Bethaney Galant
Mount Vernon,IL
Summary
Versatile customer service representative with 8 years of experience in retail banking and education sectors. Proven track record in delivering exceptional customer service, resolving inquiries, and fostering client relationships, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business. Skilled in training new team members and implementing effective communication strategies. Holds TESOL and TEFL certifications, enhancing ability to engage diverse audiences in both customer service and educational settings.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
ESL Teacher
Polly English
10.2025 - Current
- Utilized a variety of teaching methods, including interactive activities, group discussions, and multimedia resources, to enhance student learning
- Adapted instructional materials and strategies to meet the individual needs and learning styles of diverse student populations
- Provided constructive feedback on students' language skills, pronunciation, grammar usage, and vocabulary development
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to create a positive and inclusive learning environment
- Monitored student progress through regular assessments and evaluations, adjusting instruction accordingly to ensure academic growth
- Integrated technology into lessons by utilizing educational software, online resources, and interactive whiteboards
- Established strong relationships with students by demonstrating empathy, patience, respect, and understanding of their cultural backgrounds
- Created a supportive classroom environment where all students felt comfortable taking risks in speaking English
- Authorized to work in the US for any employer
- Implemented innovative teaching methods to improve student engagement and language acquisition.
Teller/CSR
First Financial Bank
Mount Vernon, IL
03.2022 - 10.2025
- Processed customer transactions accurately and efficiently, including deposits, withdrawals, and loan payments
- Provided exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and offering product recommendations
- Identified fraudulent activities and followed proper procedures to report suspicious transactions
- Collaborated with team members to achieve branch sales goals through cross-selling of bank products
- Managed large volumes of cash while adhering to strict security protocols
- Performed end-of-day balancing procedures to ensure accurate accounting of daily transactions
- Trained new tellers on banking policies, procedures, and systems for seamless integration into the team
- Developed strong relationships with regular customers leading to increased loyalty and repeat business
Teacher
Qkids English
07.2021 - 01.2022
- Teaching English as a second language to remote learners based in China.
- Implemented interactive teaching methods to enhance language acquisition.
- Monitored student progress and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
- Designed assessments that accurately measure language proficiency levels.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
Teacher/Coach
VIPKid
08.2020 - 06.2021
- Teaching English as a second language to remote learners based in China.
- Implemented interactive teaching methods to enhance language acquisition.
- Monitored student progress and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
- Designed assessments that accurately measure language proficiency levels.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
Instructor
Apple Pie English
07.2020 - 12.2020
- Teaching English as a second language to remote adult learners based in South Korea.
- Implemented interactive teaching methods to enhance language acquisition.
- Monitored student progress and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
- Designed assessments that accurately measure language proficiency levels.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
Customer Advocate
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Marion, IL
11.2019 - 07.2020
- Resolved customer inquiries regarding claims and benefits, ensuring prompt and accurate information delivery.
- Facilitated communication between members and healthcare providers to enhance service experience.
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline operations, improving workflow efficiency by refining existing protocols.
- Implemented quality assurance measures that increased accuracy of member communications and decreased resolution times.
- Handled difficult customer situations with grace and professionalism, consistently meeting first-call resolution metrics.
- Provided exceptional customer service to high-volume customer base, resolving issues, answering inquiries and providing product information.
- Listened to customers in actively to assess issues and provide accurate information.
- Conducted thorough research to provide accurate information and resolve complex issues for customers.
- I was chosen to help with a special project to improve one of our work applications to streamline the benefit project.
Sales Lead
Kohl's
Mount Vernon, IL
02.2019 - 11.2019
- Led team to achieve sales targets through strategic planning and execution of promotional initiatives.
- Mentored staff on customer service best practices, enhancing overall shopping experience and satisfaction.
- Streamlined operational processes, improving efficiency in stock replenishment and visual merchandising.
- Trained, coached, and mentored new sales associates for maximum performance.
- Used POS system to process sales, returns, online orders, and gift card activations.
- Organized store merchandise racks and displays to promote and maintain visually appealing environments.
- Up-sold and cross-sold products effectively, driving sales and increasing revenue.
- Cultivated a high-performance culture within the team by setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and recognizing achievements.
- Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing concerns promptly and offering tailored solutions to meet clients'' needs.
Optical Assistant
JCPenny Optical
Carbondale, IL
09.2019 - 10.2019
- Assisted customers with frame selection and fitting for optimal comfort and style.
