Melinda Karshner

K-6 curriculum specialist with 20 years of experience designing, implementing, and refining K–6 Reading/Language Arts instruction and assessment. Extensive classroom-based and district-level experience developing standards-aligned literacy materials, formative assessments, and instructional supports for diverse learnerStrong foundation in early literacy, structured literacy, and English Language Development, with growing experience in authoring and reviewing digital content for accuracy, accessibility, and instructional clarity.

• Colorado, Elementary Education, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education (K-12), English (7-12), Middle School Math (6-8)
• California, Multiple Subject (K-12), Science (7-12), Math (7-12)
• IMSE Orton Gillingham
• Google Certified Teacher, 2018
• Curriculum and Instruction, Vanguard University, 2017
• Gifted and Talented Teacher, USC JAVITS Program, 2009
• Marine Research, Global Vision International, Kenya, 2009
• Guitar Teacher, Little Kids Rock, 2007

• IMSE Orton Gillingham, 2020
• Google Certification, 2018
• Curriculum and Design, 2016 - 2018
• Well Managed Schools, 2017
• SMART in Education, 2016 - 2017
• Cognitive Guided Instruction, 2014 - 2015
• Project Based Learning, 2014
• UCLA Methods in Teaching in Secondary Schools, 2012
• Seminars on Science, 2012
• OLWEAS Bullying Prevention, 2011
• Carnegie Mellon Robotics, 2010
• USC Instruction for Gifted Learners, 2009 - 2011
• BTSA Support Provider, 2008
• American History, 2006 - 2007

• Received $5,000 grant through Fund for Teachers to pursue marine biology research in Kenya., 2009
• Received funding for class set of guitars and a drum set through Little Kids Rock., 2009
• Received grant for 15 chrome-books to launch the Robotics program at Blair., 2010
• Received grants from Pasadena Educational Foundation for various instructional materials aimed to enhance technology in the classroom and literacy instruction., 2005 - 2011
• Received grants from South Pasadena Educational Foundation to enhance STEM lessons and engage students with activities such as electric car engineering challenges., 2011 - 2015
• Received grant for non-fiction graphic novels to engage struggling readers in Social Studies and Science., 2012
• Received funding through Donor's Choose for class set of microscopes, books, chrome books, green-screen, flexible seating, instructional materials, math materials, art materials, materials for Genius Hour and more., 2009 - 2018

• Volunteer mentor for at-risk teens, Stoked, Los Angeles, CA, 2012
• Volunteer GED teacher for former gang-members, Homeboy Industries, Los Angeles, CA, 2010
• Volunteer Marine Research while working towards certificate, Global Vision International, Wasini Island, Kenya, 2009
• Volunteer teacher at Kolam School, Kolam School, Tamil Nadu, India, 2008
• Worked with professors to ensure the smooth operation of classes held in the computer labs, Instructional Computing, 2001 - 2003

• BVSD District Dyslexia Advisory Committee, 2022 - Present
• Instructional Leadership Team, 2018 - Present
• Literacy Lead, 2018 - 2020
• Talented and Gifted Committee Member, 2008 - 2017
• Co-chair of Technology Committee, 2012 - 2015
• Mentor Teacher, 2012 - 2015
• Grade Level Chair and Leadership Committee, 2008 - 2020
• School Representative for District Level Meetings, 2008 - 2015
• Science Committee Member, 2010 - 2014
• IB Community Service Project Organizer, 2010 - 2012
• School Anti-Bullying Committee, 2010 - 2012
• Robotics Coach, Battle of the Books Coach, Math Olympiad Coach