Merisenda Bills

Email: merisendabills@gmail.com
Phone: 323-439-7713

Summary Statement
Award-winning educator with a blend of experience in multimedia, educational technology, and
design thinking.
Skills and Expertise
o Project management
o Iterative design process
o Universal Design for Learning
o Wireframes and prototypes

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Online resources development

Instructional design
User experience
HTML

Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Ed.M. Candidate in Technology, Innovation, and Education, 2014-2015
Loyola Marymount University
M.A. in Urban Education, concentration in Educational Policy and Administration, 2013
California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential, 2012
University of Southern California
B.A. in Broadcast and Digital Journalism, 2011
Minors in Digital Studies, Interactive Media and the Culture of New Technologies
Awards: Honors in Multimedia Scholar
Activities: HerCampus USC, Annenberg TV News, Quidditch Club, Anime Club, Latino Alumni
Association
Professional Experience
MIT Media Lab: Lifelong Kindergarten Group (Fall 2014)
o Learning Resources Developer: created online resources, tutorials, images, and drafted starter
projects for Scratch.com, a creative online learning community
Alum Rock Union School District (2011-2014)
o Instructor: kindergarten, fourth grade, and 4/5-combination class
o Integrated 21st century skills through project-based learning and iPad technology
o Presenter/Facilitator: technology workshops supporting colleagues iPad integration
o Coach: trained all-girls running club for 5k to foster a healthy community
o San Antonio Elementary School Teacher of the Year in 2013
o Grant writer: submitted successful proposals for field trips, books, and a MakerBot 3D printer
o Member: Instructional Leadership Team to implement schools Theory of Action
Teach for America (Summer 2011)
o Corps member: intensive program developing skills and knowledge needed to achieve
significant gains in student achievement
o Summer instructor: supporting 8th grade students in Los Angeles area public schools
o Measurable increase in student proficiency in language arts and writing
Intersections/Foshay Learning Center (Spring 2011)
o Instructor: high school art class on creating in-depth multimedia stories
o Curricular implementation: advanced sound design, filming and editing techniques
o Increase of student proficiency using Audacity, Soundslides, and FlipCam software
USC La Curacao Academic Achievement Program (2007-2011)
o Presenter: conducted monthly college preparation, life skills and leadership workshops at underresourced local high schools to support students through the college application process
o Mentor: individually guided students in applying for financial aid and writing personal statements