MARISA RENEE TAAMU
Las Vegas
Summary
Dynamic education leader with extensive experience in developing high-impact learning programs. Expertise in aligning instructional strategies with organizational goals, analyzing student achievement data, and fostering collaborative partnerships that enhance performance and engagement.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
Work History
Learning & Development Specialist
Amplus Academy
Las Vegas
01.2020 - Current
- Design and facilitate engaging professional learning aligned with organizational goals.
- Developed curriculum, assessments, and instructional resources to create differentiated learning experiences.
- Analyze student achievement data to improve instructional practices and learning outcomes.
- Coached learners through individualized interventions, enhancing academic success.
- Collaborated with administrators, instructional teams, and families to drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Present performance findings and instructional recommendations to school leadership.
- Promote positive learning environments through relationship-building and effective classroom management.
- Recognized as Teacher of the Year for outstanding contributions during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Instructor / Training Facilitator
American Samoa Community College
01.2012 - 01.2020
- Facilitated engaging instruction rooted in evidence-based adult learning principles to promote active participation.
- Assessed instructional effectiveness through analysis of data and learner feedback to inform continuous improvement.
- Collaborated with faculty to improve instructional quality.
- Mentored college students and supported academic success initiatives.
- Supervised teaching assistants and promoted consistent instructional delivery.
- Developed undergraduate curriculum to meet institutional standards and enhance student learning outcomes.
Program Manager - GEAR UP Grant
American Samoa Community College
01.2007 - 01.2012
- Led multidisciplinary teams focused on increasing college readiness.
- Established partnerships with schools, government agencies, parents, and community organizations to support student college readiness.
- Managed budgets, compliance, strategic planning, reporting, and program evaluation to ensure program integrity.
- Improved program effectiveness through data-driven decision-making.
- Directed all phases of federally funded educational grant to enhance student outcomes.
Emergency Management Planner
American Samoa Department of Homeland Security
01.2003 - 01.2007
- Led emergency preparedness training and planning exercises.
- Developed emergency response plans and continuity procedures.
- Coordinated emergency preparedness initiatives to enhance community resilience and readiness.
- Collaborated with senior government leaders to align emergency planning efforts with regional priorities.
High School English Instructor
Leone High School
01.2001 - 01.2003
Elementary Teacher (Grades 3-4)
Auckland Adventist School
01.1994 - 01.2001
High School Science Teacher
Apia, Samoa
01.1992 - 01.1994
Education
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Leadership
American College of Education
07-2026
Master of Management -
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Education -
University of Auckland
New ZealandAssociate in arts - Education
Pacific Adventist University
Papua New GuineaSkills
- Instructional Design
- Adult Learning
- Program Evaluation
- Data-driven decisions
- Performance analysis
- Continuous Improvement
- Leadership Development
- Talent Development
- Executive Coaching
- Organizational Development
- Project Leadership
- Strategic Partnerships
- Grant Management
- Learning management systems
- Technology
- Canvas
- Moodle
- Google Classroom
- Google Workspace
- Microsoft Office 365
- Microsoft Teams
- Zoom
- Data Reporting & Assessment Platforms
- Public Speaking
- Team Leadership
Professional Highlights
- Teacher of the Year, 08/2025, Recognized for instructional excellence, innovation, leadership, and commitment to student achievement at Amplus Academy.
- Federal Grant Leadership, Directed the federally funded GEAR UP Program, overseeing strategic planning, compliance, budgeting, partnerships, and student success initiatives.
- Higher Education Leadership, Designed and delivered undergraduate curriculum while mentoring students and collaborating with faculty to improve instructional effectiveness.
- Government Leadership, Served as an Emergency Management Planner supporting disaster preparedness, organizational resilience, interagency collaboration, and emergency response planning.
- Three Decades of Educational Leadership, Successfully served in leadership and instructional roles across the United States, American Samoa, Samoa, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea.
Timeline
Learning & Development Specialist
Amplus Academy
01.2020 - Current
Instructor / Training Facilitator
American Samoa Community College
01.2012 - 01.2020
Program Manager - GEAR UP Grant
American Samoa Community College
01.2007 - 01.2012
Emergency Management Planner
American Samoa Department of Homeland Security
01.2003 - 01.2007
High School English Instructor
Leone High School
01.2001 - 01.2003
Elementary Teacher (Grades 3-4)
Auckland Adventist School
01.1994 - 01.2001
High School Science Teacher
Apia, Samoa
01.1992 - 01.1994
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) - Leadership
American College of Education
Master of Management -
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Education -
University of Auckland
Associate in arts - Education
Pacific Adventist University