Candace Ryan
Educator
Summary
Experienced and dynamic educator with a passion for fostering linguistic and cultural awareness in middle and high school students. Skilled in designing engaging, student-centered lessons that cater to diverse learning styles and abilities, while promoting proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Committed to creating an inclusive classroom environment that encourages student participation, critical thinking, and a love for the French language and culture. Proven ability to incorporate interactive technology, real-world contexts, and immersive activities to enhance learning and student engagement. Dedicated to supporting the whole child, both in academic success as well as social emotional wellbeing.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
39
39
years of post-secondary education
5
5
Certifications
2
2
Languages
Work History
Social Emotional Academic Development (IB/MYP)
Hamilton County Public Schools
Signal Mountain, TN
08.2023 - Current
- Leads professional development sessions for teachers, focusing on a variety of Social Emotional Development (SED) topics such as emotional regulation, empathy building, and conflict resolution.
- Designs and facilitates interactive workshops and training sessions to equip educators with strategies to support students' social-emotional growth both in and out of the classroom.
- Collaborates with school leadership to integrate SEL topics into the curriculum, ensuring a holistic approach to student well-being.
- Provides ongoing support and coaching to teachers, fostering a positive and supportive school environment where educators feel empowered to address students' social-emotional needs.
- Delivers resources, tools, and best practices for creating inclusive, responsive classroom environments that promote emotional health and resilience among students.
French Teacher (MYP Levels I, III)
Hamilton County Public Schools
Signal Mountain, TN
08.2020 - 06.2023
- Improved student fluency in French by incorporating immersive activities and authentic materials.
- Established positive rapport with students, fostering an environment of trust and open communication.
- Utilized various teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs within the classroom.
- Facilitated learning of French language using variety of instructional methods, resources and technological tools.
- Enhanced cultural understanding by integrating French traditions, customs, and history into lessons.
- Assisted struggling students with individualized tutoring sessions, improving their overall performance in class.
French Teacher (Levels I, II, III, AP)
Orange County Public School District
Ocoee, FL
08.2007 - 06.2020
- Improved student fluency in French by incorporating immersive activities and authentic materials.
- Increased language retention through regular oral assessments and constructive feedback.
- Developed and implemented full French curriculum to meet school mission and goals.
- Established positive rapport with students, fostering an environment of trust and open communication.
- Created reading lists with materials to promote student comprehension of written French.
- Utilized various teaching strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs within the classroom.
- Facilitated learning of French language using variety of instructional methods, resources and technological tools.
- Designed curriculum to meet learning institution requirements and instill comprehensive knowledge of French language and culture in students.
- Enhanced cultural understanding by integrating French traditions, customs, and history into lessons.
- Built cultural literacy by organizing lesson plans focused on French-speaking countries.
- Contributed to curriculum development efforts by identifying areas of improvement based on student performance data and evidence-based teaching practices.
- Encouraged active participation by designing engaging group activities and interactive presentations.
- Served as a mentor for new French teachers, providing guidance on lesson planning, assessment strategies, and professional development opportunities.
- Collaborated with other language teachers to develop cross-curricular projects for a richer learning experience.
- Utilized various teaching methods, including technology and other interactive activities to enhance learning experience.
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly learning environment while addressing behavioral issues promptly and fairly.
Education
M.Ed. - SEL Transformative Teaching/Leadership
Breathe For Change
San Francisco, CA 12.2025 - Current
Master of Science - Translation (French)
New York University
New York, NY 05.2001 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - European Cultural Studies And Philosophy
The American University of Paris
Paris, France 05.2001 - 08.2025
Skills
Multicultural sensitivity
Data-driven instruction
Diverse, equitable, inclusive learning
Restorative practices
Curriculum implementation
Student-centered learning
Lesson planning
Assets-based approach
Curriculum development
Trauma-informed
Microsoft Office
Canvas
Managebac
Accomplishments
- Led and coordinated the AP French Language and Culture program across multiple schools within the district, ensuring consistent implementation of curriculum standards and best practices.
- Provided professional development and mentorship to AP French teachers, offering guidance on curriculum design, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques to enhance student success.
- Fostered a collaborative learning environment among AP French teachers, promoting sharing of best practices, teaching strategies, and resources to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Designed and revised the French II curriculum, ensuring alignment with learning objectives, student needs, and departmental goals.
- Conducted thorough reviews of potential textbooks, considering educational effectiveness, alignment with curriculum standards, and student engagement.
- Participated in a collaborative committee to evaluate and select new textbooks and supplementary materials for French language courses.
- Collaborated with fellow educators to design and implement common final exams for world language courses.
- Contributed to the creation of exam questions that accurately evaluated students' language proficiency, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills.
- Worked to align assessments with curriculum objectives and departmental standards, ensuring alignment with state and national language proficiency benchmarks.
Orange County Public Schools
District Advanced Placement (AP) Lead Teacher – French
Curriculum Creation/Revision Committee
Textbook Adoption Committee
Common Final Exam Revision Committee
Certification
Tennessee Department of Education Professional Certificate (French, K-12)
Timeline
M.Ed. - SEL Transformative Teaching/Leadership
Breathe For Change
12.2025 - Current
Social Emotional Academic Development (IB/MYP)
Hamilton County Public Schools
08.2023 - Current
French Teacher (MYP Levels I, III)
Hamilton County Public Schools
08.2020 - 06.2023
French Teacher (Levels I, II, III, AP)
Orange County Public School District
08.2007 - 06.2020
Master of Science - Translation (French)
New York University
05.2001 - 05.2016
Bachelor of Arts - European Cultural Studies And Philosophy
The American University of Paris
05.2001 - 08.2025