LISA MONKUS
Denver,CO
Summary
Accomplished bilingual educator with 17 years of international teaching experience and a proven track record of fostering student agency and academic growth. Expertise in IB/PYP curriculum delivery, inquiry-based learning, and supporting diverse learners across multiple countries and cultures.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Manager
US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
Denver, CO
01.2022 - Current
- Fostered partnerships with local organizations and the state to expand service offerings and support networks for refugees.
- Managed and supervised administrative and program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Collected and analyzed data to identify weaknesses and create improvements in programming.
Grade 2 Classroom Teacher
Pechersk School International
Kyiv, Ukraine
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Delivered integrated IB PYP and Common Core curriculum to diverse English Language Learners from 15+ countries
- Implemented Teacher's College Reader's and Writer's Workshop with Words Their Way phonics integration
- Applied Mathematical Mindsets and Growth Mindset philosophies to develop student confidence and problem-solving skills
- Designed student-centered inquiry units and created digital learning materials using G Suite and Seesaw
- Fostered inclusive classroom community emphasizing emotional regulation and self-advocacy
Grade 2 Classroom Teacher
Silicon Valley International School
Palo Alto, CA
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Taught literacy using Daily 5 methodology with individualized reading interventions
- Conducted comprehensive reading assessments and designed targeted phonics instruction using Fountas & Pinnell
- Delivered mathematics instruction using Singapore Math approach
- Developed IB PYP inquiry units promoting student curiosity and critical thinking
- Fostered a positive learning environment promoting student collaboration and critical thinking.
English as a Second Language Teacher
SEV Ilkokulu
Izmir, Turkey
01.2012 - 01.2016
Reading Specialist
Colegio Craighouse
Santiago, Chile
01.2011 - 01.2012
Grade 1 and 2 Bilingual Classroom Teacher
College View Elementary
Denver, CO
01.2008 - 01.2011
English Teacher & Spanish-English Translator
Independent Language Consultant
Santiago, Chile
01.2000 - 01.2008
English as a Second Language Teacher
Bridge-Linguatec
Santiago, Chile
01.1999 - 01.2003
Education
Teacher in Residence Training -
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Denver, CO01-2009
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Colorado At Denver
Denver01-1998
Certification
- Colorado Elementary Teacher's License (2010 - 2032)
- CELTA: Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, Cambridge University | 2005
Languages
Native English
Fluent Spanish
Timeline
Program Manager
US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI)
01.2022 - Current
Grade 2 Classroom Teacher
Pechersk School International
01.2017 - 01.2021
Grade 2 Classroom Teacher
Silicon Valley International School
01.2016 - 01.2017
English as a Second Language Teacher
SEV Ilkokulu
01.2012 - 01.2016
Reading Specialist
Colegio Craighouse
01.2011 - 01.2012
Grade 1 and 2 Bilingual Classroom Teacher
College View Elementary
01.2008 - 01.2011
English Teacher & Spanish-English Translator
Independent Language Consultant
01.2000 - 01.2008
English as a Second Language Teacher
Bridge-Linguatec
01.1999 - 01.2003
Teacher in Residence Training -
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Colorado At Denver
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
Creating inclusive, student-centered learning environments where children develop agency, emotional intelligence, and intrinsic motivation. Committed to fostering curiosity through inquiry-based practices while building safe spaces where students can take risks, learn from failure, and celebrate growth.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Zones of Regulation and Keeping Safe
- Educare Child Protection and Mental Well-Being in Children and Young People
- C1: Making the PYP Happen
- C3: Reading and Writing Through Inquiry
- C3: Collaborative Planning
- Teaching and Learning Through Inquiry (Kath Murdoch)
- Visible Thinking Routines (Mark Church)
- Mathematical Mindsets (Jo Boaler, Stanford University Graduate Course)
- Reader's Workshop (Monica Medina)
- Differentiation Strategies for Language Learners (Beth Skelton)
- University of Colorado Graduate Courses:
- ELA Foundations: Techniques in Teaching English as a Second Language
- Effective Literacy Instruction for English Language Learners
- Language and Literacy: Acquisition, Process and Cognition
- Literacy Squared: Bilingual Reading and Writing