Megan-Bernelle Lilinoe Ugalde Silva
Hale'iwa,HI
Summary
Experienced, dedicated, and passionate teacher with a strong track record in raising ELA tests scores on the Hawaʻi Standards Based Assessments for students transitioning to seventh grade, developing engaging, student-centered instruction and implementing effective classroom-management strategies. A teacher with twenty-three years of experience who is committed to fostering a supportive, inquiry-driven, and democratic classroom where all students feel valued. I aim to create a safe, stimulating learning environment that respects diverse strengths and prepares students for future academic success through rigorous and differentiated instruction, an inclusive classroom design, and a positive classroom culture. Currently, I am a sixth-grade teacher with a calling to grow professionally and spiritually in an educational setting with na haumana, where my history, core values and beliefs align with the values, beliefs and history of the educational institution and hoʻoulu in which I serve.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Grade 6 Classroom Teacher
Sunset Beach Elementary, Hi.D.O.E.
Haleʻiwa, Hi
07.2018 - Current
- Teach 3 sections of Social Studies; heterogeneous grouping including ELL, and 504 students, homogeneously grouped GT students and co-teach inclusion with SPED teacher and students.
- Teach 3 sections of ELA; reading and novel study with word study and writing with a dedicated 30-minute ELA RTI block.
- Teach informational writing and collect student achievement data for grade level via geography and culture countries research project.
- Study skills and team building with homeroom students, co-coordinate, field trips, annual camping trip, May Day court and sixth grade graduation ceremony.
- Facilitated student voice via Socratic seminars, debates, acting teams, centers, cooking, PBL, and inquiry-based activities and to foster critical thinking inference skills.
- Collaborated with colleagues to elevate instructional practices.
- Collected and analyzed grade-level data aligned to Hawaiʻi State Common Core Standards; fulfilled GLC duties; vertical and horizontal articulation; ensure compliance with regulations, designed rubrics for ELA writing and social studies projects.
Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher
Waiākea Intermediate School, Hi.D.O.E.
Hilo, Hi.
07.2005 - 06.2015
- Taught sixth-grade social studies (Ancient World History, Geography, Culture) and Creative Writing Exploratory Wheel/homeroom for diverse learners, including students with special needs.
- Supported History Day for eighth graders by introducing and guiding sixth graders in research methods, informational writing, and project-based learning for social studies.
- Collaborated weekly with Hawaiian Studies Kumu to integrate Hawaiiana across all social studies classes.
- Used data-team insights to analyze teaching methods and curriculum effectiveness.
- Evaluated and refreshed textbooks; planned grade-level field trips and activities.
- Maintained vertical/horizontal articulation with feeder elementary schools and Waiākea High School Social Studies Department; advocated for social studies education, pursued professional development, and mentored new teachers.
Grade 4 Classroom Teacher
Sunset Beach Elementary, Hi.D.O.E.
Haleʻiwa, Hi
07.2015 - 2018
- Co-taught with a special education teacher across all four core subjects in a full-inclusion classroom serving diverse learners.
- Delivered small-group and one-on-one instruction for additional support, assessed student progress via tests, assignments and projects.
- Engaged students in project-based learning through interdisciplinary units and cross-curricular projects.
- Planned field trips for grade levels, designed rubrics for projects, tutored after school and supported school and community initiatives.
- Analyzed the new curriculum for effectiveness using data teams.
- Stayed current on best practices through ongoing professional development, with a focus on special education students and students with behavioral needs; contributed to the SBES PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Support) system.
U.H.H. Student Teacher Grade 6
Chiefess Kapiʻolani Elementary
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
08.2004 - 05.2005
- Demonstrated full-year student teaching in a grade 6 classroom teaching all four core subjects and character education, delivering engaging lessons aligned with standards and evolving data-driven instruction.
- Collaborated with mentor teacher and grade-level team to analyze data, design unit plans, instructional materials, and assessment rubrics, ensuring coherence with district goals.
- Managed daily classroom operations, established routines, and utilized positive behavior support strategies to maintain a respectful, productive learning environment.
- Implemented inclusive, differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs, improving student understanding and formative assessment outcomes.
- Analyzed student progress through ongoing assessments, adjusting instruction based on data to promote growth and mastery of objectives.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Hi.D.O.E.
Hilo, Hi.
08.2004 - 05.2005
- Managed classroom activities and maintained student engagement during lessons.
- Implemented lesson plans and provided additional support to students.
- Supported students in learning tasks by tailoring assistance to individual needs
- Maintained a safe, orderly classroom and ensured adherence to school rules.
- Promoted a positive learning atmosphere.
Grade 6 Teacher
Waterʻs Of Life P.C.S., Hi.D.O.E.
Hilo, Hi.
08.2003 - 06.2004
- Charter School Teacher (1 year). Designed and delivered standards-aligned, project-based instruction across all four core subjects and physical education; integrated place-based education, sustainability, and entrepreneurship to meet diverse learning goals and the schoolʻs vision.
- Partnered with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, shared materials, and implemented evidence-based teaching strategies to connect to real-world contexts and coordinated field trips.
- Established effective classroom routines and engagement strategies that increased student participation and collaboration.
