Heather J. Goehring, MEd, has built a distinguished career in education, dedicating over a decade and a half of service to the field. Since 2021, she has served as an instructional coach with the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she excels in coaching new teachers, leading professional development initiatives at both school and district levels, and mentoring educators. Her role includes coordinating resources, securing project funding through DonorsChoose, a nonprofit organization that allows donors to fund classroom projects for public schools, and integrating arts into instruction. Additionally, she is an instructor for Schoology, the district’s learning management system, and provides cognitive coaching to support teacher growth and effectiveness.
Prior to her current role, Ms. Goehring held several key positions within the district. She served as the English language arts department chair for two to three years, leading curriculum development and providing teacher support. She spent 14 years as an English language arts teacher, where she refined her expertise in classroom management and student engagement. Her early career included teaching at the elementary school level, further broadening her experience in education. Before transitioning to education, she gained valuable leadership experience in the corporate sector, having worked as a countrywide supervisor for Macy’s Inc.’s document certification department for five years and as a department manager.
Moreover, Ms. Goehring is actively involved in industry-related organizations, including United Teachers Los Angeles, the main trade union for certified, non-administrative staff in the Los Angeles Unified School System, the California Teachers Association, advocates for students and public education, the American Federation of Teachers AFL-CIO, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the Los Angeles Modern Quilt Guild. A standout accomplishment in her career was securing $80,000 worth of new books for English classrooms in 2022, enhancing teachers’ ability to provide quality instruction and significantly benefiting students.
Laying a strong educational foundation, Ms. Goehring earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies from The Master’s University in 2005 and a Master of Education from the School of Education and Psychology at Pepperdine University in 2007. She also holds certifications in expository reading and writing curriculum from The California State University and cognitive coaching.
In light of her impressive undertakings, Ms. Goehring was honored with the Award for Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum by The California State University in 2024. She attributes her success to the guidance of mentors and her willingness to embrace new challenges. Her primary inspiration is her mother, who overcame personal challenges to complete her college degree while raising a family, instilling in her the resilience and determination that define her career. Additionally, she believes her openness to learning and her willingness to acknowledge that she does not have all the answers set her apart in the field. She values the opportunity to learn from diverse sources, including students, peers, new teachers, and seasoned educators, viewing every interaction as a chance for growth and professional development.
Looking to the future, Ms. Goehring aims to achieve national board certification for teaching, which will enhance her credentials and create new leadership opportunities within her district. In retirement, she envisions roles such as a museum docent or exploring virtual coaching opportunities. Committed to supporting others, she is open to assisting displaced teachers and providing guidance via email, even if she transitions out of her current role, demonstrating her dedication to education beyond the classroom.
In advising aspiring professionals, Ms. Goehring emphasizes the importance of authenticity. She encourages educators to be genuine with their students, suggesting that bringing their true selves into the classroom fosters stronger connections and more meaningful interactions. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys quilting, shopping, reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband.