Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline

Marisa Tait

Santa Monica,CA

Summary

Dynamic Reading Specialist and Paraprofessional 1 with a proven track record at Westlake Hills Elementary, adept at parent-teacher collaboration and intervention planning. Enhanced student reading proficiency through targeted comprehension techniques and effective progress monitoring. Cultivated supportive relationships, fostering a love for literature while implementing data-driven strategies to close achievement gaps.

Overview

2024
2024
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Reading Specialist

Westlake Hills Elementary
  • Analyzed data trends to identify areas of need and inform instructional decision-making processes related to reading interventions.
  • Implemented research-based instructional practices to improve overall reading proficiency among students.
  • Provided ongoing support for struggling readers by offering one-on-one tutoring sessions and small group instruction.
  • Built positive and productive relationships with teachers to drive improvements to reading programs.
  • Enhanced reading comprehension by implementing targeted literacy interventions and strategies.
  • Contributed to the development of school-wide literacy initiatives aimed at improving achievement for all students.
  • Developed goals and realistic plans for achieving each target.
  • Performed assessments and analyzed results to spot students in need of further help.
  • Wrote and delivered customized instruction to individual students and groups.
  • Cultivated a supportive learning environment that encouraged students to take risks and develop confidence in their reading abilities.
  • Established positive relationships with families, collaborating on strategies to support at-home literacy development efforts.
  • Supported English Language Learners by adapting instructional materials and employing culturally responsive teaching practices.
  • Collaborated with teachers to ensure consistent implementation of reading interventions across all subject areas.
  • Fostered a love for literature among students by incorporating engaging texts from various genres into classroom instruction.
  • Promoted a culture of literacy within the school community through various events, such as book fairs, author visits, and family reading nights.
  • Organized school-wide reading events and competitions to build community and celebrate literacy achievements.
  • Reduced reading achievement gaps by identifying and addressing specific barriers to individual student progress.
  • Boosted reading fluency through consistent, focused practice and personalized feedback.
  • Created positive and inclusive reading environment, where students felt comfortable taking risks and sharing their thoughts.
  • Partnered with parents and guardians to support reading development at home, providing resources and guidance.
  • Improved student reading comprehension levels with development and implementation of targeted literacy intervention program.
  • During my time as a reading specialist at Westlake Hills I took small groups of children for 30 minute blocks. We would read the book that the class was reading and work on a reding log. Each child would have a chance to read and I was in the rotation as well. I would stop them along the way and pose critical thinking questions as well as give historical facts, ask questions and give my input on what the story was saying or where it was going. My mother is an English professor so we were always around books and developed a love for reading at a very early age.




