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Building Meaningful Learning

Professional Journey

Experience & Leadership

Instructional facilitator and learning designer with 13+ years in K–8 education — building standards-aligned, character-driven experiences that help learners discover who they are, grow who they are becoming, and impact the world with who they are meant to be.

A winding golden path through meadows with milestone signposts leading toward a rainbow-canopy tree.

I create, edit, and manage engaging content for campus-facing communications and design learning experiences that improve engagement and performance for student learners. Experienced in adapting literacy curriculum, developing objectives, lesson materials, scope-and-sequence supports, and aligning instruction to state standards. A certified EC-6 Generalist with deep early-literacy pedagogy — reading development, language conventions, and instructional scaffolding. I collaborate cross-functionally with educators, leaders, and project teams to translate instructional goals into clear, usable materials across print and digital environments. Currently completing my Doctorate in Instructional Design (projected 2028), with an M.A. in Nonprofit Organizational Management and a B.A. in Communications.

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Professional headshot of R.J. Morgan

R.J. Morgan, M.A.

Instructional Designer · Educator · Researcher

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Professional Experience

  1. JourneyLand Character Education Program

    Founder & Pilot Implementation Lead · Houston, TX

    • Implement program objectives and create all deliverables for the NEA-funded pilot.
    • Coordinate cross-departmental projects that align district priorities and drive equitable outcomes.
    • Lead collaborative problem-solving sessions to identify root causes and define next steps for systemic challenges.
    • Execute multiple concurrent initiatives with precision — timely delivery, quality control, and responsiveness to evolving priorities.

  2. EC-6 Classroom Teacher

    Houston ISD (+ NES) · Houston, TX

    • Designed and delivered ELA lessons aligned to state standards using district curriculum and teacher-created materials.
    • Structured close-reading activities guiding students to analyze, annotate, discuss, and write about texts with increasing independence.
    • Adapted lesson pacing, scaffolds, and supports for diverse learners — including multilingual learners and varied reading levels.
    • Maintained accurate documentation of lesson plans, student progress, and instructional adjustments.

  3. Program Director — Design Thinking

    Knowledge Quest · Memphis, TN

    • Designed, developed, and updated educational programs aligned with organizational goals and educational standards.
    • Collaborated with curriculum teams to create engaging, effective, and up-to-date curricula.
    • Supervised program coordinators, teachers, and staff; provided professional development for continuous team growth.
    • Conducted needs assessments and data-driven evaluations to enhance learning outcomes.

  4. Family & Community Engagement Specialist

    Houston ISD — FACE Department · Houston, TX

    • Served as FACE liaison for 25 Family Friendly Schools across elementary, middle, high, and alternative campuses.
    • Created and presented professional development for teachers and school administrators.
    • Facilitated HISD presentations, climate surveys, and campus walk-throughs for parents and community members.
    • Presented at Parent University on attendance, engagement, positive environments, and community events.

Leadership Roles at Houston ISD

  • Literacy Specialist 2022
  • Effective Practice Specialist 2019
  • Career Pathways Teacher Leadership Program
  • Reading Interventionist
  • Community Planning & Engagement
  • F2F & Virtual Presentations
  • JourneyLand CEP Pilot Coordinator
  • Integrated Arts & Education Curriculum Director

Media Features

Education

  1. In Progress Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Instructional Design National University
  2. Master of Arts (M.A.) Nonprofit Organizational Management University of Houston — Downtown
  3. Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Communications University of Houston — Downtown

Awarded Grant

NEA Foundation Student Success Grant

$5,000 Fall 2025

Awarded to support the pilot implementation of the JourneyLand Character Education Program — an innovative story-based SEL instructional program for K–8 students.

Professional Highlights

  • 13+ Years in K–12 Education
  • EC-6 Texas Certified Teacher
  • Doctoral Candidate
  • Instructional Design Expertise
  • Cross-Functional Leader
  • Founder of JourneyLand

Ready to build something meaningful?

Whether you’re exploring character education, instructional design, or a district partnership — I’d love to connect.

Download Résumé ↓ Let’s Connect →