Karissa Gordon

3218 Spurgin Rd. Missoula, MT 59804 | (406) 540-2121 | ms.karissagordon@gmail.com

Professional Portfolio: karissagordon.weebly.com
HIGHLIGHTS OF QUALIFICATIONS
v Interacted and taught a variety of children including English language learners and
children with special needs.
v Tailored my teaching style by observing various qualified teachers and facilitating
learning in a range of settings.
v Experience with lesson planning and teaching with Common Core standards, Montana
standards, and International Baccalaureate standards.

EDUCATION
Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, University of Montana



May 2014
Concentration in French; G.P.A: 3.5/3.9

CERTIFICATIONS
Montana Class 2 Educator License Class K-8





June 30, 2019
Adult/Child/Infant CPR







Expires: June 2015
Standard First Aid


Expires: June 2015

TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Kodaikanal International School, Kodaikanal, India


January 2014 May 2014
Student Teaching, 5th grade
Strengthened classroom management by incorporating a variety of strategies that resulted in positive
behavioral changes for the entire class.
Designed lesson plans, which fulfilled the requirements of an International Baccalaureate School and
Common Core Standards to produce engaging, internationally relevant activities.
Developed and solely conducted a cross-curriculum six-week unit, focusing on interdisciplinary learning
about the concept of freedom.
Independently and co-taught all subjects using a variety of instructional strategies to address the many ESL
students.
Used differentiated instruction, and both formative and summative assessments to evaluate student work to
most accurately gauge student learning throughout the semester.
Participated in weekly faculty meetings, and attended a school-wide professional development seminar on
student engagement and the importance of collaboration.
Observed several diverse teachers, kindergarten through eighth grade, and their daily classroom procedures
and strategies.

Lowell Elementary, Missoula, Montana, 5th grade



October 2013 December 2013
Observed the procedures and classroom management strategies of a very experienced teacher.
Designed and implemented lesson plans in all subjects to meet common core standards while using a variety
of resources, including technology and media.
Co-developed and taught a two-week unit focused on the Revolutionary War incorporating persuasive
writing practice, student centers, and peer teaching to enhance critical thinking.
Facilitated DIBELS and contributed to improving student reading skills by co-teaching using differentiated
instruction in small groups.
Worked individually with students to better math skills by aiding in homework correction and tailoring math
instruction to their individual needs.


FIELD EXPERIENCE
Flagship Afterschool Program, Missoula, Montana




March 2013 - May 2013
Planned, organized, and taught weekly language arts based lessons to kindergarten and first grade students.
Focused on hands-on learning by including student centers, related art projects, or role playing into every
lesson plan.
Implemented management strategies such as positive behavior supports and positive reinforcement.


FIELD EXPERIENCE (continued)
Cold Springs Elementary School, Missoula, Montana, 3rd Grade

October 2012 December 2012
Observed the teaching techniques and strategies of a highly effective teacher.
Provided extra support for struggling students specifically in language arts by leading small group guided
reading, homework correction, and practice with various reading comprehension strategies.

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE
Childcare Provider
Kinney Family







June 2012 - Present
Organized extra-curricular learning opportunities, which kept the children mentally and environmentally
engaged.
Used common core standards to create activities, which challenged the children to practice letters and
numbers, participate in dramatic play, and create age-appropriate art projects.
Offered choices to redirect negative behavior, and encouraged desired behavior using positive reinforcement.

Live-Out Summer Nanny
Arneson Family







June September; 2010- 2013
Worked with parents and children when planning activities, and met with parents daily to discuss the days
events and any disciplinary problems.
Created and implemented at least one structured lesson plan per four-day week focusing on hands on
learning in language arts, mathematics, or science.

Care Provider
Daycare Center, Missoula, Montana




September 2009 March 2011
Developed play-based curriculum individually and in collaboration with other staff members.
Established a safe, constructive, learning environment using techniques found in Love and Logic i.e. offering
choices, and sharing behavioral responsibility.
Fostered relationships with children, parents, and co-workers from diverse backgrounds.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE
Chaperone
Kodaikanal International School




January 2014 May 2014
Oversaw various culturally diverse activities for students in 3rd-12th grade, including a weekend camping trip,
arts and crafts club, math tutoring, Zumba dance, and swing dance club.

Youth Head Coach
YMCA Soccer






March - September 2013
Organized, encouraged, and led a 4th-5th grade girls soccer team at weekly practices and games.

Camp Counselor
Dickey Lake Bible Camp





June July; 2008 2011
Annually, spent three weeks counseling girls ranging in age from 8 to 14 years.
Facilitated both religious education activities and non-religious activities to engage girls physically and
mentally.