Monica Harrison
Garden Grove,CA
Summary
A dynamic K-8 credentialed educator and instructional leadership team member with a proven record of driving student growth and leading site-wide initiatives. Currently seeking a new professional home due to state-mandated budget reductions and subsequent district-wide displacement. Dedicated to leveraging teacher clarity and restorative practices to drive academic achievement, with a track record of fostering inclusive, high-growth environments through evidence-based instructional strategies.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
2nd Grade Teacher
South Whittier School District
11.2024 - Current
- Facilitate 2nd-grade core instruction with a focus on accelerated growth in literacy and mathematics.
- Instructional Leadership Team (ILT): Selected to lead school-wide initiatives focused on Teacher Clarity and Community Building through the lens of classroom culture.
- Classroom Culture & Management: Implement PBIS and Restorative Practices; foster a belonging-centered environment by greeting students at the door and facilitating daily Community Circles to build social-emotional skills.
- Data-Driven Results: Achieved documented student growth on STAR 360 assessments through targeted interventions and differentiated instruction using Freckle, Lalilo, and Seesaw.
- Instructional Specialist: Championed evidence-based strategies, including UFLI (Systematic Phonics), GLAD, and CGI, to support language acquisition and mathematical mastery.
Student Teacher
CSULB Credential Program
- 1st Grade (Foundational): Focused on early literacy, phonics-based reading programs, and foundational numeracy.
- 5th Grade (Upper Elementary): Designed and delivered comprehensive instruction across all core subject areas, including History, English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, preparing students for the academic transition to middle school.
- Actively participated in IEP meetings and parent-teacher communications to support holistic student growth.
K-6 Substitute Teacher
Savanna School District
09.2016 - 03.2021
- Implemented lesson plans across all elementary subjects for grades K-6, ensuring instructional continuity during teacher absences.
- Managed student behavior and provided conflict resolution to maintain a safe, productive learning environment.
- Promoted critical thinking and mastery of core concepts to assist students with diverse learning needs.
Training Program Coordinator and Assistant School Leader
Caleb Global Ministries, Thompson's Station, TN
03.2021 - 10.2024
- Curriculum Design: Developed and refined educational training programs and instructional materials for diverse learners.
- Student Mentoring: Provided academic, vocational, and personal guidance to students, leveraging a compassionate counseling approach to support student success.
- Recruited, hired, trained, and evaluated primary and supplemental staff to ensure program excellence.
Education
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (K-8) -
California State University, Long Beach
English Learner (EL) Authorization / CLAD -
M.A. Christian Ministry and Leadership - Pastoral Care and Counseling
Biola University
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Skills
- Literacy: UFLI, Systematic Phonics, GLAD
- Mathematics: CGI, Fluency, Data Interventions
- Culture: Restorative Practices, Community Circles
- Leadership: ILT, Curriculum Design, PBIS
- Technology: STAR 360, Freckle, Lalilo, Google Classroom, Clever, Aeries, Google Classroom, Seesaw, ParentSquare
- Assessment & Instruction: Renaissance (STAR 360, Freckle, Lalilo), Seesaw, ViewSonic
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Student engagement
Timeline
2nd Grade Teacher
South Whittier School District
11.2024 - Current
Training Program Coordinator and Assistant School Leader
Caleb Global Ministries, Thompson's Station, TN
03.2021 - 10.2024
K-6 Substitute Teacher
Savanna School District
09.2016 - 03.2021
M.A. Christian Ministry and Leadership - Pastoral Care and Counseling
Biola University
Student Teacher
CSULB Credential Program
Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (K-8) -
California State University, Long Beach
English Learner (EL) Authorization / CLAD -
Bachelor of Arts - Anthropology
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)