Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

ELENA SHIMIZU-CRUZ

BELLEVILLE,MI

Summary

Passionate and dedicated Spanish teacher with extensive experience in both long-term substitute and regular teaching roles. Skilled at inspiring students through diverse learning methods, meaningful involvement, and strong relationship-building. Committed to collaborating with colleagues to design effective, creative, and engaging curriculums that support the success of all learners.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Substitute Teacher

Edustaff
Metro Detroit, MI
09.2022 - Current
  • Managing over 20 students of all K-12 subjects.
  • Handling and decreasing conflicts of different kinds professionally.
  • Providing comfort to those with language barriers and disabilities.

Spanish Teacher

Grosse Ile High School
Grosse Ile Township, MI
12.2024 - 03.2025
  • Taught Spanish 1, 2, 3, 4, and Leadership courses across multiple grade levels.
  • Managed classrooms ranging from 4 to 34 students, with strong engagement and consistency.
  • Implemented diverse learning methods to accommodate varied student needs and learning styles.
  • Built meaningful relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to create a collaborative and supportive environment.
  • Designed and delivered creative, culturally relevant lesson plans to maximize student growth and participation.
  • Facilitated student leadership development through project-based learning and community initiatives.
  • Communicated regularly with families to discuss academic progress, growth goals, and support strategies.

Long-Term Spanish Substitute Teacher

Grosse Pointe Public Schools
Grosse Pointe, MI
05.2024 - 06.2024
  • Built relationships to create memories and increase interest.
  • Taught Spanish 1 in both middle and high school and Spanish 4 regular and honors split classes in high school.
  • Lesson planned with diverse learning methods for every pupil to grow academically.
  • Prepared accommodations for those with 504s and IEPs.
  • Facilitated conversations for content, conversational, and confidence development.

Student Teacher

Northville High School
Northville, MI
01.2024 - 04.2024
  • Taught Spanish 2 and assisted Spanish 1 IB.
  • Graded performance and provided valuable feedback to students and parents.
  • Communicated with students, parents, and staff about mastery and support.

Long-Term Spanish Substitute Teacher

Salem High School
Canton, MI
09.2022 - 10.2022
  • Partnered with colleagues to teach and design materials for classes of Spanish 2 and 3.
  • Created relation to students' own lives to increase motivation and success.
  • Built relationships with students that have continued to this day.
  • Tutored students during advisory hours.

Waitress

Matsuchan Restaurant
Canton, MI
10.2018 - 08.2022
  • Successfully performed in a fast-paced environment, serving over 50 customers per shift while maintaining organization and a positive attitude.
  • Prioritized customers' dietary needs and preferences to ensure personalized and accommodating service.
  • Created a welcoming and memorable dining experience to encourage customer loyalty and satisfaction.
  • Built lasting connections with guests, helping to turn first-time visitors into regular customers.

Education

BACHELOR OF ARTS -

Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MI
04.2024

Skills

  • Pronunciation
  • Diverse Adaptability
  • Classroom Management
  • Communication
  • Lesson Planning
  • Relationship Building

Accomplishments

  • MTTC: Passed
  • OPI: Advanced Mid

Certification

  • K-12 Spanish Teaching (FF)

Languages

English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual

Timeline

Spanish Teacher

Grosse Ile High School
12.2024 - 03.2025

Long-Term Spanish Substitute Teacher

Grosse Pointe Public Schools
05.2024 - 06.2024

Student Teacher

Northville High School
01.2024 - 04.2024

Substitute Teacher

Edustaff
09.2022 - Current

Long-Term Spanish Substitute Teacher

Salem High School
09.2022 - 10.2022

Waitress

Matsuchan Restaurant
10.2018 - 08.2022

BACHELOR OF ARTS -

Eastern Michigan University

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