ALEXANDRIA ACUÑA
Tucson,Arizona
Summary
Deaf Early Childhood Educator dedicated to creating language-rich and inclusive learning environments for young children. Builds strong relationships through visual communication, patience, and consistency. Passionate about supporting early language development, social-emotional growth, and confidence in both Deaf and hearing learners. Organized, dependable, and collaborative with families and educational teams.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ASL Mentor
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
02.2026 - Current
- Mentored a student, practicing ASL skills.
- Attending Deaf events to enhance language immersion.
ASL Tutor
Pima Community College
Tucson, AZ
08.2018 - Current
- Established supportive learning environments that fostered open communication and active participation from all students.
- Developed methods to motivate and engage students in learning.
- Supported students in achieving personal goals related to ASL proficiency.
AmeriCorps Team Leader-Promise Fellow
University of Arizona STEMM
Tucson, AZ
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Provided 450 hours of tutoring and mentoring (in-person and Zoom) to 6 underperforming elementary school students, supporting growth in core subjects and study skills.
- Completed professional training courses to implement evidence-based educational resources and instructional tools in both classroom and virtual learning environments.
- Led and supported student engagement initiatives, including participation in community and Family Night events to strengthen school–family.
Student Teaching Internship
K/1st
Tucson, AZ
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Supported the lead teacher in delivering lessons in language, literacy, math, and writing.
- Facilitated small-group activities and provided one-on-one support to reinforce learning.
- Assisted students in developing communication skills through hands-on, visual, and language-rich activities.
- Helped implement classroom management strategies to create an inclusive, supportive, and engaging learning environment.
- Assisted in designing and implementing age-appropriate lesson plans that foster creativity and student engagement.
ASL Instructor
Miles E.L.C
Tucson, AZ
10.2021 - 05.2025
- Taught American Sign Language (ASL) to K-5th grade students, focusing on foundational language skills and communication.
- Incorporated Deaf culture, vocabulary, and conversational skills to enhance students’ understanding of the language and the Deaf community.
- Supported Deaf and hard-of-hearing students in academic settings, ensuring access to communication and providing assistance in understanding classroom content.
Student Teaching Practicum (60 Hours)
K-3rd
Tucson, AZ
08.2024 - 05.2025
- Supported the lead teacher in delivering lessons for 1st and 2nd grade students, focusing on language, literacy, math, and social-emotional development.
- Facilitated small group activities and provided one-on-one support to students, addressing individual learning needs and reinforcing key concepts.
- Reinforced early literacy concepts by pairing ASL signs with English vocabulary, helping students strengthen word recognition, comprehension, and memory.
- Helped implement classroom management strategies to maintain an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Student Teaching Mentor Sessions
Math (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)
Tucson, AZ
09.2024 - 11.2024
- Mentored kindergarten and 1st-grade students in foundational math skills, including number recognition, counting, addition, and basic shapes.
- Developed and facilitated hands-on math activities and games to engage students in problem-solving and reinforce key concepts.
- Provided individualized support during small group sessions, addressing each student’s unique learning needs.
- Created interactive lesson plans to introduce math concepts in an accessible, engaging way, fostering a positive attitude toward learning math.
Student Teaching Mentor Sessions
Literacy & Science
Tucson, AZ
09.2024 - 11.2024
- Mentored third-grade students, focusing on literacy skills, reading comprehension, vocabulary building, and creative writing.
- Led science lessons on topics such as robotics through hands-on experiments and interactive discussions.
- Designed and implemented creative lesson plans and activities to enhance student engagement and academic growth.
- Provided one-on-one support, reinforcing learning objectives in both literacy and science.
- Promoted a growth mindset among mentees, encouraging them to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
- Promoted positive relationships between mentees and other peers.
Student Teaching Practicum
Family Nature’s Program
Tucson, AZ
10.2024
- Assisted the lead teacher in delivering nature-based lessons focused on local desert ecosystems and environmental education.
- Led read-aloud sessions using desert-themed stories (e.g., Saguaro cactus) to foster literacy and curiosity about the natural world.
- Guided students through outdoor activities, encouraging exploration and developing a connection to nature.
- Promoted hands-on learning and sensory exploration to enhance students’ understanding of the desert ecosystem.
ASL Instructor
ASL Language Coaching Workshop Slang/Idioms
Tucson, AZ
10.2024 - 10.2024
- Delivered a workshop on ASL idioms and slang to improve interpreters' fluency and understanding of Deaf culture.
- Developed and presented practical examples of how English slang translates into ASL.
Student Teaching Internship
Pre-K
Tucson, AZ
01.2024 - 05.2024
- Observed and assisted the lead teacher in daily classroom activities, with a focus on promoting language and literacy development in young learners.
- Supported classroom management strategies, ensuring a positive, structured environment for students.
- Provided individualized support to students, tailoring learning activities to meet diverse needs and encourage academic growth.
- Assisted in the creation and implementation of age-appropriate lesson plans, fostering creativity and engagement in the learning process.
Student Teaching Practicum (60 Hours)
Pre-K
Tucson, AZ
08.2023 - 11.2023
- Observed and assisted the lead teacher in daily classroom activities, with a focus on promoting language and literacy development in young learners.
- Supported classroom management strategies, ensuring a positive, structured environment for students.
- Provided individualized support to students, tailoring learning activities to meet diverse needs and encourage academic growth.
- Assisted in the creation and implementation of age-appropriate lesson plans, fostering creativity and engagement in the learning process.
ASL Mentor
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Mentored a student, practicing ASL skills.
- Attending Deaf events to enhance language immersion.
ASL Mentor
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Mentored a student, practicing ASL skills.
- Attending Deaf events to enhance language immersion.
Education
Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Tucson, Arizona12-2025
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Massage Therapy
PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Tucson, Arizona05-2018
High School Diploma - undefined
TUCSON HIGH MAGNET SCHOOL
Tucson, Arizona05-2014
Skills
- Classroom management and child development
- Lesson planning and curriculum development
- Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong ability to build relationships with children and parents
- Adaptable and quick learner in fast-paced environments
- Culturally competent and experienced in inclusive education
Certification
CPR and First Aid Certified – Current
Licensure (In Progress)
- Preparing for AEPA Professional Knowledge: Early Childhood – Arizona
- Preparing for Science of Reading Test – Arizona
Timeline
ASL Mentor
University of Arizona
02.2026 - Current
AmeriCorps Team Leader-Promise Fellow
University of Arizona STEMM
09.2025 - 01.2026
Student Teaching Internship
K/1st
08.2025 - 12.2025
Student Teaching Practicum
Family Nature’s Program
10.2024
ASL Instructor
ASL Language Coaching Workshop Slang/Idioms
10.2024 - 10.2024
Student Teaching Mentor Sessions
Math (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)
09.2024 - 11.2024
Student Teaching Mentor Sessions
Literacy & Science
09.2024 - 11.2024
Student Teaching Practicum (60 Hours)
K-3rd
08.2024 - 05.2025
Student Teaching Internship
Pre-K
01.2024 - 05.2024
Student Teaching Practicum (60 Hours)
Pre-K
08.2023 - 11.2023
ASL Instructor
Miles E.L.C
10.2021 - 05.2025
ASL Mentor
University of Arizona
01.2021 - 05.2021
ASL Tutor
Pima Community College
08.2018 - Current
ASL Mentor
University of Arizona
01.2017 - 12.2017
Associate Degree in Applied Science - Massage Therapy
PIMA COMMUNITY COLLEGE
High School Diploma - undefined
TUCSON HIGH MAGNET SCHOOL
Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood Education
UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA