KAREN WILFORM, M.A.

San Diego, CA | karenwilform@gmail.com | (619) 756-5249 | wilform.net

EDUCATOR | TUTOR | TEACHING ASSISTANT

Accomplished educator with 20+ years of experience guiding students from K–12 to higher education, achieving a 100% graduation rate with three university graduates and one dual-enrollment student. Skilled in curriculum design, individualized instruction, and classroom management, with proven success supporting diverse learners, including ELL, Title I, and special needs students. Holds an M.A. in Teaching and a Preliminary Multiple Subject Teaching Credential (2020–2025).

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Adaptability | Engagement | Leadership | Instruction |  Curriculum

WORK EXPERIENCE

HOME EDUCATOR/TEACHER                                                                                                                                                                                                                       FEBRUARY 2005 – PRESENT

Harvard Academy – San Diego, CA      

Educated and mentored 3 children through K–12, including two dual-enrolled at Southwestern College (Chula Vista, CA); all 3 successfully graduated high school, community college, and completed degrees at major universities. Currently guiding the fourth child, a dual-enrollment student at age 14, through high school.

• Facilitated, educated, and mentored four children through K–12, customizing curricula and lesson plans to meet individual learning needs.
• Guided two students through dual-enrollment at Southwestern College (Chula Vista, CA), ensuring successful completion of both high school and college-level coursework.
• Achieved a 100% high school graduation rate, with three students advancing to major universities and successfully completing their degrees.
• Currently leading the fourth child, a dual-enrollment student at age 14, through high school with a focus on early college readiness and academic excellence.

STUDENT TEACHER                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             JANUARY 2020 - MAY 2020

J Calvin Lauderbach Elementary, Chula Vista, CA         

Adaptable and dedicated educator with hands-on classroom experience supporting diverse student populations, including English Language Learners, Title I students, and children with special needs. Skilled in instructional support, classroom management, and developing engaging learning materials that foster student growth and participation.

• Substituted and instructed a class of 27 fourth-grade students, adapting lessons to meet varied learning needs.
• Supported the Guide Teacher in delivering daily classroom instruction and reinforcing lesson objectives.
• Supervised students during recess and classroom transitions, ensuring a safe, structured environment.
• Designed and produced read-aloud videos and interactive activities to sustain engagement during distance learning.

STUDENT TEACHER                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  AUGUST 2019 - DECEMBER 2019

Camarena Elementary School, Chula Vista, CA

Versatile and student-focused substitute teacher with hands-on experience managing diverse classrooms of early elementary students. Skilled at supporting instructional delivery, fostering safe learning environments, and collaborating with teaching teams to ensure academic and social success.

• Substituted for a class of 25 first-grade students, including English Language Learners, Title I students, and those with special needs.
• Partnered with the Guide Teacher to reinforce daily lesson plans and classroom instruction.
• Supervised students during recess and transitions, ensuring a safe, structured, and inclusive environment.
• Collaborated with a team of six first-grade teachers, contributing to daily cohesive grade-level planning and instructional consistency.

EDUCATION

Master of Arts (MA), Teaching, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA

Bachelor of Arts (BA), Liberal Arts and Sciences, Liberal Studies, San Diego, CA

CERTIFICATIONS:  Preliminary Multiple Subject Teacher Credential (July 2020 - August 2025)

                                       Chula Vista Substitute Teacher Permit (August 2019 - August 2025)

                                       Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED Certified (valid through 2027)

TECHNICAL SKILLS:  Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)