Kristen Magner
Granada Hills,CA
Summary
Dynamic educator with over twenty-three years of diverse teaching experience in public elementary schools, private institutions, and homeschooling environments. Expertise in curriculum development, student assessment, and personalized instruction ensures effective support for individual developmental and academic needs. A strong advocate for holistic education fosters self-confidence in students, empowering them to become confident, lifelong learners. Recognized for adaptability and collaboration, consistently achieving positive outcomes in fast-paced educational settings while maintaining a commitment to effective communication and problem-solving.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Co-Lead Teacher
Curtis School
Los Angeles, CA
07.2025 - Current
- Designed and implemented engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with staff to develop curriculum aligned with educational standards and student needs.
- Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
- Monitored student progress through regular assessments, adjusting instructional techniques as needed for optimal performance.
- Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and adapt teaching methods accordingly.
- Supported student learning objectives through personalized and small group assistance.
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Curtis School
Los Angeles, CA
07.2021 - 06.2025
- Lead a classroom of 22 students while mentoring an associate teacher.
- Implement school-adopted curricula such as UFLI for explicit phonics and reading instruction, and Singapore Math.
- Helped introduce the Heggerty Phonemic Awareness Program for our youngest and most challenged readers, aiding the transition from a balanced literacy approach to a more explicit phonics program.
- Attended various professional development workshops, including those focused on dyslexia.
- Contribute to several task forces at Curtis, including the Heads Collaborative Group and the Phonics Curriculum Task Force.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on classroom management and instructional techniques.
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards.
Early Childhood Educator
The Portable Classroom
Los Angeles, CA
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Provided a warm, play-based learning environment for a group of young children in a home setting.
- Transitioned children to a school-like environment, incorporating daily Literature, Art, Science, Sensory, and Circle Time activities.
- Focused on developing children’s social, emotional, and cognitive skills through tactile, play-based activities.
- Maintained regular communication with families to report on children’s progress.
- Collaborated with a co-teacher to develop age-appropriate, engaging activities while balancing classroom responsibilities.
Lead Teacher
Bel Air Presbyterian Preschool
Los Angeles, CA
01.2008 - 01.2017
- Developed an emergent curriculum based on careful observation of students’ needs and interests.
- Mentored Associate Teachers in the philosophy of our school, classroom management, and curriculum implementation.
- Participated in school-run functions and events, engaging with families and offering support where needed.
Elementary Teacher
Burbank Unified School District
Burbank, CA
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Planned, implemented, and assessed student progress using district-approved measures and observations.
- Followed district Language Arts and Math programming to ensure students met state standards.
Elementary Teacher
Malden Public School District
Malden, MA
01.2003 - 01.2007
- Planned and implemented curriculum while assessing student progress.
- Provided support for ELL students and students with learning differences in the classroom.
Education
Educational Therapy Certificate Program -
California State University, Northridge
Northridge, CA02-2026
Master’s Degree - Early Childhood Education
Lesley University
Cambridge, MA01-2003
Bachelor’s Degree - Social Sciences
University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth
Dartmouth, MA01-1999
Skills
- Adept at conducting diverse assessments
- Development of teaching strategies based on data
- Skilled in tailored teaching methods
- Adept at fostering effective parent-teacher dialogue
- Skilled in team collaboration
- Teacher support
- Experienced in mastery-based literacy education
Certification
Orton-Gillingham Teacher Level Certification August 2024 - May 2024
Timeline
Co-Lead Teacher
Curtis School
07.2025 - Current
Kindergarten Lead Teacher
Curtis School
07.2021 - 06.2025
Early Childhood Educator
The Portable Classroom
01.2017 - 01.2020
Lead Teacher
Bel Air Presbyterian Preschool
01.2008 - 01.2017
Elementary Teacher
Burbank Unified School District
01.2007 - 01.2008
Elementary Teacher
Malden Public School District
01.2003 - 01.2007
Master’s Degree - Early Childhood Education
Lesley University
Bachelor’s Degree - Social Sciences
University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth
Educational Therapy Certificate Program -
California State University, Northridge