Karla S. Garcia
Brownsville
Summary
Dedicated and student-centered educator with experience supporting diverse learners across K-12 settings, including immigrant, ESL, and special education students. Skilled in creating inclusive classroom environments, adapting instruction to meet individual needs, and maintaining strong classroom management. Experienced in delivering engaging, hands-on lessons that promote student growth and participation. Passionate about fostering a positive and supportive learning environment where all students can succeed.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Substitute Teacher
Brownsville Independent School District
10.2026 - Current
- Deliver instruction across multiple grade levels (K-12), adapting lessons to meet diverse student needs.
- Maintain a structured and positive classroom environment in the absence of the regular teacher.
- Implement lesson plans and ensure continuity of instruction.
- Support students with varying academic levels included ESL and special education learners.
- Utilize classroom technology (SMART boards, digital tools) to enhance learning.
Teacher Uncertified I
SouthWestKey Programs
06.2023 - 03.2025
- Created a safe and inclusive classroom environment of respect and rapport to ensure a positive learning experience for youth with diverse backgrounds.
- Responsible for curriculum development which facilitates instruction appropriate for students with a variety of academic competencies, backgrounds, skills and learning needs.
- Promoted a positive climate of learning and excellence where students had the opportunity to enhance their developmental growth.
- Individualized lesson plans to meet each student’s academic level and use effective instructional strategies to meet the academic needs of the students.
Substitute Teacher
Brownsville Independent School District
12.2021 - 06.2023
- Fulfill both short and long-term substitute assignments across all subject areas, effectively teaching students of varied academic/age levels (grades 1-12) and diverse cultural backgrounds
- Instruct classes of as many as 24 students
- Adhered to course curriculum and lesson plans assigned by regular teachers
- Adapted to existing lesson plans and accommodate students’ various learning styles, skills and abilities
- Maintain a respectful and curious classroom learning environment
- Incorporated digital technology into learning instruction, including SMART boards
- Communicated lessons covered, class activities, and incidents to absent teacher
Clinical Teaching
J.T Canales Elementary School
08.2020 - 12.2020
- Worked alongside a 2nd grade cooperating teacher where practical knowledge was being applied through a virtual setting.
- Developed and implemented unit lessons (English Language Arts, Science, Social Studies and Math)
- Taught lessons to the whole class via Google Meet incorporating Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) to the lessons.
- Participated in teacher conferences and staff meetings.
- Incorporated the use of technology in my lessons and classroom activities such as Google Slides, Savas Realize, Seesaw, Brainpop and YouTube.
Read3 Member
HEB/UTRGV/BISD Read3 Partnership Program
Brownsville, Texas
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Conducted a 10-week Pre-Literacy/Nutrition offered in J.T Canales Elementary School
- The Read 3 program was all about engaging the students early, strengthening social skills and helping acclimate young children to a classroom setting before they reach kindergarten.
- Children learn and perform better in school when they have healthy food in their stomachs; hence the program offered a nutritional component. This component was offered only to the participating parent/guardian.
- Parents would be encouraged everyday to read to their children at least three times a week to help build their vocabulary and letter-recognition skills so that the children would be able to use those tools to succeed in school.
- Assisted the HEB Read 3 class sessions every Friday morning.
- Held accountable for Refilling the Read3 Cart each week.
Student Observer
J.T Canales Elementary School
Brownsville, Texas
09.2019 - 12.2019
- Recorded and reflected upon observations from a Pre-K Elementary Classroom.
- Observe and take proper documentation on what and how the teacher was giving the lesson.
- Document the methods and strategies the teacher is using when given the lesson.
- Observe students while they work on activities.
- Helped the students when they had questions.
Student Observer
Daniel Breeden Elementary School
Brownsville, Texas
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Recorded and reflected upon weekly observation from a Second Grade Elementary Classroom
- Observe and take proper documentation on what and how the teacher was given the lesson.
- Walked around the classroom and helped students when they had questions about the assignment they were assigned to do.
- Help the teacher with the classroom duties (putting take-home important papers on students folders, asking one by one for the students' Ipads etc.)
- Work with a small group of students during lessons.
Student Observer
Josephine Castaneda Elementary School
Brownsville, Texas
03.2019 - 06.2019
- Recorded and reflected upon observations from a Fifth Grade Science Elementary Classroom
- Observe and take proper documentation on a booklet on what and how the teacher gave the lessons.
Education
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies - Early Childhood through 6th grade with a concentration on Bilingual Education
The University of Texas Rio Grande
Brownsville, Texas12-2020
Skills
- Language Skills: Fluent in English and Spanish: read, write and speak
- Computer Skills: Proficient at Google Drive (Docs, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Zoom)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Substitute Teacher
Brownsville Independent School District
10.2026 - Current
Teacher Uncertified I
SouthWestKey Programs
06.2023 - 03.2025
Substitute Teacher
Brownsville Independent School District
12.2021 - 06.2023
Clinical Teaching
J.T Canales Elementary School
08.2020 - 12.2020
Read3 Member
HEB/UTRGV/BISD Read3 Partnership Program
09.2019 - 12.2019
Student Observer
J.T Canales Elementary School
09.2019 - 12.2019
Student Observer
Daniel Breeden Elementary School
03.2019 - 06.2019
Student Observer
Josephine Castaneda Elementary School
03.2019 - 06.2019
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies - Early Childhood through 6th grade with a concentration on Bilingual Education
The University of Texas Rio Grande