- Provided support during eye examinations, ensuring seamless patient flow and experience.
- Educated clients on proper eyewear care and maintenance to enhance product longevity.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues promptly, promoting customer loyalty.
- Assisted patients with frame adjustments and repairs, increasing overall satisfaction with their eyewear purchases.
Stitcher
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL
05.2016 - 05.2018
- Completing costumes for theatrical performances.
- Pattern reading and garment assembly
- Fabric cutting and seam finishing
- Quality inspection and repair of garments
- Knowledge of textile types and sewing techniques
- Time management and workflow efficiency
- Team collaboration in production lines
- Basic maintenance of sewing equipment
Sales Associate
Kohl's
Carbondale, IL
08.2016 - 11.2017
- Delivered exceptional customer service, fostering positive shopping experiences and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored new associates on store policies, procedures, and effective sales techniques.
- Executed visual merchandising strategies to enhance product displays and drive sales performance.
- Developed rapport with customers, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business opportunities.
- Collaborated with management to optimize operational workflows and improve overall store efficiency.
- Led team efforts during peak sales periods, ensuring seamless operations and achievement of sales goals.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
Sales Associate
Kohl's
Mount Vernon, IL
06.2015 - 08.2016
- Delivered exceptional customer service, fostering positive shopping experiences and enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored new associates on store policies, procedures, and effective sales techniques.
- Executed visual merchandising strategies to enhance product displays and drive sales performance.
- Developed rapport with customers, resulting in increased loyalty and repeat business opportunities.
- Collaborated with management to optimize operational workflows and improve overall store efficiency.
- Led team efforts during peak sales periods, ensuring seamless operations and achievement of sales goals.
- Organized racks and shelves to maintain store visual appeal, engage customers, and promote specific merchandise.
- Handled cash transactions efficiently while adhering to company cash handling policies, ensuring accuracy in all financial exchanges.
- Managed returns, exchanges and refunds in accordance with store policy.
- Prepared merchandise for sales floor by pricing or tagging.
- Helped customers locate products and checked store system for merchandise at other sites.
- Accurately processed POS transactions, returning coin, currency, payment cards, and receipts to customers.
Team Member
Wendy's
Mount Vernon, IL
05.2014 - 02.2015
- Provided exceptional customer service in fast-paced environment, ensuring satisfaction and repeat business.
- Assisted in training new team members on operational procedures and company policies.
- Collaborated with team to maintain cleanliness and organization of dining area and kitchen.
- Operated point-of-sale systems efficiently, handling cash transactions accurately.
- Implemented initiatives to improve speed of service during peak hours, enhancing customer experience.
- Resolved customer complaints effectively, fostering a positive dining atmosphere.
- Maintained high standards of food safety and hygiene compliance throughout daily operations.
- Kept work areas clean, organized, and safe to promote efficiency and team safety.
- Worked scheduled shifts and remained available to work during coworker absences, holidays, and busy periods.
- Contributed to team success by completing jobs quickly and accurately.
Education
Bachelor's - Fine Arts
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Carbondale, IL05-2019
Associate - Science
Rend Lake College
Ina, IL05-2016
Skills
- Exceptional customer service
- Professionalism and courtesy
- Excellent time management skills
- Classroom management
- Customer service
- Active listening
- Critical thinking
- Data entry
- Conflict resolution
- Computer proficiency
- Problem-solving skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
- TESOL
- June 2021 to Present
- TEFL
- July 2020 to Present
- TEFL certification
- Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL)
- TESOL Certification
Languages
English
Timeline
ESL Teacher
Polly English
10.2025 - Current
Teller/CSR
First Financial Bank
03.2022 - 10.2025
Teacher
Qkids English
07.2021 - 01.2022
Teacher/Coach
VIPKid
08.2020 - 06.2021
Instructor
Apple Pie English
07.2020 - 12.2020
Customer Advocate
Blue Cross Blue Shield
11.2019 - 07.2020
Optical Assistant
JCPenny Optical
09.2019 - 10.2019
Sales Lead
Kohl's
02.2019 - 11.2019
Sales Associate
Kohl's
08.2016 - 11.2017
Stitcher
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
05.2016 - 05.2018
Sales Associate
Kohl's
06.2015 - 08.2016
Team Member
Wendy's
05.2014 - 02.2015
Associate - Science
Rend Lake College
Bachelor's - Fine Arts
Southern Illinois University Carbondale