Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Internationalexperience
Languages
Timeline
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ALA KOKO

Dallas,TX

Summary

I am a TESOL-certified professional with a strong background in customer service, cross-cultural communication, and languages. I am experienced in supporting both children and adults in developing English proficiency and other skills like Math. I'm known for a proactive, organized, and empathetic approach when it comes to teaching and problem-solving. A fast learner and multilingual communicator, passionate about creating inclusive, engaging, and results-driven educational spaces—both online and in-person. Equipped with international experience and a deep cultural understanding gained through being a refugee from Sudan, growing up in Dallas, going to university in Austin, and travelling abroad in Morocco.

Overview

9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Restaurant Hostess

Proper Hotel: Peacock Restaurant
Austin, Texas
12.2022 - 08.2023
  • Greeted customers promptly upon arrival, establishing a positive first impression.
  • Monitored restaurant activity to optimize seating and dining flow and managed seating chart effectively by rotating tables during busy periods.
  • Escorted guests to appropriate tables or provided open seating options in bar and patio areas.
  • Organized reservations for large parties and special events according to company policies.
  • Supported servers and bussers during high-volume shifts by efficiently running food and clearing tables.

Peer Language Exchange Tutor

UT Austin
Austin, TX
10.2022 - 04.2023
  • Counseled struggling learners on effective strategies for tackling challenging subjects and tasks.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance and academic progress.
  • Facilitated assessment of tutoring session effectiveness by prompting key student responses.
  • Promoted inquiry by encouraging students to ask questions about unclear topics.
  • Established a positive learning environment through open communication with students and teachers.

Summer Youth Intern

For the Nations Refugee Outreach
05.2016 - 08.2018
  • Organized and managed a classroom, ensuring timely and accurate completion for children.
  • Developed appropriate treatment plans focusing on each individual's needs.
  • Facilitated workshops focused on creating positive change within the community.
  • Monitored and provided assistance with such activities as homework, fitness and sports, art and literacy.
  • Monitored attendance and reading records for students to track progress.
  • Provided mentorship to younger students needing assistance with academics and life skills.

Volunteer ESL Teaching Assistant

For The Nations Refugee Outreach
05.2014 - 08.2016
  • Assisted teachers in creating lesson plans and providing instructional materials.
  • Explained class procedures, lab policies, and important dates.
  • Led discussion sections
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance and performance.
  • Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet the varying needs of individual students.
  • Graded assignments in a timely and fair manner.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - MIDDLE EASTERN LANGUAGES & CULTURES AND SOCIOLOGY

The University of Texas At Austin
Austin
12-2023

High School Diploma -

LV Berkner High School
Richardson, TX
06-2019

Skills

  • Problem solving
  • Time Management and Organization
  • Conflict resolution
  • Customer service
  • Multitasking
  • Lesson plan development
  • Fast learner

Certification

World TESOL Academy Teaching Certificate, 2024

Internationalexperience

IES Study Abroad, Rabat, Fall 2023

Languages

Arabic
Native/ Bilingual

Timeline

Restaurant Hostess

Proper Hotel: Peacock Restaurant
12.2022 - 08.2023

Peer Language Exchange Tutor

UT Austin
10.2022 - 04.2023

Summer Youth Intern

For the Nations Refugee Outreach
05.2016 - 08.2018

Volunteer ESL Teaching Assistant

For The Nations Refugee Outreach
05.2014 - 08.2016

Bachelor of Arts - MIDDLE EASTERN LANGUAGES & CULTURES AND SOCIOLOGY

The University of Texas At Austin

High School Diploma -

LV Berkner High School
ALA KOKO