Paraprofessional 1

Westlake Hills Elementary
09.2021 - 11.2023
  • Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
  • Improved classroom management by assisting teachers with behavioral interventions and monitoring student progress.
  • Supervised students during non-instructional periods such as lunch, recess, or field trips, ensuring safety at all times.
  • Enhanced student support by delivering one-on-one and small group assistance in various subjects.
  • Supported special education teachers in implementing accommodations and modifications for students with diverse learning needs.
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Implemented behavior management techniques effectively to maintain a structured learning environment conducive to student success.
  • Promoted a respectful classroom culture by modeling appropriate behavior and reinforcing positive interactions among peers.
  • Kept classrooms clean, neat, and properly sanitized for student health and classroom efficiency.
  • Enhanced classroom efficiency through organizing instructional materials, managing daily schedules, and preparing resources for lessons as needed.
  • Prepared instruction materials, constructed bulletin boards, and set up work areas.
  • Assisted in the collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
  • Assisted classroom teacher in supervising snack time and indoor and outdoor play.
  • Facilitated communication between general education and special education staff, promoting effective collaboration on behalf of students'' best interests.
  • Tailored lesson plans for students with emotional and cognitive disabilities.
  • Coordinated with multidisciplinary teams to evaluate student progress and adjust instructional strategies as needed.
  • Reported on student progress, behavior, and social skills to parents.
  • Monitored students on field trips, handling roll call, and group movement to keep youths safe in public settings.
  • Assisted in the administration of standardized testing, ensuring accurate assessment of student performance levels.
  • Strengthened student literacy skills through targeted reading intervention programs tailored to individual needs.
  • Ensured compliance with state regulations by maintaining thorough documentation of services provided to students with disabilities.
  • Administered tests and assessments to evaluate student progress and performance.
  • Engaged with students during extracurricular activities, supporting their interests beyond classroom.
  • Participated in professional development workshops, continuously improving teaching skills.
  • Facilitated small group tutoring sessions for students struggling in math and reading.
  • Provided feedback to teachers on student progress, aiding in adjustment of teaching strategies.
  • Assisted in administration of standardized tests, facilitating smooth testing process.
  • Improved classroom management with development of behavior modification plans.
  • Supported teachers in grading assignments, ensuring timely feedback for students.
  • Assisted in organization of school events, contributing to vibrant school culture.
  • Contributed to development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), tailoring education to student needs.
  • Developed and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and staff, enhancing school community.
  • Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, fostering supportive learning environment.
  • Monitored student safety during school outings, ensuring secure learning environment.
  • Assisted in creating lesson plans that accommodated various learning styles, promoting inclusivity.
  • Collaborated with school librarian to organize literacy events, encouraging love of reading.
  • Coordinated with teachers to monitor student progress, identifying areas for improvement.
  • Adapted teaching materials for special education students, meeting diverse learning needs.
  • Fostered positive learning environment, managing classroom behavior effectively.
  • Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
  • Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
  • Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
  • Took part in professional development workshops to boost skills.
  • Developed and implemented strategies to improve student engagement.
  • Demonstrated specific skills and activities for students to improve understanding and take excess workload off teachers.
  • Cleaned, organized and restocked classrooms for upcoming classes.
  • Helped teachers manage bus loading and unloading.
  • Graded and provided feedback on assignments.
  • Stepped into non-classroom environments such as libraries to help staff manage demand.
  • Monitored students in computer lab to enforce proper use of resources.
  • Assisted with school field trips and special events by collecting permission slips and payments.
  • Enhanced student engagement by implementing interactive learning activities.
  • Supported school initiatives by participating in professional development opportunities and collaborating with colleagues on best practices for student growth and achievement.


  • During my time at Westlake Hills, I worked with one student per year as a para 1. Prior to that I worked there for free as a volunteer for years and would assist teachers with small reading and math groups. When my circumstances changed the principal asked if I would consider coming back into the classroom as an interventionist and campus supervisor.
  • As a para 1, I worked with a kindergartner who was not yet tested for an IEP, diagnosed her seizures and helped her mother to get her the testing and eventually an IEP. I am still in contact with her Para and she is thriving. Her mother is very thankful as well. As part of my duties as a paraprofessional 1 I facilitated the testing of other students in regards to 504 plans and IEPs.


Educational Interventionist

Westlake Hills Elementary
09.2021 - 11.2023
  • Gathered, organized, and analyzed data on student needs and progress.
  • Developed strong relationships with students, fostering trust and promoting a positive learning environment.
  • Collaborated with teachers to assess needs, set objectives, and discuss strategies.
  • Conducted small group instruction focusing on specific skill areas, allowing for targeted remediation efforts within the classroom setting
  • During my time as an interventionist at Westlake Hills the students would come to my classroom for private tutoring or I would go into a classroom and assist the teacher with certain lessons. In my classroom I would implement my own lesson plan based on data on the student or one from the teacher that was curtailed to the child's needs. I was in constant contact with the teacher via email text or phone and had a great rapport with all of the teachers that I worked with.

