Curriculum Vitae

LARA CHRISTENSEN, M.A.
Palo Alto, CA

STATE LICENSURE

Multiple Subject – CLAD - CLEAR

Education Specialist – Mild Moderate: Level II

Education Specialist – Deaf / Hard of Hearing (expired)

EDUCATION

Gallaudet University

Master of Arts, Deaf Education – Multiple Disabilities Washington, DC. 05/06

Completed 01/04 – 05/06

Credentials: Deaf Education Specialist and Mild-Moderate Special Needs: Completed

4.0 GPA - with Honors

Loyola Marymount University

Bachelor of Arts, Liberal Studies Los Angeles, CA. 5/03

Liberal Studies – Education

Concentration / Minor: Dance

Credentials: Multiple Subject: Completed 8/03-12/03

3.6 GPA

Oxford University, Queens College: Oxford, England 07/02

Loyola Marymount University Summer Scholars Program

EXPERIENCE

4th Grade Teacher, Barron Park Elementary School, Palo Alto, CA – 08/12 – present

* Teaching 4^th grade students, in multiple subjects.  Implementation of curriculum: Lucy Calkins; Fountas and Pinnell; Everyday Mathematics.  Assessments: Formal - DRA; ERB; STAR; MARS   Informal - Running Record; Anecdotal Record; Checklists; Conferencing

Kindergarten Teacher, Carden West School, Pleasanton, CA 08/09 - 05/12

* Teaching students, aged 4-6, across all curricular areas. In an academically accelerated private school classroom.  Modify / individualize instruction for each student, in the areas, of Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies and Character Education.   Curriculum: Lucy Calkins; Mc-Graw Hill; Carden

Special Day Class Teacher ESY – DHH Preschool, Santa Clara, CA 07/11

* Teaching 3 year old and 4 year old preschool classrooms.  Creating an engaging and language rich classroom environment, during Extended School Year.

Special Day Class Teacher, Lower Elementary ESY, Milbrae School District, Milbrae, CA 07/10

* Teaching students with Mild-Moderate disabilities.  Created / implemented curriculum, implemented I.E.P. goals, in a summer school environment.

Special Day Class Teacher, K / 1, Los Altos School District, Los Altos, CA 08/07 - 06/09

* As a new teacher, in a new classroom, I  was challenged to develop my own curriculum, and worked with a team in implementing behavior plans.   Curriculum: Write Tools

Deaf / Hard of Hearing Infant Specialist, East Whittier City School District, Whittier, CA 08/2006 – 06/07

* This employment provided me with the knowledge and experience of Early Childhood development and the foundations needed to build upon, for success in the future.

SKILLS

Language: American Sign Language - fluent

Technology Experience: SMARTBoard; Document Camera

ORGANIZATIONS / HONORS

Toastmasters International, Lee Emerson Basset - Active Member Palo Alto, CA

Kappa Delta Pi – International Honor Society in Education: Pi Rho Chapter

Graduate President’s Scholar – Fall 2005

INTERESTS

I enjoy participating in various outdoor / indoor activities (running marathons, hiking, playing the guitar). I also enjoy travel and the arts.