assessment and evaluation of trainings.
- Participates in outreach activities including activities such as classroom assistance team, presentation team, follow-ups, and exercise handouts.
- Facilitates program activities, to include classes, trainings, conferences, seminars, and/or other special projects.
- Serves as student liaison and advocate with faculty and staff.
- Provides appropriate classroom environment through the use of presentation and classroom appearance.
- Develops and maintains a classroom environment conducive to effective learning.
- Supervises learning activities and maintains classroom discipline.
- Evaluates students learning concurrent with instruction; determines deficiencies through assessment scores and testing and submits recommendations and opinions according to evaluations.
- May respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
Substitute Teacher
Kokua Education
Brownsville, Tx
08.2025 - 11.2025
- Delivered engaging lessons in diverse subjects to maintain classroom continuity.
- Managed classroom behavior to create a positive learning environment for students.
- Supervised student activities during recess and lunch periods for safety and engagement.
- Encouraged positive behavior among students through effective communication techniques.
- Provided classroom instruction outlined in teacher's lesson plans.
- Enforced classroom routines to keep students on schedule and operating at consistent level.
- Provided instruction and guidance to students in the absence of a regular teacher.
- Promoted a safe and secure atmosphere within the classroom setting.
- Implemented school policies and procedures in the classroom.
- Monitored student progress throughout the day.
- Engaged students in discussions to promote interest and drive learning.
- Provided notes and reports on school day activities to primary teacher.
- Ensured that each student had access to appropriate materials and resources.
- Educated students in various subjects to provide seamless transition during absence of head teacher.
- Remained up-to-date with emergency procedures to keep students and staff safe in emergency events.
- Provided feedback on assignments or projects given by the regular teacher.
Teacher
SOUTHWEST KEY PROGRAMS
Brownsville, TX
08.2021 - 03.2025
- Created safe, inclusive classroom environment fostering respect and rapport among diverse students.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
- Organized and prepared instructional materials while managing classroom inventory effectively.
- Developed project-based lesson plans tailored to individual academic levels and learning objectives.
- Prepared comprehensive class material for core subjects, including math, science, and language arts.
- Monitored student academic progress to inform report card development and address low performance.
- Implemented strategic seating arrangements and differentiated activities to engage students of varying levels.
- Established and enforced classroom behavior rules, clearly communicating expectations to students.
- Planned and executed educational activities, collaborating with teammates on seasonal events.
- Identified and documented learning achievements by reporting outcomes, performance information and program adjustments used to boost comprehension.
- Scheduled tutoring sessions to help students improve grades and gain better grasp course material.
- Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Performed student background reviews to ascertain learning deficiencies and strengths to develop tailored lessons based on student needs.
- Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
- Prepared and graded subject tests for students.
- Led students through safety procedures for active shooter and fire drills.
- Tutored students requiring extra help and gave additional practice work to help improve concept understanding.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Tested students' comprehension of subject matter through quizzes, tests and projects.
Fiscal Tech & Accountant Assistant
CITY OF BROWNSVILLE
Brownsville, TX
08.2019 - 02.2021
- Provided administrative support to Assistant Director and Director of Finance Department.
- Maintained customer financial information and files.
- Assisted accountants with fixed asset reports, bank statement reconciliation, and TML updates.
- Maintained up-to-date monthly statements for vendors.
- Addressed invoice discrepancies by contacting relevant departments daily.
- Prepared and processed weekly check runs for vendors.
- Executed weekly ACH payments for vendors.
- Resolved purchase order and memo discrepancies with purchasing department.
- Delivered exceptional customer service regarding invoices and payment inquiries.
- Demonstrated strong problem-solving skills, resolving issues efficiently and effectively.
Accounts Payable
CARTER FUEL SYSTEMS
Brownsville, TX
03.2018 - 03.2019
- Provided comprehensive administrative support to Finance Department and Controller.
- Prepared accounts payable paperwork necessary to process invoices.
- Reviewed and processed invoices for national and international vendors.
- Prepared weekly check runs and ACH payments, ensuring accurate disbursement.
- Reconciled vendor statements and resolved discrepancies promptly.
- Verified entries by reconciling processed work with system reports.
- Maintained organized Accounts Payable files for efficient retrieval.
- Responded to auditor requests by preparing necessary documentation.
- Contacted vendors daily to address invoice discrepancies and updated statements.
- Interfaced and responded to inquiries to correct accounts payable discrepancies.
- Reconciled accounts payable documents, including invoices to facilitate payments.
Receptionist
DR. SHELIA BAILEY
Brownsville, TX
02.2018 - 03.2018
- Greeted patients and ensured a welcoming environment.
- Developed and maintained a filing system for essential documents, improving office organization.
- Delivered administrative support to team members by making copies, sending faxes, organizing documents and rearranging schedules.
- Handled customer inquiries and complaints, providing timely and appropriate solutions.
- Updated and recorded customer or client information to maintain accounts.
- Confirmed appointments to maintain accurate scheduling.
- Assisted patients with completing necessary paperwork.