Lead Teacher

Pinecrest Elementary School, Thousand Oaks
09.2005 - 12.2008
  • Established positive relationships with parents through regular communication regarding student progress, collaborating on strategies for academic success at home and school.
  • Maintained patience and level-headedness in diverse situations to support student development and personal growth.
  • Developed and implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, resulting in increased student engagement and success.
  • Planned and implemented different daily activities to enhance overall development and growth of every student.
  • Designed lesson plans for teaching staff and worked closely with administration for compliance with state curricula.
  • Organized field trips that enriched classroom learning experiences by connecting students with real-world applications of course concepts.
  • Incorporated culturally responsive teaching practices into curriculum design and delivery models promoting inclusivity within the educational setting.
  • Served as a member of the school''s leadership team, participating in strategic planning efforts aimed at continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
  • Scheduled conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
  • Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
  • Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
  • Worked with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
  • Completed student progress reports mid-term to notify students and parents of strengths and areas of improvement.
  • Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
  • During my time at Pinecrest, I was a lead teacher with a co-teacher. Pinecrest follows a worksheet based curriculum and we switched weekly as lead teacher. I worked in the pre-K classroom my entire time there, which consisted of mostly 4 and 5 year olds, with some 6 year olds, based on their testing level.

Assistant Teacher

Westlake Montessori School
09.1997 - 09.2001
  • Ensured a safe and supportive learning environment by enforcing classroom rules and addressing behavioral issues promptly.
  • Completed daily reports, meal count sheets, and attendance logs.
  • Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
  • Supervised recess, lunch and daily student intake and dismissal.
  • Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
  • Assisted lead teacher in providing individualized attention to students, resulting in improved academic performance.
  • Worked with teachers to design lesson plans and coordinate activities for classes.
  • Worked with teacher to identify and target opportunities for instructional improvements.
  • Provided one-on-one and group-based learning support focused on student progress.
  • Increased student engagement by incorporating hands-on activities and group projects into the curriculum.
  • Supported lead teacher in organizing field trips, enhancing real-world connections to classroom content for increased understanding.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities, staying informed of best practices for teaching strategies and educational technologies.
  • Created visually appealing bulletin boards that showcased student work and reinforced key concepts from lessons.
  • During my time at Westlake Montessori:

I started as a senior in high school as my work experience job. I assisted the owner of the school who was also one of the kindergarten teachers. I then went on to do the Montessori training, where I also earned 12 ECE units and became a lead teacher myself. I had a 2-3 year old classroom for two years and a 4-5 year old classroom for two years. I then left to care for my daughter full time for four years and became a nanny to twin first graders.

Education

No Degree - Early Childhood Care And Education

San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
09-1999
  • Relevant Coursework: child care & ECE
  • Professional Development: Education
  • I earned my Montessori degree and 12 ECE units through a satellite program facilitated through my employer at Westlake Montessori School.

GED -

Westlake High School, Westlake Village, CA
04-1997
  • Relevant Coursework: Work Experience Class. I worked at Westlake Montessori School during my senior year. I left at the lunch break and worked at the school until six o'clock and earned credits. The experience led to me taking the GED, graduating ahead of my classmates and accepting a full-time job at the school and a Montessori degree along with 12 ECE units.
  • Professional Development: Education

Skills

  • Parent-teacher collaboration
  • Comprehension techniques
  • Progress monitoring
  • Intervention planning

Accomplishments

I have received many accolades from the PFA (parent family association) at Westlake Hills for my volunteer work. I chaired the book fair for three years and worked closely with Scholastic to provide the best materials and learning games for my students and other children on campus.


I volunteer in the Sunday School class at Vintage Santa Monica where I work one on one with an autistic child who has noise agitation and sometimes responds with violence.


I have worked as a private tutor for four years and have been able to help in homes that have seen major developmental issues since Covid.


I am a tutor with Tutor Me. This is a free service to families of children with special needs. Most students are high on the spectrum.



Certification

  • First Aid Certification – American Red Cross or National Safety Council.
  • CPR/AED Certification
  • California Driver's License


Languages

English

Timeline

Paraprofessional 1 - Westlake Hills Elementary
09.2021 - 11.2023
Educational Interventionist - Westlake Hills Elementary
09.2021 - 11.2023
Lead Teacher - Pinecrest Elementary School, Thousand Oaks
09.2005 - 12.2008
Assistant Teacher - Westlake Montessori School
09.1997 - 09.2001
Reading Specialist - Westlake Hills Elementary
San Diego State University - No Degree, Early Childhood Care And Education
Westlake High School - GED,
Marisa Tait