Megan Acosta, M.Ed.

Monument, CO (Open to Remote Work)

Professional Summary

Art Educator and Instructional Designer with 10+ years of experience designing engaging, student-centered learning experiences across K–12 classrooms and digital/online learning environments. Holds an M.Ed. in Instructional Design & Technology and specializes in curriculum development, multimedia instruction, and making complex concepts accessible to beginner learners. Experienced supporting diverse and military-connected communities through meaningful, process driven learning that builds creativity, confidence, and critical thinking.

Education

Texas Tech University – Lubbock, TX Online

M.Ed Instructional Technology (Jan 2018 2009-Dec 2019)

4.0 GPA

The Pennsylvania State University – University Park, PA

B.S. Art Education (Aug 2009-Dec 2013)

B.F.A. Photography (Aug 2009-Dec 2013)

3.96 GPA – Highest Distinction Graduate & Marshal, College of Arts and Architecture (Commencement Ceremony Fall 2013)

Professional Experience

Art Educator & Instructional Designer
Self-employed | Dec 2019-Present

  • Designed and launched an online photography course (Manual Mode for Moms), with asynchronous learning experiences using video instruction, multimedia teaching materials, digital assessments, email education, and guided learning sequences.
  • Built and managed an online learning platform, including content delivery, user experience, and learner communication.
  • Designed and delivered in-person art classes using a process-based, student-centered approach in local communities.
Elementary Art Teacher

David E. Robinson Elementary, Magnolia, DE | Apr 2023–Nov 2023

  • Led art instruction for approximately 640 students across grades K–5 using engaging, standards-aligned curriculum and learning experiences.
  • Revitalized the school’s art program through structured, process-based curriculum emphasizing student choice, skill development, and family engagement. 
  • Established classroom procedures and studio habits to improve student independence, organization, and material use.
Elementary Art Teacher

Yokota West Elementary, Yokota AFB, Japan | Jan 2021–May 2021

  • Delivered art instruction for K–5 students within a Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) school serving military-connected families, adapting instruction to support a diverse, highly mobile student population with varying educational backgrounds.
  • Designed and implemented engaging, standards-aligned lessons focused on creativity, visual literacy, and skill development.
  • Organized and led an after-school art club to extend learning opportunities and increase student engagement
Visual Arts Teacher

New Hope High School, Columbus, MS | Aug 2015–July 2018

  • Taught a comprehensive range of visual arts courses including Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Photography, and AP Studio Art.
  • Integrated digital tools and Learning Management Systems (Schoology) to support instruction, communication, and assignment delivery.
  • Served as Schoology Technology Facilitator, supporting staff with LMS implementation and digital classroom practices.

Additional Teaching & Early Career Experience

Art Teacher
Columbus Arts Council, Columbus MS | Sept 2014–Dec 2014

  • Developed, proposed, and taught various art classes for the Columbus Arts Council. Focused on providing early childhood arts education at the center while upholding the mission of the arts center to “present, promote, support and inspire artists and creative endeavors.”
Teacher
St. John’s Episcopal Reggio Emilia Summer Camp, Washington D.C. | Jun 2014–Aug 2014

  • Served as a summer teacher for a class of 15 students, ages 3-4 years old at a Reggio Emilia inspired preschool in Washington, D.C. Responsible for designing and implementing daily schedule of activities for children.
Teacher
Tender Roots, Arlington, VA | Feb 2014–June 2014

  • Lead teacher for the Reggio Emilia inspired toddler cooperative school, Tender Roots. Responsible for supporting learning community by following student interests and guiding curriculum and environment accordingly. Documenting student activity daily while creating daily journals, wall panels of documentation, and student portfolios.
Art Education Student Teacher
The Student Achievement Center, Pittsburgh | Oct 2013–Dec 2013

  • Developed and taught original art curricula for Pittsburgh Public alternative education students for 8 weeks. Managed an urban classroom of mixed aged (14-21) students who were displaced from various schools in the Pittsburgh Public District for disciplinary and credit reasons. Introduced darkroom photography, printmaking, and fiber arts as main studio concepts while adhering to common core standards.
Art Education Student Teacher
Fanny Edel Falk Laboratory School, Pittsburgh | Aug 2013–Oct 2013

  • Developed and taught original art curricula at the premiere laboratory school in Pittsburgh PA for 8 weeks. Personally managed 4 different classes during the week, including all 1st and 4th grade classes, while co-teaching at other times. Collaborated intensely with staff and co-workers to implement meaningful curriculum for students in grades kindergarten through fourth, using a project-based approach.
Art Education Intern
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium | Jun 2013–Aug 2013

  • Served as the sole Art Education teacher for the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium summer education programs. Developed and taught curriculum for program participants ages 4-16 on a daily basis (40 hrs week). Also developed art curriculum for a four day summer camp and served as the art teacher and counselor for the camp.
Art Teacher
Saturday Art School for 3-5 yr olds, Penn State UP | Jan 2013–May 2013

  • Responsible for developing, implementing, and documenting collaborative experiments in early childhood art education curriculum through an eight week, two hour long Saturday Art Class for 3-5 year olds.
Studio Specialist
The Child Care Center at Hort Woods, State College, PA | Aug 2011 – May 2012

  • Served in a selective arts education internship at the Reggio Emilia-inspired childcare center, working closely with staff to develop and implement meaningful art curriculum for early childhood learners. Worked intensely in an early childhood room, and also in the center-wide atelier.

Core Competencies

  • Curriculum Development
  • Instructional Design
  • Online Teaching
  • Video Based Learning
  • Adult Learning
  • K–12 Art Education
  • Learning Experience Design
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Assessment Design
  • (LMS) Learning Management Systems
  • Asynchronous Learning
  • Multimedia Instruction
  • Creative Process & Studio Instruction
  • Project Based Learning
  • Digital & Film Photography

Technology

  • Canvas + Schoology

  • Google Classroom

  • Google Workspace

  • Final Cut Pro

  • Adobe Captivate

  • Adobe Lightroom

  • Adobe Photoshop

  • Adobe Premiere Pro

  • OBS Studio

  • Microsoft Office Suite

  • Canva

  • WordPress

Published Works and Honors

2014, Awarded: Outstanding Student Teacher Award for Fall 2013
2013, Marshal to the College of Arts and Architecture, Commencement Ceremony Fall 2013
2013, Highest Distinction Graduate, Commencement Ceremony Fall 2013
2013, Leslie P. Greenhill Photography Award
2013, Alice Schwartz Mattil Award in Art Education
2013, Brian Betzler Memorial Scholarship
2013, Reuben and Gladys Golumbic Award Nominee
2013, Photographs and Video in “Centre Wildlife Care: Bald Eagle Release”. Central PA Live, Jan 25
2009–2013, Dean’s List, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA

Exhibitions

2013, Assemblage: The Space Between Art and Pedagogy, Patterson Gallery, University Park, PA
2013, Seeing in 4×5, Old Main President’s Office, University Park, PA
2013, Reuben and Gladys Golumbic Nominees, University Park, PA
2012, Undergraduate Juried exhibition: Mise-en-scène, Edwin D. Zoller Gallery, University Park, PA
2012, BFA exhibit, Edwin D. Zoller Gallery, University Park, PA
2010, Arts Crawl, University Park, PA
2009, Arts Crawl, University Park, PA

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