Darlene Saenz-Billings
Elk Grove,CA
Summary
Educator with expertise in Spanish curriculum development and instructional technology across various subjects. Demonstrated success in enhancing student engagement and effectively assessing learning outcomes. Committed to driving academic achievement through innovative teaching strategies.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Virtual Apex Teacher: Multiple Subjects
Marble Valley Academy
El Dorado Hills, California
01.2026 - Current
- Manage Apex student enrollments, course assignments, and proctoring to facilitate smooth academic progression.
- Manage the security of all summative assessments, including unlocking units and proctoring final exams to ensure academic honesty.
- Create pacing guides to ensure students remain on track to finish course work by end of semester or school year.
- Conduct weekly progress audits and student interventions.
- Coordinate student check-ins via Zoom and email to monitor progress and ensure timely completion of coursework.
- Perform weekly audits of student "Time on Task" and "Quality of Work" metrics to identify students falling behind or disengaging.
- Schedule weekly tasks in Google Classroom to help students meet course completion deadlines.
- Track student grades using online grading systems; updated grades promptly to reflect assignment completions.
Spanish Teacher 3rd-9th grade
Marble Valley Academy
El Dorado Hills, California
08.2023 - 01.2026
- Developed and implemented Spanish language curriculum to teach students grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and conversational skills.
- Facilitated interactive classroom discussions on Spanish language and culture, promoting student participation and language proficiency.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student groups.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to cultivate a positive learning environment, enhancing student engagement.
- Implemented assessment tools to evaluate student progress and understanding
- Promoted cultural awareness among students by introducing them to Hispanic customs and traditions through class activities.
- Organized and led interactive activities such as games, role-playing exercises, and other engaging educational materials.
- Created and led After School Spanish Club for K-2nd grade, fostering love for Spanish language and Hispanic culture through songs, dance, and games.
High School Spanish Teacher (Virtual & in person)
Lincoln Unified School District
Stockton, California
08.2020 - 05.2023
- Planned and implemented engaging Spanish lessons to meet the needs of all students.
- Incorporated technology into instruction to actively engage students in Spanish vocabulary, grammar, and cultural understanding.
- Implemented technology tools that enhanced student engagement and supported language acquisition.
- Developed and administered assessments to evaluate student progress in Spanish language acquisition.
- Conducted formative assessments to gauge student mastery of standards, informing instructional adjustments.
- Developed class learning plans to meet district and state requirements for instruction.
- Coordinated and met with Spanish teachers to keep students on track with district approved scope and sequence.
- Promoted a safe, respectful, and inclusive classroom environment for all learners.
English Language Assistant & Cultural Ambassador
Ministry Of Education: Province of Andalucia
Cordoba, Spain
09.2018 - 05.2019
- Facilitated engaging discussions and lessons on American culture, enhancing students' cultural awareness.
- Organized impactful cultural exchange events, fostering deeper understanding and appreciation of American culture.
- Implemented diverse curriculum materials to foster cultural competence and challenge pre-existing misconceptions about American Culture.
- Assisted teachers in delivering engaging English language lessons in multiple subjects.
- Supported students with language acquisition and communication skills development.
- Facilitated small group discussions to promote interactive learning experiences.
- Helped students practice speaking English through role playing exercises and dialogues.
- Coached students through one-on-one tutoring, significantly improving their linguistic skills and pronunciation.
Global Ambassador
CSU International Programs
Sacramento, California
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Promoted international education programs to students via targeted presentations and lectures, enhancing student engagement with global opportunities.
- Presented academic/student exchange opportunities to students, increasing awareness of international learning paths and programs.
- Organized workshops that facilitated global learning and cultural exchange, fostering cross-cultural awareness among participants.
- Developed social media campaigns to promote CSU's international programs.
- Developed informational materials for students about study abroad opportunities.
- Supported student services by advising on cultural adaptation and academic success.
- Handled inquiries about study abroad opportunities via phone, email, and in-person interactions.
Education
Spanish Single Subject
Teachers College of San Joaquin
Stockton, CA05-2022
Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Sciences
California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, CA05-2018
Minor - Spanish
Universidad de Jaen
Jaen, Spain05-2016
High School Diploma -
Sierra High School
Manteca, CA05-2013
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Lesson planning
- Student assessment
- Differentiated instruction
- Language acquisition
- Classroom management
- Instructional technology
- Interactive teaching and learning
- Educational leadership
Certification
DELE B1 Spanish Certificate: Universidad de Jaen, Ministry of Education, Instituto Cervantes
Timeline
Virtual Apex Teacher: Multiple Subjects
Marble Valley Academy
01.2026 - Current
Spanish Teacher 3rd-9th grade
Marble Valley Academy
08.2023 - 01.2026
High School Spanish Teacher (Virtual & in person)
Lincoln Unified School District
08.2020 - 05.2023
English Language Assistant & Cultural Ambassador
Ministry Of Education: Province of Andalucia
09.2018 - 05.2019
Global Ambassador
CSU International Programs
09.2016 - 05.2017
Spanish Single Subject
Teachers College of San Joaquin
Bachelor of Science - Family And Consumer Sciences
California State University, Sacramento
Minor - Spanish
Universidad de Jaen
High School Diploma -
Sierra High School