Available to hire
Hi! I’m Carissa Harwood, a passionate educator and writer with extensive experience in teaching, tutoring, and curriculum development. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with students of various ages and needs, including support for students with disabilities and literacy programs. My background in the arts and writing has allowed me to combine creativity with education to inspire and support student growth.
I hold an MFA in Playwriting with a focus on screenwriting and young adult literature, and I have taught a diverse range of subjects from English and creative writing to fine arts and library sciences. I truly enjoy fostering positive learning environments and continuing to expand my knowledge in teaching, literature, and media.
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Substitute Instructional Assistant at Salem-Keizer School District
September 1, 2024 - PresentAssisted with behavior and classroom management, maintained student conduct, implemented behavior management plans, observed student behavior for safety and progress, helped develop and present learning materials, and provided individualized instruction for students with IEPs.
Writing Assistant at Centers for Academic Success, College of Southern Nevada
December 31, 2022 - July 18, 2025Tutored students one-on-one for writing needs in both physical and online settings, contributed to establishing the embedded tutoring model in Freshman Composition sections, worked closely with Disability Resource Center students, especially via distance learning technology, to address writing and learning challenges.
Librarian and Art College and Career Specialist Teacher at David E. Norman Elementary School
March 31, 2020 - July 18, 2025Combined teaching library and art subjects, prepared art materials, instructed various art techniques, promoted artistic expression, taught information literacy, planned and coordinated library programs, selected library materials, and collaborated extensively with teachers and parents.
Read By Three Literacy Program Long Term Sub at David E. Norman Elementary School
October 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025Assisted K-5 teachers with literacy student needs, provided one-on-one tutoring, assessed and strategized to meet literacy goals focusing on dyslexia support.
Fine Arts Teacher at David E. Norman Elementary School
June 30, 2018 - July 18, 2025Created lesson plans teaching foundations and principles of art, introduced various artistic periods and masters appropriate to grade levels, and inspired student interest in art creation.
Paraprofessional at David E. Norman Elementary School
November 30, 2017 - July 18, 2025Worked closely with special education and cognitive life skills classrooms, provided individual student support, ran social skills classes for special needs and at-risk students, and tutored grades 2-5 after school in reading and writing. Also participated as a member of the Panther Sign Squad improving ASL skills.
English Teacher at White Pine High School
May 31, 2016 - July 18, 2025Taught English 9 and 10 covering critical thinking, essay composition, literature, and grammar. Integrated technology such as Chromebooks and Google Classroom. Assisted dual credit students in college readiness and test preparations. Supported drama department productions as assistant.
Adjunct Instructor at Great Basin College
May 31, 2015 - July 18, 2025Taught remedial and college-level English courses, including composition, research writing, contemporary literature, and creative writing. Emphasized MLA format, critical thinking, writing process, and use of contemporary Young Adult and banned books as source material. Delivered courses both live and online.
Graduate Assistant and Part-Time Instructor at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
May 31, 2007 - July 18, 2025Taught multiple theatre courses including Women Playwrights, Introduction to Acting, Introduction to Theatre, and Play Structure and Analysis. Integrated feminist theory, dramatic literature, improvisation, and theatre history. Required students to attend and review university theatre productions.
Substitute Instructional Assistant at Salem-Keizer School District
September 1, 2024 - PresentDuties include behavior management by assisting with students' focus and implementing behavior plans, maintaining classroom order, observing student behavior for safety, assisting development and presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises, and providing individualized instruction for students with IEPs.
Writing Assistant at Centers for Academic Success, College of Southern Nevada
December 31, 2022 - July 18, 2025Provided one-on-one tutoring for a range of writing needs in both physical and online settings. Played a key role in establishing embedded tutoring in Freshman Composition courses and worked extensively with students with disabilities, strengthening cooperation between the Disability Resource Center and Centers for Academic Success.
Librarian and Art College and Career Specialist Teacher at David E. Norman Elementary School
March 31, 2020 - July 18, 2025Combined Library and Art courses, instructed students in artistic techniques and media, promoted reading and information literacy, collaborated with teachers on curriculum support, managed library operations including budgeting and cataloging, organized art exhibitions, and supported school administration with program development.
Read By Three Literacy Program Long Term Sub at David E. Norman Elementary School
October 31, 2019 - July 18, 2025Assisted K-5 teachers with literacy needs, provided one-on-one tutoring, assessed student learning needs, and focused special attention on students with dyslexia.
Fine Arts Teacher at David E. Norman Elementary School
June 30, 2018 - July 18, 2025Created engaging lesson plans covering foundational art elements and principles, art history, and art techniques relevant to grade levels, with a focus on fostering student interest in the creative process.
Paraprofessional at David E. Norman Elementary School
November 30, 2017 - July 18, 2025Supported individual students with IEPs in collaboration with special education staff, managed social skills classes for special needs and at-risk students, and provided after-school reading and writing tutoring as part of the Read By Three program.
English Teacher at White Pine High School
May 31, 2016 - July 18, 2025Taught English 9 and 10 courses with integration of technology and contemporary literature, helped students prepare for college readiness tests, collaborated with colleagues for lesson design, and assisted in drama department productions.
Adjunct Instructor at Great Basin College
May 31, 2015 - July 18, 2025Taught remedial and college-level English courses focusing on grammar, MLA format, composition, research, and literature. Courses were delivered both live and online with interactive components and a focus on diverse and contemporary reading materials.
Graduate Assistant and Part-Time Instructor at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
May 31, 2007 - July 18, 2025Instructed theatre courses including Women Playwrights, Intro to Acting, Intro to Theatre, and Play Structure and Analysis, incorporating feminist theory and dramatic literature, with a focus on performance and script analysis.
Education
M.F.A. at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
January 1, 2005 - May 1, 2007B.A. at Bloomsburg University
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1999M.F.A. at University of Nevada, Las Vegas
August 1, 2004 - May 31, 2007B.A. at Bloomsburg University
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 1999Qualifications
Member, Modern Language Association
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025Member, Popular Culture Association
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025Member, International Writing Centers Association
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025Member, College Reading and Learning Association
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025Member, Association of Colleges for Tutoring and Learning Assistance
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025Member, Thespian Society
January 11, 2030 - July 18, 2025Member of Modern Language Association
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2010Member of Popular Culture Association
January 1, 2004 - December 31, 2010Member of International Writing Centers Association
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2015Member of College Reading and Learning Association
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2015Member of Association of Colleges for Tutoring and Learning Assistance
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2020Member of Thespian Society
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2007Industry Experience
Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization
Skills
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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