Larissa Wright-ElsonDedicated, resourceful, and innovative instructor who strives to help students enjoy language and literature and supports each student’s social and intellectual growth. Exceptional collaborator who creates and facilitates an atmosphere of mutual respect and open communication with colleagues, administration and community stakeholders.

7100 Linden DriveAnchorage, AK, 99502 907-223-1719 lwrightelson@gmail.com larissawright-elson.com

EXPERIENCE Anchorage School District — Language Arts Curriculum Coordinator August 2017 – PRESENT Leads the review, creation, and adoption of new curriculum for grades 6-12.  Maintains the district’s English/Language Arts program with a focus on national ELA standards and assists with the development and vision of an articulated, innovative, culturally responsive 21st Century Language Arts program. Recommends and implements change to assure program integrity, relevance, and best instructional practices.  Special Projects: Leading teams to create digital content for Canvas in response to pandemic; implementing new 6-8 curriculum; assisting to design a multi-tiered system of supports to provide equitable access to a rigorous, standards-based curriculum for all students; organizing ANC Youth Speaks – a TEDx type event with Alaska Public Media (local PBS);  planning and implementing job-embedded professional development; bringing national speakers to Anchorage; creating Virtual Professional Learning Series with PBS Education; supporting and creating flipped and blended classrooms; Mayor’s Steering Committee for School Gardens. Anchorage Museum of History and Art — Curriculum Designer October 2018 – July 2020 In collaboration with museum education staff, edited and created learning experiences for students for a new 9th grade Alaska Studies curriculum for state-wide use.  Anchorage School District, South High School, West High School, Romig Middle School — English Teacher August 1998  – August 2017 Classes: AP Language, AP Seminar, American Literature, World Literature, Teen Issues in Literature, Dignity in Diversity, Shakespeare, Digital Composition, middle school language arts.  Teaching highlights: over ten years of using a flipped or blended instructional model; leader of AP vertical team; advanced AP training; presented at technology conferences; technology grant recipient; technology in-service development; began Socratic seminar program; media literacy trainingSpecial Projects: South Speaks/TEDx South Anchorage High School; Every 15 Minutes; AP Capstone program University of Alaska, Anchorage — Adjunct SEPTEMBER 2012 – current Online and in-person  university course design experience: developed a flipped classroom for colleagues, teaching technology integration best practices, skills and essentials for educators and students. Facilitated courses in Google Applied Digital Skills and Google Fundamentals training. Developed and taught methods courses including: implementation of Socratic seminar for all ages and learners, cultural storytelling, differentiated and scaffolded writing instruction using digital tools, strategies for intensifying instruction, and pedagogical practices for online learning. Alaska Learning Network, Wrangell — Curriculum Designer2012 With university level training, created a curriculum for American Literature aligned with state and ISTE standards for best practices with online and distance delivery methods. EDUCATION Concordia University, Portland — Ed.D., in progress May 2014 – PRESENT The Transformational Leadership specialization is intended for diverse fields of leadership including school, business and organization. Learning to create a vision to guide change through inspiration, working  in tandem with committed members of a group for successful implementation. University of Alaska Southeast, Juneau — M.Ed. AUGUST  2006 – AUGUST 2011 Educational Technology University of Alaska, Anchorage – B.S. August 1996 – May 1998Secondary Education Central Connecticut State University – B.A. January 1990 – May 1994English literature – concentration in writing

SKILLS AP Seminar  AP Language and Composition AP Literature and Composition AP Reader 2019 & 2020 – AP Seminar SpringBoard curriculum Technology: English Techie blog Canvas LMS expertise Google for Education Certified Trainer Levels 1 & 2 Google Certified Educator Apple Teacher Turnitin Master Advocate Flipped Learning Certified Trainer National Board Candidate Support  ACHIEVEMENTS PBS Digital Innovator All-Star, 2018-2020 National Board Certification Adolescent/Young Adult  English and Language Arts, 2004 and renewed 2013 PBS Digital Innovator lead innovator for Alaska, 2016 Permaculture Design Certificate 2013 TRAINING Modern Classroom Essentials Spring 2021 Implementation Science  Mike Murphy, 2019 Adaptive Schools   Thinking Collaborative  December 2019  Harkness Seminar Method  Exeter Humanities Institute  Summer 2019 Capturing Kids’ Hearts   The Flippen Group, 2019 Project Based Learning 101  Buck Institute  2018 Leadership Blueprint  The Flippen Group – 2018