Morgan Christensen

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that all students, regardless of their background, have the potential to grow and succeed. I believe that learning is not a one-size-fits-all experience; each student brings something unique to the classroom, and it is our responsibility as educators to create an environment where they feel seen, heard, and supported. This requires flexibility, adaptability, and a commitment to differentiating instruction to meet diverse needs. I also believe that every student has a strength, even if it isn’t immediately apparent, and by identifying and nurturing those strengths, we can spark transformative growth. In a public school setting, the beauty of the classroom lies in its diversity—each student contributes to the learning community in ways that are subtle but vital. My role as an educator is to advocate for these contributions, to honor individuality, and to empower students to discover their strengths and become fearless learners. By fostering a classroom where every learner is valued, we create a community where all students can thrive and shine

FALL 2024-2025

Student/Apprentice Teacher: Special Education, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MICI), Grades JK-2, Ganiard Elementary, Mt. Pleasant, MI

• Provide individualized instruction to students with mild intellectual and cognitive impairments, adapting lessons to meet diverse learning needs.
• Assist with daily classroom routines, ensuring students follow schedules and engage in activities that promote learning and social skills.
• Support students during small group and one-on-one sessions, reinforcing academic skills in areas such as literacy, math, and social-emotional development.
• Monitor and record student progress, collecting data on academic and social skills to track growth and identify areas for further support.
• Assist with IEP goals, ensuring that instruction aligns with each student’s specific learning objectives.
• Observed and participated in multiple IEP meetings (initial, annual, and revaluation).
• Collaborate with lead teacher and support staff, contributing ideas for lesson plans, activities, and student interventions.
• Provide sensory and motor support to students who may need additional help with fine motor skills or sensory regulation.
• Create and adapt learning materials, using hands-on activities, visuals, and technology to make learning more accessible.
• Assist with transitions throughout the day (e.g., from classroom to playground or between subjects) to ensure students feel secure and are engaged in the next activity.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom culture, promoting respect, empathy, and understanding among students of all abilities.
• Communicate regularly with parents and caregivers, providing updates on student progress, needs, and goals, as well as collaborating on strategies to support learning at home.

FALL 2023

Pre-Student Teacher: Special Education, Mild Cognitive Impairment (MICI), Grades 3-5, Fancher Elementary, Mt. Pleasant, MI

• Observed and assisted the host teacher in daily classroom routines, supporting instruction and classroom management strategies.
• Collaborated with the host teacher to collect and organize student data for ongoing assessments and instructional planning.
• Worked one-on-one with a student to support the achievement of specific IEP goals, tailoring interventions to meet the student’s unique needs.
• Developed and implemented an intervention plan for the student, focusing on targeted strategies to address areas of academic or behavioral concern.
• Tracked student progress regularly, documenting data on performance and growth in relation to the intervention plan.
• Graphically represented student data to monitor progress, identify trends, and adjust interventions as needed.
• Provided feedback to the host teacher on student progress, contributing to discussions around instructional adjustments and student needs.
• Supported small group instruction and reinforced key concepts, helping to differentiate lessons based on student abilities.
• Assisted with classroom management by helping to maintain a positive and productive learning environment.
• Engaged in reflective practices, observing teaching techniques and discussing strategies for professional growth with the host teacher.

Literacy Coach: English/Language Arts, 3rd Grade, McGuire Elementary, Mt. Pleasant, MI

• Provided support and guidance to students twice a week during literacy block, helping to enhance reading comprehension and fluency while fostering a love for reading.
• Gathered data using the Qualitative Reading Inventory (QRI) to assess students' reading strengths and weaknesses, enabling targeted intervention.
• Analyzed assessment data to identify individual student needs and design differentiated lesson plans that cater to diverse learning styles.
• Developed and implemented engaging, evidence-based lesson plans focused on improving reading comprehension, fluency, and decoding skills.
• Conducted individual reading intervention sessions for students performing below grade level, providing targeted support to improve reading skills.
• Monitored student progress through ongoing assessments and data collection, adjusting instructional strategies to ensure continuous improvement.

FALL 2022

Writing Coach: English/Language Arts, 5th Grade, Fancher Elementary, Mt. Pleasant, MI  

• Assisted students during writing block, providing support and guidance twice a week to enhance writing skills and creativity.
• Helped all students with daily writing prompts, aligning with essential content standards to reinforce key concepts and writing strategies.
• Collected and analyzed data and writing samples from a focal student to monitor progress and identify areas for growth.
• Collaborated with the focal student to set personalized writing goals, fostering self-reflection and ownership of their learning journey.
• Designed and implemented engaging writing activities that catered to diverse learning styles and encouraged student expression.
• Provided ongoing feedback and guidance to students on their writing projects, helping them refine ideas, structure, and language use.

• CPI Certification (2021 & 2023)
• Jim Harris PD (2022 & 2024)
• Restorative Practices (2022 & 2023)
• Capturing Kids Hearts (2023 & 2024)
• ReadtopiaGO/UFLI Literacy Curriculum Training (August 2024)
• Central Michigan University Student Teaching Conference (September 2024)
• Apprentice Teacher Professional Learning (November 2024)