Overview
Work History
Education
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching Experience
Professional Development
Timeline
Generic

Morgan Christensen

Mount Pleasant,MI

Overview

3
3
years of professional experience

Work History

MOCI Paraprofessional

Mount Pleasant Middle School
10.2021 - 06.2022
  • 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.
  • Fostered a positive learning environment by establishing strong rapport with students, parents, and faculty members.
  • Assisted with keeping records of grades and student progressions towards IEP goals.

MICI Paraprofessional

Fancher Elementary
08.2022 - 06.2023
  • Delivered personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support to individual students to enable positive learning outcomes.
  • Enhanced classroom efficiency through organizing instructional materials, managing daily schedules, and preparing resources for lessons as needed.
  • Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
  • Assisted in the collection and analysis of data on student performance, contributing to ongoing progress monitoring efforts.
  • Assisted teachers in the development of engaging lesson materials aligned with curriculum standards for various subject areas.
  • Administered tests and assessments to evaluate student progress and performance.
  • Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, fostering supportive learning environment.
  • Engaged with students during extracurricular activities, supporting their interests beyond classroom.

P.E.A.K One-on-One Paraprofessional

City of Mount Pleasant Parks & Recreation
06.2023 - 08.2023
  • Assist the student in actively participating in classroom and extracurricular activities.
  • Provide consistent supervision and support to ensure the student’s safety and well-being.
  • Aid the student in following daily P.E.A.K (Promoting Excellence in Academics and Knowledge) schedules and routines.
  • Provide instructional support to the student during lessons and activities, reinforcing concepts as needed.
  • Supervise the student during weekly public field trips, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and supporting social interactions.
  • Model appropriate behaviors and social skills to encourage positive interactions with peers and staff.
  • Play one required Beach Boys song daily as part of the morning routine to help transition the student into the day’s activities.
  • Collaborate with teachers and other staff members to track the student’s progress and provide feedback on individual development.
  • Assist in setting up and organizing activities that align with the student’s interests and educational goals.
  • Promote independence by encouraging the student to take on age-appropriate responsibilities and tasks.
  • Maintain a positive, supportive, and patient environment conducive to the student's growth and success.

Behavior Resource Paraprofessional

Fancher Elementary
08.2023 - 06.2024
  • Maintained detailed documentation on student progress, behaviors, and other relevant information to ensure appropriate services and record keeping of student progression.
  • Oversaw students in and outside the classroom (specials, recess, lunch,etc.) to monitor safety, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
  • Assisted in administration of standardized tests, facilitating smooth testing process.
  • Provided one-on-one support to students with special needs, fostering supportive learning environment.
  • Fostered positive learning environment, managing classroom behavior effectively.
  • Improved classroom management with development of behavior modification plans.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Education - Teaching Students With Cognitive Impairments (CI)

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI
12-2024

Teaching Philosophy

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

Teaching Experience

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.

Professional Development

  • 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)

Timeline

Behavior Resource Paraprofessional

Fancher Elementary
08.2023 - 06.2024

P.E.A.K One-on-One Paraprofessional

City of Mount Pleasant Parks & Recreation
06.2023 - 08.2023

MICI Paraprofessional

Fancher Elementary
08.2022 - 06.2023

MOCI Paraprofessional

Mount Pleasant Middle School
10.2021 - 06.2022

Bachelor of Science in Education - Teaching Students With Cognitive Impairments (CI)

Central Michigan University
Morgan Christensen