Meet Christina Short
Christina Short is a dynamic educator with a passion for fostering academic excellence and holistic development in students. With a wealth of experience spanning diverse educational settings, Christina brings expertise in curriculum development, instructional design, and student engagement strategies to her role as an educator and mentor.
Christina holds a California Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential with ELA Authorization and a CLAD Certificate, along with a New York State Childhood Education Common Branch Certification (Grades 1-6). Her educational journey has been enriched by a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth, including a Master of Arts in Literacy Education from Arizona State University, a Reading Certification from the University of Southern California, and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Minor in Business Administration from the University of Oregon.
Christina's tenure at the New York City Department of Education showcases her commitment to prioritize engaging and enjoyable learning experiences for all students,
Christina upholds evidence-based literacy instruction firmly rooted in the Science of Reading. By skillfully blending key components like phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, and comprehension strategies within a literacy framework, she fosters a dynamic reading culture that spans across subjects. Her instructional approach places a strong emphasis on fluency and oral language, ensuring that students not only read accurately but also with genuine expression. Christina is dedicated to inclusivity, providing tailored support for all learners and seamlessly integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) to nurture holistic student development, addressing both emotional and cognitive aspects of learning.
Through relational math thinking, Christina helps students build math fluency by connecting mathematical concepts and operations. Her approach emphasizes efficiency, guiding students to scan problems, select appropriate strategies, and execute them confidently while maintaining clarity. She also promotes flexibility, encouraging students to explore various strategies and adapt their thinking to different situations. By nurturing a network of number relations, Christina empowers students to develop fluency, efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility in mathematics, laying the groundwork for lifelong success.
Beyond the classroom, Christina has made significant contributions to educational institutions across the United States. From Phoenix Elementary School District #1 in Arizona to Oakland Hebrew Day School in California, she has demonstrated leadership in curriculum development, mentorship, and differentiated instruction. Her role as a Writing Coordinator at Yeshiva Aharon Yaakov/Ohr Eliyahu Academy further underscores her capacity to design and implement effective literacy programs.
In her teaching practice, Christina prioritizes cultivating a positive and inclusive learning environment where curiosity is not only encouraged but celebrated. Through a blend of hands-on activities, interactive discussions, and engaging multimedia resources, She ignites a passion for learning in every student. By offering personalized attention and encouragement, she strives to uncover each student's unique interests and strengths, fostering a sense of excitement and enthusiasm for learning. Christina firmly believes in making education enjoyable and meaningful by connecting academic concepts to real-world applications, inspiring students to see the relevance and value of their studies. By celebrating achievements and fostering a growth mindset, Christina creates an atmosphere where students eagerly embrace new challenges and opportunities for growth.
EDUCATION
Arizona State University – Phoenix, AZ – Masters of Arts: Literacy Education
University of Southern California – Los Angeles, CA – Reading Certification
San Diego State University – San Diego, CA – Multiple Subject Teaching Certification
University of Oregon – Eugene, OR – Bachelor of Arts: English / Minor: Business Administration