Kerry Summers
Valencia,CA
Summary
With over 24 years of experience as an educator, I bring a deep enthusiasm for fostering academic and social-emotional growth in a classroom. I am dedicated to enriching student experiences and strongly advocate for the integration of the arts in education. I am experienced in developing innovative lesson plans and fostering a positive learning environment, contributing to increased student engagement and building lifelong learners.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
Work History
Art Teacher
Castaic Union School District
Live Oak & Northlake Hills Elementary Schools
08.2023 - Current
- Designed and implemented an engaging elementary art curriculum aligned with the National Core Art Standards, teaching 1,000+ students from grades TK-6th at two elementary schools.
- Facilitated classroom management, maintaining a positive learning environment conducive for artistic expression, while fostering the students' love for art.
- Created and delivered engaging and diverse lessons embracing the elements of art and principles of design to increase artistic growth.
- Ordered, organized, and maintained art supplies and budget at two elementary schools, ensuring accessibility for all art lessons and levels of students.
- Coordinated and installed art exhibitions, showcasing student work in various places within the community.
- Prepared a school-wide art display of student artwork for Open House, demonstrating the impact of quality arts education on personal growth.
- Coordinated and supervised students on field trips to museums, galleries, or other cultural institutions to broaden students' understanding of the arts.
- Collaborated with other teachers to integrate visual arts concepts across subject areas, fostering a well-rounded educational experience for all students.
- Served as an advocate for the importance of arts education within the school community by participating in relevant meetings and committees.
Elementary School Teacher
Castaic Union School District
Castaic, CA
08.2002 - 07.2023
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans to foster student learning and participation.
- Utilized educational technology tools to enhance interactive classroom experiences.
- Evaluated and assessed student progress regularly, allowing data to drive instructional strategies to meet diverse learning needs.
- Established a positive and inclusive classroom environment through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students.
- Communicated effectively with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication regarding student progress and addressing concerns as needed.
- Mentored and evaluated student teachers by sharing best practices for classroom management and instruction techniques.
- Improved parental involvement through regular newsletters and updates on classroom activities and student achievements.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as field trips and special events, enriching the educational experience for all students involved.
- Coordinated with special education team to develop Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs, implementing accomodations and modifications within the classroom.
Education
Master of Arts - Elemetary Education
University of LaVerne
La Verne, CA05-2002
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
University of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL05-1997
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Classroom management
- Communication
- Organizational skills
- Innovative lesson planning
- Problem-solving skills
- Arts integration
- Curriculum development
- Improving student outcome
Timeline
Art Teacher
Castaic Union School District
08.2023 - Current
Elementary School Teacher
Castaic Union School District
08.2002 - 07.2023
Master of Arts - Elemetary Education
University of LaVerne
Bachelor of Science - Kinesiology
University of Illinois At Chicago
Key Achievements
- Castaic Union School District Award of Excellence - 2010
- Live Oak Elementary School Teacher of the Year - 2018
- Castaic Union School District Teacher of the Year - 2018
- Los Angeles County Top 25 Teachers of the Year - 2018
- California Teacher's Association WHO Award - 2022
- Live Oak Elementary School Leadership Team 2014- 2023
- Reflections Art Program Chairperson 2004- Present
- Kennedy Arts. Center Cohort 2014-2020, 2022- Present
- CTA Negotiations Committee 2017- Present
- Castaic Union School District Arts Committee 2022-Present
- Castaic Union School District Art TOSA 2003- Present (started the program)
- Live Oak Elementary School PBIS Team - 2025- Present
- Grant Acquisitions for Art, Ceramics, Music, STEM, Math, and Language Arts
Passions
- Advocate for the Arts
Built and continually foster partnerships in the community to install and display rotating student artwork throughout the city of Santa Clarita: Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo's office (2024-Present), Santa Clarita Old Town Newhall Library (2023-Present), Community Art Wall at the Westfield Mall (2019-2022), Congressional Art Competition judge (2025).
I run the yearly nationwide PTA Reflections Art Program at Live Oak Elementary School to provide access to the arts and opportunities for recognition.
- Community Building
Committed to building strong community connections and support networks for families and students, especially through the arts. I actively participate in programs that inspire a love of art and enhance educational opportunities.
- Innovative Teaching Methods
Exploring various ways to engage students and encourage critical thinking through interactive teaching techniques to deepen understanding. I continuously reflect on my teaching and seek out new approaches to create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences.
- Educational Equity
Passionate about bridging the gap in educational and art opportunities for under-resourced communities. I have worked at a Title I school with a socio-economic disadvantage population of over 50% my whole career. I strive at meeting the unique instructional needs of each individual student to increase their academic success and social-emotional growth.