APRIL BACKES
Colorado Springs,CO
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Remote Independent Contractor
Contractual Legal Interpreting & Translating
Colorado Springs, CO
01.2020 - Current
- Performed remote translation and live simultaneous Spanish interpretation.
- Developed Spanish versions of legal documents.
- Provided continuous support to Spanish clients through various communication channels.
- Translated documents, marketing materials, and diverse communications.
- Implemented novel approaches for adult language education in legal contexts.
- Compiled and input data into a digital system.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
- Consulted with customers to assess needs and propose optimal solutions.
- Ensured client satisfaction by providing timely and effective solutions.
- Facilitated contract negotiations with clients, establishing clear project scope and expectations.
- Utilized innovative solutions to address unforeseen challenges during project execution.
High School Spanish Teacher
The Vanguard High School
Colorado Springs, Colorado
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Create, update, and administer Spanish language lesson plans for grades 9-12;
- Create, administer, grade and record all homework, classwork, quizzes and exams;
- Support academically gifted students providing tutoring as needed and/or requested;
- Create supporting materials for several levels of Spanish curriculum;
- Monitor dress code, behavior, and heightened standards of attendance;
- Attend department, staff, and school-wide meetings and events;
- Attend professional development meetings and trainings;
- Create captivating presentations supporting each lesson.
Spanish Teacher
Southington Catholic School
Southington, Connecticut
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Instruct Spanish language courses from grades preK 4 to 8th grade; Create curriculum, including lessons, quizzes, and exams;
- Create and maintain supporting homework;
- Spanish immersion in the classroom;
- Attend parent/teacher conferences;
- Maintain benchmarks;
- Extend hours to assist students with comprehension;
- Work with faculty to foster an immersive experience in Spanish class.
Adjunct Spanish Professor
Goodwin College
East Hartford, Connecticut
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Immersive Spanish instruction and demonstration;
- Create syllabi, including lessons, quizzes, midterm, and final exam; Create supporting homework and hands on projects;
- Report to supervisor;
- Engage classroom participation and conversation in Spanish; Create Blackboard virtual classroom;
- Create and update grading on Blackboard;
- Manage and input student census;
- Review, evaluate, and support student progress.
Bilingual Litigation Paralegal
The Adler Law Group
East Hartford, Connecticut
01.2012 - 01.2018
- Manage approximately 120 individual cases: Plaintiff Personal Injury, Contract Dispute, Probate, Criminal Defense, Small Claims, Negligence, and Litigation;
- Spanish translation and interpretation at client meetings;
- Investigate negligent parties and Theories of Liability;
- Prepare basic Complaints and Motions;
- Appellate Court and Housing Session experience;
- Analyze and update medical records for each case and complete review of records;
- Track filing status & billing time for each active case;
- Draft discovery compliance, motions and pretrial memos, and other pleadings;
- Provide intuitive support to two attorneys, including calendaring and scheduling;
- Assist attorneys and partners with travel and logistics.
Permanent Spanish Substitute Teacher
Middletown Board of Education
Middletown, Connecticut
01.2008 - 01.2018
- Conduct classes and engage student participation;
- Adhere to lesson plans and execute projects;
- Keep and enforce attendance;
- Maintain classroom norms, including discipline and control of classes; Administer quizzes and exams, including grading;
- Support students in their educational endeavors; Proficiency in general education subjects; Spanish instruction and demonstration.
- Part-time, as needed
Bilingual Litigation Paralegal - Plaintiff Personal Injury
Law Offices of Dressler Strickland
Hartford, Connecticut
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Client intake (interviewing clients over phone, opening client files) in Spanish and English;
- Spanish translation and interpretation at client meetings and court events;
- Prepare demand packages for insurance companies;
- Track filing status of each active litigation case on firm-wide master list;
- Interview clients to obtain discovery information;
- Assist in several aspects of MegaEducation, an education based outreach program.
Education
Master of Arts - Modern Language, Spanish
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, ConnecticutBachelor of University Studies - Minor in Spanish
University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New MexicoCouncil on Student Exchange - Study Abroad Program - undefined
Wittenberg University
Skills
- Client relationship building
- Workload management
- Deadline adherence
- Safety compliance
- Scheduling
- Error correction
- Records coordination
- Resources allocation
- Client consultation
Certification
- Department of State Designated Sponsor Local Coordinator Certification (SPARC) Secondary School Student Program Annual Renewal of Certification
- NOLS Certified (Emergency Outdoor rescue)
- Notary Public (Connecticut & Colorado eligible) through September 2029
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
High School Spanish Teacher
The Vanguard High School
07.2023 - 07.2024
Remote Independent Contractor
Contractual Legal Interpreting & Translating
01.2020 - Current
Spanish Teacher
Southington Catholic School
01.2018 - 01.2019
Adjunct Spanish Professor
Goodwin College
01.2015 - 01.2018
Bilingual Litigation Paralegal
The Adler Law Group
01.2012 - 01.2018
Bilingual Litigation Paralegal - Plaintiff Personal Injury
Law Offices of Dressler Strickland
01.2010 - 01.2012
Permanent Spanish Substitute Teacher
Middletown Board of Education
01.2008 - 01.2018
Master of Arts - Modern Language, Spanish
Central Connecticut State University
Bachelor of University Studies - Minor in Spanish
University of New Mexico
Council on Student Exchange - Study Abroad Program - undefined
Wittenberg University