Professional Education & Remote Learning Portfolio
Esther D. Manzano, M.S.
Experienced Educator • Lifelong Learner • Educational Innovator
New Mexico, USA • 505-488-8777 • esric544@gmail.com • http://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-d-manzano
About Me
Certified K-8 educator with 30 years across Philippines, CNMI, and United States; experience in elementary/middle instruction, curriculum and assessment, literacy, academic intervention, public speaking, family engagement, educational technology, multicultural/multilingual learners. Emphasize student-centered classroom and remote learning, clear explanations, high expectations, encouragement, differentiation.
Professional Snapshot
M.S. Curriculum & Instruction; U.S. K-8 Licensure; Reading & ELA; Elementary Mathematics; Science; Social Studies; Multilingual Learners; Public Speaking; Virtual Instruction; Educational Technology.
Professional Philosophy
I believe every learner can grow when instruction combines high expectations with patient guidance, meaningful practice, and genuine encouragement. My role is not only to teach content, but to help students become confident, curious, and increasingly independent learners. Across more than three decades in education, I have continued to adapt my practice while keeping relationships at the center of learning. I view responsible AI and digital tools as supports for good teaching—not substitutes for teacher judgment, creativity, ethics, or human connection.
What Learners Can Expect
Clear explanations; Personalized support; Encouraging feedback; Structured practice; Progress monitoring; Respect for individual learning needs; Responsible use of technology.
Teaching Journey
• Philippine Christian University, Manila, 1995-2000 — Elementary Teacher, literacy/math/critical thinking/character foundations.
• Grace Christian Academy, Saipan CNMI, 2000-2021 — 21 years; Grades 4-8 core plus K-6 art/PE/library; curriculum/assessment; reading/speaking/forensic coaching; family partnerships.
• Oleai Elementary School, CNMI PSS, 2021-2024 — Grade 4; standards-based instruction; multicultural Title I; PGFC coordinator/coach; Grade 4 Level Representative; Science Club Advisor.
• Navajo Elementary School, Gallup-McKinley County Schools, NM, 2024-2025 — Grade 5; core subjects; diverse/multilingual learners; assessment-informed intervention; educational technology; family collaboration.
Instructional Expertise
• Reading & ELA: comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, writing, grammar, text analysis, literacy intervention.
• Mathematics: elementary/middle-grade conceptual understanding, problem solving, guided practice, targeted intervention.
• Science & Social Studies: standards-aligned inquiry, discussion, real-world connections, interdisciplinary learning.
• Communication & Public Speaking: reading performance, speech preparation, confidence, presentation, competition coaching.
• Remote Learning: one-to-one/small-group, video conferencing, digital resources, formative assessment, individualized feedback, clear routines, family communication.
My Remote Teaching Approach
Connect first → Diagnose needs → Teach explicitly → Practice together → Check understanding → Provide feedback → Document progress.
Leadership & Recognition
Primary Grades Forensic Conference Coach/Coordinator 2014-2024; reading/speaking competition coaching; national level speech/debate coaching experience; Grade 4 Level Representative; Science Club Advisor; Teacher of the Month twice; perfect-attendance recognition.
Educational Technology & Innovation
Technology is integrated when it adds instructional value. Tools: Google Workspace; Zoom; Google Meet; Microsoft Office/Teams; Canva; digital assessment/interactive learning platforms; AI-assisted instructional design. Selected Innovation:
• AI Literacy Academy: responsible AI, ethics, digital citizenship, prompt skills, safe AI use.
• Project Aurora: cloud-based AI enablement project exploring educational or productivity applications.
• Enterprise AI Assistant (EAIA): productivity assistant concept supporting educators, entrepreneurs, organizations adopting AI.
• AI Knowledge Assistant: AWS retrieval-based prototype that searches a knowledge base and generates grounded responses; RAG foundation.
Education & Credentials
M.S. Curriculum & Instruction, Western Governors University, 2023
Thesis: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Accelerated Reader in Achieving Reading Goals in an Island School
B.S. Elementary Education, Far Eastern University
New Mexico Level III-A Instructional Leader License K-8, 2024
CNMI Professional Teacher Certification K-8, 2023
Microsoft Certified: AI Transformation Leader, 2026
AWS Cloud/AI professional development in progress
Languages:
English and Filipino.
Closing
Available for fully remote teaching, tutoring, curriculum, student-success, and education-focused opportunities. New Mexico, USA • 505-488-8777 • esric544@gmail.com • http://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-d-manzano
Leave a Reply