Gina Gutierrez Karp brings 30 years of experience to her work as a classroom teacher (spanning grades 1-12), school leader, in-service mentor and independent school board member. Drawing from training and experience in both public and private schools, Gina has a deep understanding of classroom practice and organizational development at both the local and state levels. Gina has served as a consultant to developing schools, working with teachers, administrators and board members to strengthen alignment with both AWSNA (Association of Waldorf Schools of North America) and NYSAIS (New York State Association of Independent Schools) accreditation requirements. Gina has served as a member of a AWSNA/NYSAIS dual accreditation team, offering 15 years of independent school classroom experience and leadership to develop sustainable, mission-based schools that align with a standards based state curriculum. Gina has developed curriculum for emerging ELL, Health, Restorative Practices and Service Learning programs. As both an elementary and secondary level teacher, she has researched and implemented literacy strategies for emergent through pre-college readers and writers. GIna has recently served as the coordinator of an independent high school, providing in-service mentoring of new teachers, oversight of student academic and guidance services, and coordination of ELL and divergent learner programs. As a former parent, teacher and board member of an independent school in upstate New York, Gina is deeply committed to supporting the professional development of religious and independent school teachers and leaders. Gina holds a Masters in Education as well as certifications in Elementary Education, TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), Waldorf Education, Theater Arts and Restorative Practices.