Tara Cunningham
Tustin,CA
Summary
Professional educator skilled in creating dynamic, inclusive classroom experiences that drive student success. Adept at leveraging diverse instructional strategies to meet varied learning needs, ensuring comprehensive understanding of material. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability in ever-evolving educational settings, with focus on critical thinking and communication.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Tutoring Consultant
Tutoring Techniques
Tustin, CA
09.2020 - Current
- Developed personalized learning strategies to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Collaborated with educators to create tailored lesson plans addressing diverse learning needs.
- Conducted assessments to evaluate student progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Facilitated workshops for parents on effective tutoring techniques and support methods.
ELD Coordinator
Alta Public Schools
Huntington Park, CA
11.2024 - 06.2025
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive English Language Development curriculum that improved student engagement.
- Coordinated professional development workshops for staff enhancing instructional strategies for the diverse needs of English learners and resulting in an 11% increase in student performance metrics.
- Collaborated with faculty to organize curriculum materials, supporting instructional goals and enhancing student learning experiences.
- Monitored and analyzed ELD program data to identify trends, leading to targeted interventions that boosted English proficiency levels among 80 students by 40%.
Combo Support Teacher
Azusa Unified School District
Azusa, CA
10.2023 - 06.2024
- Developed and implemented strategies to support the needs of English language learners.
- Support Combination teachers grades K-5 Engage students with innovative, standards-based lessons.
- Supported students with diverse learning needs, fostering an inclusive environment.
- Monitored student progress, providing feedback to teachers on individual performance.
- Facilitated small group instruction, tailoring approaches to meet varied learning styles.
Private Teacher
California Private Teachers
Laguna Beach
06.2022 - 08.2022
- Taught rising 4 th Grader in a specialized summer program
- Developed engaging project based lessons
- Established a love of learning to last a lifetime.
Teacher
Fairmont Private Schools
- Taught Honors English Grades 6-9
- Developed accelerated curriculum
- Worked closely with students and parents to achieve academic excellence.
6th GradeTeacher
FLEX College Prep
Irvine, CA
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Created an accelerated program for 6th grade pod
- Challenged students with advanced projects
- Taught accelerated writing program to middle school summer students.
AESL Teacher
Tustin Unified School District
Irvine, CA
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Create lessons in line with basic literacy standards
- Modified curriculum to multi-level learners
- Team taught with AESL staff to give the program a solid foundation.
Initiate AESL program
Saddleback College
Irvine, CA
01.2015 - 01.2018
- At a satellite school site taught beginning literacy and basic writing skills
- Adapted curriculum to create individualized programs for students
- Coordinated with team to ensure best learning results
Substitute/RTI/ELD Support Teacher
Tustin Unified School District
Tustin, CA
01.2008 - 01.2023
- Long Term Substitute assignments in 6th grade CORE, 7th grade Science, and 2nd grade
- Created lessons in line with the Common Core Utilized the latest classroom technology
- Taught all grade levels from K – High School
Early Literacy Consultant and Trainer
Orange County Commission of Children & Families
Irvine, CA
09.2006 - 06.2008
- Developed a training program for Reach Out and Read to be used in pediatric offices
- Trained pediatricians and staff members on utilization of Reach Out & Read
- Collaborated and created a DVD to play at pediatric offices to promote literacy.
Independent Literary Consultant
Bellwork
- Correlated the standards from California to Arizona for Bellwork skills books Led in-services demonstrating the use of Bellwork following standards Worked as an independent sales representative and in-service trainer.
Teacher
Garden Grove Unified School District
Garden Grove, CA
09.1995 - 06.2003
- Taught all grade levels K-6
- Organized Red Ribbon Week Created an after-school literacy program for students
- Initiated and taught an AELD program
- Reading Readiness specialist
- Lead teacher and curriculum coordinator.
Education
Master’s -
University of San Diego
San Diego, CAClear Credential - undefined
California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CABA - Diversified Liberal Arts
California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CAMultiple Subject Credential -
University of San Diego
San Diego, CASkills
- Staff Development
- Event Coordination
- Training
- Grade Level Team Relations
- Organizational Effectiveness
- Lesson planning
- Positive role model and mentor
- Public speaking
- Differentiated instruction
- Curriculum implementation
- Project-based learning
- Data-driven instruction
Timeline
ELD Coordinator
Alta Public Schools
11.2024 - 06.2025
Combo Support Teacher
Azusa Unified School District
10.2023 - 06.2024
Private Teacher
California Private Teachers
06.2022 - 08.2022
Tutoring Consultant
Tutoring Techniques
09.2020 - Current
6th GradeTeacher
FLEX College Prep
08.2020 - 06.2021
AESL Teacher
Tustin Unified School District
01.2016 - 01.2019
Initiate AESL program
Saddleback College
01.2015 - 01.2018
Substitute/RTI/ELD Support Teacher
Tustin Unified School District
01.2008 - 01.2023
Early Literacy Consultant and Trainer
Orange County Commission of Children & Families
09.2006 - 06.2008
Teacher
Garden Grove Unified School District
09.1995 - 06.2003
Clear Credential - undefined
California State University Long Beach
Independent Literary Consultant
Bellwork
Teacher
Fairmont Private Schools
Master’s -
University of San Diego
BA - Diversified Liberal Arts
California State University Long Beach
Multiple Subject Credential -
University of San Diego