Introduction:

I am a graduate of the USC Rossier School of Education, where I earned my Master of Arts in Teaching with a Multiple Subject Concentration in March 2017. I received my B. A in International Development Studies at UCLA. With over 10 years of teaching experience, 3 years in administration, and 3 years as a professional coach, I have grown into a passionate, persistent, and committed educator and leader.

My journey as an educator has been shaped by overcoming personal challenges, particularly my early struggles with self-confidence. When I was younger, I struggled with self-doubt and often believed I would never succeed because I didn’t feel “good enough.” I thought that even if I tried, my goals would never turn out the way I hoped. That mindset held me back—until a mentor stepped into my life. They encouraged me to persevere and reminded me that success isn’t about being perfect, but about staying committed, learning through failure, and showing kindness to yourself along the way. 

With that support, everything began to shift. I started focusing on building character traits like persistence, resilience, and self-compassion. As I grew in those areas, I noticed how my mind, actions, and my personality began to change: my goals began falling into place—not because I chased perfection, but because I kept showing up. I didn't want to be afraid and give up on myself anymore.  That experience continues to shape how I live and how I support others on their journey. These experiences have strengthened my perseverance, resilience, and courage—qualities that I bring to my students and colleagues every day. Teaching, advising, and mentoring have become more than a profession; they are avenues through which I share these values and inspire students and teachers to become lifelong learners. 

Over the past 10 years, I have served as a teacher in LAUSD and charter schools including California Virtual  Aacademy for 3 years, working primarily with low-SES students, English language learners, and students with IEPs. In the last 5 years, I have expanded my role as a Curriculum Specialist, Site Administrator, and EL Coordinator. In these positions, I have supported teachers through professional development workshops, one-on-one coaching, and curriculum development, including the creation of pacing guides and rigorous course materials. I have also contributed to managing testing calendars, compliance, and school-wide instructional initiatives.

In addition, I have and facilitated engaging ELA and Math tutoring sessions for K-12 students that integrate humor, short stories, and interactive activities to improve comprehension and retention. My work in curriculum development teams has led to innovative lessons that meet the diverse needs of learners, increasing student engagement and achievement.

My passion lies in creating value-based lessons that promote a positive classroom climate and foster academic and social-emotional growth. I have supported schools by designing pacing guides, benchmark assessments, and workshops that involve collaboration among school staff, families, and community organizations across LA, Santa Ana, and Orange County. These efforts have strengthened school communities and positively impacted student outcomes.

As an Admin Designee and Site Administrator, I have provided dynamic, interactive professional development sessions focused on curriculum development for English Learners, Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), and integrated ELD strategies. I utilize singing, multimedia, and other engaging techniques to foster active participation among educators and help them create inclusive and supportive learning environments.

I am excited about the possibility of contributing my skills and experiences to your child. I am eager to continue learning and am committed to giving my best in every opportunity. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, Sharon Kim