- Guided community-facing projects, (e.g., student-run plant sale stand at local farmerʻs market and rummage sales), to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
- Fostered stakeholder relationships; school board service; aided families via IEPs, conferences, and cross-disciplinary collaboration with specialists and community networks.
Grades 7 and 8 Part-Time Teacher, (P.P.T.)
Waterʻs of Life P.C.S., Hi.D.O.E.
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
01.2003 - 06.2003
- Part-Time ELA Charter School teacher, (1 semester)- Planned, prepared, and delivered standards-aligned ELA lessons; utilized diverse methods (lectures, discussions, demonstrations, projects), integrated technology to support diverse learners; adapted materials for varied levels; incorporated current events; fostered inquiry-based, critical thinking discussions.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects; to improve outcomes.
- Assessed progress with multiple evaluation methods; provided targeted feedback; maintained proactive home-school communication with parents.
- Implemented effective behavior and classroom management strategies; nurtured a collaborative, innovative learning climate to meet individual needs.
UHH Psychology Practicum Student
Big Island Substance Abuse Council, B.I.S.A.C
Hilo, Hi
08.2002 - 12.2002
- Worked with three different populations of incarcerated adults residing in different reentry centers who were working on transitioning back into the community; moms and babies, adult women and mixed group of men and women
- Participated in weekly case conferences to discuss progress, treatment plans, and next steps for clients, ensuring coordinated support and provided community networking.
- Educated incarcerated mothers (and babies) residing in a reentry house under 24-hour supervision on developmental stages and childcare from birth to age five, and time-management skills for balancing work and home life to enhance parenting and child well-being, aiming to prevent child abuse.
- Facilitated sessions on community resource navigation and resume-building, professional attire and communications, empowering participants for successful reentry and personal advancement.
- Delivered instruction in coping strategies, anger management, and de-escalation techniques to adults, promoting emotionally safe behaviors under stress.
H.C.C Early Childhood Education Student Teacher
Headstart at Kalaniʻanaʻole Elementary School
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
08.2000 - 12.2000
- Engaged children in interactive learning through play-based, thematic activities.
- Collaborated with lead teachers and assisted in developing and preparing educational materials and lessons for preschool aged, early childhood daily activities and assessed student progress and needs.
- Built positive, trusting relationships with preschoolers through individualized engagement and social-emotional support.
- Observed and documented student behavior to inform teaching strategies.
H.C.C. Early Childhood Education Student Teacher
H.C.C. Childrenʻs Center
Hilo, Hawaiʻi
08.1999 - 12.1999
- Ensured safety and positive learning environment in preschool outdoors and classrooms; maintained records, supported routines, developed and implemented evidence-based management techniques; engaged individually with students to build relationships; collaborated with lead teacher and colleagues; pursued ongoing professional development.
- Instructed and assisted children in eating, toileting, language development and self-regulation to help develop healthy personal habits.
- Welcomed and applied constructive feedback to improve instructional practice.
Education
Masters of Education -
University of Hawaiʻi At Hilo
Hilo, HI07-2011
Teacher Certification - Elementary Education
University of Hawaiʻi At Hilo
Hilo, HI05-2005
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Hawaiʻi At Hilo
Hilo, HI07-2003
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Hawaiʻi Community College
Hilo, HI12-2001
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Hawaiʻi Community College
Hilo, HI12-2000
Skills
- Subject-matter, culturally responsive teaching, instructional skills and pedagogy
- Assessments and data analysis
- Classroom management, and student support
- Technology and media integration
- Collaboration, leadership, and school culture
- Professional growth and credentials
Affiliations
S.B.E.S. Grade 6 Grade Level Chair, 2022- Present
Timeline
Grade 6 Classroom Teacher
Sunset Beach Elementary, Hi.D.O.E.
07.2018 - Current
Grade 4 Classroom Teacher
Sunset Beach Elementary, Hi.D.O.E.
07.2015 - 2018
Grade 6 Social Studies Teacher
Waiākea Intermediate School, Hi.D.O.E.
07.2005 - 06.2015
U.H.H. Student Teacher Grade 6
Chiefess Kapiʻolani Elementary
08.2004 - 05.2005
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Hi.D.O.E.
08.2004 - 05.2005
Grade 6 Teacher
Waterʻs Of Life P.C.S., Hi.D.O.E.
08.2003 - 06.2004
Grades 7 and 8 Part-Time Teacher, (P.P.T.)
Waterʻs of Life P.C.S., Hi.D.O.E.
01.2003 - 06.2003
UHH Psychology Practicum Student
Big Island Substance Abuse Council, B.I.S.A.C
08.2002 - 12.2002
H.C.C Early Childhood Education Student Teacher
Headstart at Kalaniʻanaʻole Elementary School
08.2000 - 12.2000
H.C.C. Early Childhood Education Student Teacher
H.C.C. Childrenʻs Center
08.1999 - 12.1999
Masters of Education -
University of Hawaiʻi At Hilo
Teacher Certification - Elementary Education
University of Hawaiʻi At Hilo
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Hawaiʻi At Hilo
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts
Hawaiʻi Community College
Associate of Science - Early Childhood Education
Hawaiʻi Community College