- Answered phone calls and managed patient record filing.
- Served as interpreter for Dr. Shelia and patients, facilitating clear communication.
- Updated patient profiles and documentation for accuracy and compliance.
Office Assistant / Accounting Clerk
RICARDO GONZALEZ CUSTOMS BROKER LLC
Brownsville, TX
08.2017 - 02.2018
- Scheduled shipping orders for clients via email and Excel reports daily.
- Organized files, developed spreadsheets, faxed reports and scanned documents to improve organizational workflow.
- Provided customer service, addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly.
- Managed 10-line telephone system to direct calls efficiently.
- Maintained and updated databases, including mailing and contact lists.
- Processed documents by faxing, scanning, and copying as required.
- Executed filing and general administrative tasks for office organization.
- Balanced accounts receivable and payable daily while updating accounting journals.
- Prepared customer invoices and monitored accounts for nonpayment.
- Ensured accuracy of invoices by checking, verifying, and processing them.
- Conducted data entry tasks with a high level of accuracy and efficiency.
- Maintained filing systems, both electronic and physical, for easy document retrieval.
- Managed daily office operations and maintained a clean and efficient workspace.
- Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information and documents.
- Utilized office equipment such as printers, copiers, and fax machines efficiently.
Cashier/ Sales Representative
KORNER MARKET
Brownsville, TX
03.2017 - 08.2017
- Assisted manager in monthly inventory ordering to ensure optimal stock levels.
- Operated cash register or POS system to receive payment by cash, check and credit card.
- Preserved appearance of store by arranging and replenishing displays and merchandise racks.
- Accepted cash and credit card payments, issued receipts and provided change.
- Trained four new employees to enhance operational precision.
- Greeted customers, guiding them to desired merchandise.
- Maintained daily cash on hand reports to ensure accuracy.
- Balanced daily sales, WIC, and gas reports for financial integrity.
- Managed cash handling processes to safeguard store assets.
Cashier/ Fashion Consultant
A'GACI
Brownsville, TX
11.2015 - 03.2017
- Greeted customers upon entry and exit to enhance store experience.
- Operated cash register or POS system to receive payment by cash, check and credit card.
- Preserved appearance of store by arranging and replenishing displays and merchandise racks.
- Answered customer questions and provided store information.
- Completed outfits and complemented clothing selections with carefully curated accessories.
- Addressed customer needs to ensure satisfaction and loyalty.
- Resolved customer complaints while providing relevant information and guidance.
- Monitored store activities for loss prevention, safeguarding company assets.
- Processed cash and card transactions efficiently using cash registers.
- Participated in floor sets, contributing to store redecoration efforts.
- Engaged in inventory control tasks to maintain stock accuracy.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY
Brownsville, TX12.2020
High School Diploma -
HOMER HANNA HIGH SCHOOL
Brownsville, TX06.2015
Skills
- Classroom management
- Digital literacy
- Lesson planning
- Effective presentation
- Observation and assessment
- Group instruction
- Behavior management
- Lesson delivery
- Student motivation
- Task prioritization
- Flexible and adaptive
- Cultural sensitivity
- Project-based learning
- IEP planning
- Special education
- Leadership skills
- Team collaboration
- Time management
- Interpersonal communication
- Patience and empathy
- Problem-solving abilities
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Reliability and dependability
- Teamwork dynamics
- Verbal and written communication
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Excel expertise
- QuickBooks knowledge
- Data entry skills
- Telephone system operation
- Fax machine usage
- Typewriter familiarity
- Computer literacy
- Organizational skills
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking capabilities
- Customer service focus
- Accuracy in tasks
Volunteer Experience
- IRS - VITA, Volunteer, I completed and successfully certified in tax law training through Hanna High School's VITA Program. I got the experience of working with electronic filing software to provide free tax return preparations for eligible taxpayers.
- STEM, Group leader, I lead a group of middle schoolers through the different STEM activities that were provided at the University of Texas at the Edinburg Campus.
- TMC - Texas Migrant Council Head-start, Volunteer, Assisted TMC teachers with organizing activities, and supervision of children.
Accomplishments
- Teacher of the month
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Learning Instructional Specialist
The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley
11.2025 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Kokua Education
08.2025 - 11.2025
Teacher
SOUTHWEST KEY PROGRAMS
08.2021 - 03.2025
Fiscal Tech & Accountant Assistant
CITY OF BROWNSVILLE
08.2019 - 02.2021
Accounts Payable
CARTER FUEL SYSTEMS
03.2018 - 03.2019
Receptionist
DR. SHELIA BAILEY
02.2018 - 03.2018
Office Assistant / Accounting Clerk
RICARDO GONZALEZ CUSTOMS BROKER LLC
08.2017 - 02.2018
Cashier/ Sales Representative
KORNER MARKET
03.2017 - 08.2017
Cashier/ Fashion Consultant
A'GACI
11.2015 - 03.2017
Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY
High School Diploma -
HOMER HANNA HIGH SCHOOL