AMERICA LOPEZ
Chicago,IL
Summary
Bilingual educator and school leader with over 11 years of experience in educational settings across the U.S. and Mexico. Proven track record of using data analytics to enhance bilingual literacy and drive 100% student growth on assessments. Expertise in fostering collaborative school cultures and engaging families to support student success.
Overview
1
1
Certification
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Manager of School Culture & Student Success (K-4)
Namaste Charter School
Chicago, Illinois
01.2026 - Current
- Partner with teachers and school leaders to strengthen classroom management systems, student engagement, and consistent behavioral expectations.
- Supported K-4 students and teachers in cultivating positive, student-centered learning environments, enhancing overall classroom engagement.
- Collaborated with teachers to assess student needs and implement strategies that effectively promoted student success.
- Facilitated family engagement and teacher development in classroom systems and student behavior, strengthening family communication and school culture.
- Provided personalized academic assistance to students during one-on-one sessions. through restorative conversations, student reflection, intervention planning, and family partnership.
Dual Language First Grade Teacher
Prairie Oak Elementary School, North Berwyn School District 98
Berwyn, Illinois
01.2022 - 01.2026
- Planned and delivered daily standards-aligned instruction in a 50/50 dual language first-grade classroom, supporting bilingual literacy, language development, and grade-level academic learning in English and Spanish.
- Designed lesson plans and differentiated learning experiences to address students' academic, linguistic, and developmental needs.
- Implemented Amplify and Eureka Math curricula and adapted instruction to support diverse learners and varying levels of academic readiness.
- Used MAP and i-Ready data, classroom assessments, and ongoing progress monitoring to identify learning needs, plan instruction, form flexible groups, and provide targeted support.
- Delivered targeted small-group literacy and mathematics instruction and interventions for diverse learners and newcomer students.
- Supported multilingual learners and newcomers through language development, modeling, scaffolds, visual supports, and differentiated instruction.
- Established structured classroom routines and relationship-centered management practices to enhance student engagement and independence.
- Used assessment results and ongoing student data to adjust instruction, contributing to 100% student growth on MAP assessments.
- Collaborated with grade-level colleagues and staff to plan instruction and analyze student data, addressing needs and coordinating academic supports.
- Mentored student teachers and practicum educators in dual language instructional practices and classroom management strategies.
- Led an after-school enrichment program for newcomer students focused on language development, academic skills, and successful school integration.
Spanish Teacher, PreK-8
Epiphany Catholic School
Chicago, Illinois
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed and implemented standards-aligned Spanish language curriculum for PreK-8 students, enhancing language acquisition and cultural awareness.
- Planned and executed engaging language-learning experiences tailored to diverse age groups and language development levels, fostering student engagement and comprehension.
- Applied culturally responsive instructional practices and differentiated strategies to effectively address diverse learning styles and abilities, promoting inclusive classroom environments.
HR Generalist
El Milagro Inc.
Chicago, Illinois
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Managed HR operations for multiple locations across Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan, ensuring consistent policy implementation.
- Oversaw employee onboarding and maintained personnel records and compliance documentation to support organizational standards.
- Balanced full-time professional responsibilities while completing international credential evaluation and obtaining an Illinois Professional Educator License.
Classroom Teacher & Academic Intervention Specialist
Colegio Guadalupe Victoria
Salvatierra, Mexico
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Planned and designed targeted literacy and mathematics interventions to enhance learning for diverse learners.
- Utilized student data and academic performance to tailor instruction and elevate student outcomes.
- Maintained structured classroom management systems that fostered student engagement and accountability.
- Delivered instruction across core academic subjects as a classroom teacher.
English Teacher, Preschool-High School
Colegio Guadalupe Victoria
Salvatierra, Mexico
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Planned and delivered English language instruction for students from preschool through high school.
- Employed diverse instructional strategies to meet varied learning styles and levels of English language development, enhancing student engagement.
- Developed and administered assessments to evaluate and support student progress in English language learning.
- Coordinated extracurricular activities that promoted practical language use in real-world contexts, fostering student interaction and confidence.
Education
Master of Arts - Dual Language Leadership
Roosevelt University
Chicago, Illinois07-2026
Bachelor's Degree - Education
Universidad Villanueva Montano
Salvatierra, Guanajuato, MexicoCoursework - Psychology
Universidad de Leon
Celaya, Guanajuato, MexicoSkills
- Standards-Aligned Lesson Planning
- Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Bilingual Education
- Amplify & Eureka Math
- Literacy & Math Intervention
- Small-group instruction
- Data analysis
- Classroom management systems
- Newcomer support
- Collaboration and mentoring
- Community engagement
- Social-Emotional Learning
Personal Information
Title: BILINGUAL | DUAL LANGUAGE ELEMENTARY EDUCATOR
Certification
Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL) - Elementary Education (Grades 1-6), Transitional Bilingual Educator (TBE) Endorsement - Spanish (PK-12), Substitute Teaching License - Illinois, In Progress: English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement (PK-12), Bilingual Education Teacher - Spanish (PK-12)
LANGUAGES
Spanish: Native/Bilingual | English: Native/Bilingual
Timeline
Manager of School Culture & Student Success (K-4)
Namaste Charter School
01.2026 - Current
Dual Language First Grade Teacher
Prairie Oak Elementary School, North Berwyn School District 98
01.2022 - 01.2026
Spanish Teacher, PreK-8
Epiphany Catholic School
01.2021 - 01.2022
HR Generalist
El Milagro Inc.
01.2020 - 01.2021
Classroom Teacher & Academic Intervention Specialist
Colegio Guadalupe Victoria
01.2017 - 01.2020
English Teacher, Preschool-High School
Colegio Guadalupe Victoria
01.2014 - 01.2017
Master of Arts - Dual Language Leadership
Roosevelt University
Bachelor's Degree - Education
Universidad Villanueva Montano
Coursework - Psychology
Universidad de Leon