Cullen Menke
Educator
Mason,MI
Summary
Versatile professional skilled in executing transformative projects across education, non-profit, and humanitarian sectors. Demonstrates resilience and ethical leadership while mentoring diverse teams and managing complex initiatives. Committed to fostering inclusive environments that promote growth and success for the next generation.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
President
Blooming Abroad
Budapest
01.2021 - Current
- Cultivated partnerships across Michigan that increased fundraising efforts since 2021.
- Implemented strategic initiatives that empowered youth and families in the community.
- Oversaw $200,000 investment in Tatárszentgyörgy, Hungary to support community development.
- Organized youth and family programs in non-profit sector to enhance community engagement.
- Directed building projects while ensuring financial accountability for non-profit operations.
- Balanced responsibilities of social worker, teacher and business leader to meet community needs.
Humanitarian Worker
Blooming Abroad LLC
Eastern Europe
01.2021 - 12.2023
- Provided transportation for families in Ukraine during the war, assisting those in need.
- Coordinated with local leaders and workers to plan, design, and schedule phases for remodeling a residential home into a community center and cafe, and transforming an unused attic into a youth center.
- Launched projects, overseeing cost management and performance monitoring to ensure alignment with objectives.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
- Met project deadlines by effectively coordinating with contractors to ensure timely delivery of project milestones.
EFL Teacher
Rákóczi Ferenc Baptista Általános Iskola
Tátárszentgyörgy
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Delivered differentiated English instruction to enhance language skills of Roma middle school students in rural Hungary.
- Utilized scaffolded instruction and communicative language teaching strategies to promote language acquisition.
- Facilitated role plays and simulations to enhance speaking skills and student interaction.
- Promoted student engagement and literacy development through culturally responsive practices that addressed individual needs.
- Incorporated multimedia resources into lesson plans to foster engagement across diverse learning levels.
- Employed technology in the classroom to create an interactive learning environment.
- Created a respectful atmosphere for effective language learning through strong student relationships.
University Teaching Assistant
Károli Gáspár University
Budapest
12.2021 - 12.2022
- Designed and delivered differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse language proficiency levels.
- Developed course curricula to improve student engagement and comprehension.
- Instructed multilingual university students in English language, improving academic communication and fluency.
- Engaged students through innovative subject delivery and interactive learning activities.
- Mentored students through research projects, facilitating resolution of academic challenges.
- Advised students on academic issues and career paths for successful outcomes.
Children's Ministry Director
Element Church
East Lansing
07.2018 - 06.2021
- Coordinated community outreach programs, including shadowing and mentoring initiatives, to assist middle and high school students in planning for college or vocational education and engaging in local civic processes.
- Established lasting relationships with youth and parents through effective communication and accountability practices.
- Hosted weekly meetings in my home for youth from all over the mid-michigan area to come together, share a meal and talk.
- Scheduled and managed teams of youth volunteers.
- Oversaw the youth ministry budget and tracked all expenses.
- Resolved problems and consistently worked alongside key leaders to improve operations within the church.
Humanitarian Worker
Canadian Global Response
Athens
05.2017 - 08.2017
- Coordinated humanitarian relief efforts across diverse communities and regions, enhancing collaboration and response effectiveness.
- Organized and distributed essential supplies to families in refugee camps, ensuring timely access to critical resources.
- Conducted needs assessments to identify community challenges and priorities.
- Collaborated with partner organizations to enhance resource distribution efficiency.
- Oversaw volunteer logistics, schedules, and inventory management to streamline transportation and maximize resource allocation.
- Facilitated communication in challenging situations to bridge cultural differences.
- Performed maintenance tasks such as lawn mowing, bush trimming, and plumbing repairs at facilities for refugees.
Education
Teacher Certification - English Language Arts 6-12
State of Michigan
05-2021
Bachelor of Arts - English Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI05-2020
Skills
- Positive coaching and mentoring
- Strategic planning
- Relationship management
- Cross-cultural communication
- Conflict resolution
- Growth mindset
- Ethical leadership
- Adaptability and resilience
Timeline
University Teaching Assistant
Károli Gáspár University
12.2021 - 12.2022
EFL Teacher
Rákóczi Ferenc Baptista Általános Iskola
08.2021 - 06.2023
President
Blooming Abroad
01.2021 - Current
Humanitarian Worker
Blooming Abroad LLC
01.2021 - 12.2023
Children's Ministry Director
Element Church
07.2018 - 06.2021
Humanitarian Worker
Canadian Global Response
05.2017 - 08.2017
Teacher Certification - English Language Arts 6-12
State of Michigan
Bachelor of Arts - English Education, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Michigan State University