Elke Damesyn

Organization Overview

• Founder & Director, Institute for English Literacy (IEL)
• Mission: Empower Afghan women through literacy, life skills, and community support

Instruction & Curriculum

• Taught ESL to Afghan, Russian, Ukrainian, and Spanish speakers
• Designed multi-level lessons and beginner computer literacy curriculum
• Authored monthly EL Civics readers across proficiency levels

Leadership & Training

• Supervised teaching staff and para-educators
• Trained 30+ educators in online instruction and EdTech integration
• Initiated preschool program within ESL model

Program & Operations

• Registered and assessed students using CASAS
• Managed new site setup and classroom logistics
• Tracked expenses and secured funding for sustained growth

Collaboration & Impact

• Partnered with AEWA (Alliance for Education for Women in Afghanistan), CIRH/PHI (Center for Immigrant and Refugee Health/Public Health Institute), UC Davis - Human Rights Department
• Presented at national/international conferences
• Built community through inclusive, trauma-informed, and online education

Project Leadership & Grant Management

• Secured, planned, and implemented a $100,000 grant for a 3-month online adult education project, reaching 400 Afghan women
• Managed project lifecycle from concept to execution, meeting all objectives and deadlines
• Oversaw daily operations and collaborated with team members to ensure productivity and efficiency

Training & Professional Development

• Trained 30 teachers and TAs through webinars and in-person sessions on technology integration and trauma-informed instruction
• Led technical workshops to build capacity in mobile learning and digital instruction

Technology Integration

• Researched and implemented delivery methods using Chromebooks, tablets, apps, and smartphones
• Integrated mobile platforms into professional development, instructional operations, and classroom practice
• Adapted quickly to new technology and EdTech tools to meet diverse learner needs

Data, Research & Reporting

• Collected and organized data on student learning and training outcomes
• Created reports and policy documents supporting online instruction standards
• Researched and presented findings on technology integration at an international conference in Doha (June 2024)

Collaboration & Communication

• Worked with instructors, administrators, NGOs, and PD providers across Afghanistan
• Conducted online workshops and offered ongoing support to instructional teams
• Motivated others and built trust through inclusive, solution-focused leadership

ESL Instruction & Curriculum Design

• Instructed 300 international students from beginner to higher intermediate levels in reading, grammar, composition, listening/speaking, presentation, and pronunciation
• Created five original reading handbooks, a vocabulary-through-art program, and critical thinking modules
• Delivered engaging, skills-based instruction to support diverse language learners

Mentorship & Academic Collaboration

• Mentored 3 TESOL Master's students, including those from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS)
• Built academic partnerships with the CSUS Department of Audio and Speech Pathology to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration

Project Management & Improvement

• Monitored instructional and program performance to identify areas for growth and implemented adjustments to improve outcomes
• Met all project and curriculum deadlines without compromising quality
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot issues and reduce instructional barriers

ESL Instruction & Curriculum

• Taught English as a Second Language to Afghan, Russian, Ukrainian, and Spanish-speaking adult learners
• Created beginner-level teaching materials and computer literacy curriculum tailored to student needs
• Developed and organized daily multi-level lesson plans for 4–5 class levels

Classroom & Team Management

• Managed and taught in three classrooms daily, each serving up to five ESL levels, with support from two para-educators
• Built and supervised a growing instructional team as student enrollment expanded
• Trained para-educators and administrators in instructional support and classroom routines

Program & Resource Development

• Authored monthly EL Civics readers for various proficiency levels
• Launched a preschool concept integrated into the ESL program for mothers with young children
• Collaborated with childcare staff to support student family needs and address behavior concerns

Administration & Operations

• Conducted CASAS assessments and registration every six weeks to monitor progress and place students appropriately
• Set up and organized a new office and learning space to accommodate growing program needs

ESL Instruction & Course Development

• Created and taught 2 English courses for pre-literate Afghan women, tailored to refugee learners
• Developed and led ESL training and tutorials for volunteers supporting adult learners
• Provided culturally responsive instruction focused on real-life language and literacy skills

Collaboration & Community Engagement

• Partnered with refugee resettlement agencies, the Department of Human Assistance, Twin Rivers Unified School District, and other local organizations
• Designed and supported Afghan cultural orientation sessions to build cross-cultural understanding

Outreach & Support

• Conducted outreach to refugee communities to connect families with ESL volunteer services
• Offered ongoing support to ESL teams and community members through consistent communication and coordination

Evaluation & Feedback

• Evaluated employee and volunteer performance
• Provided constructive feedback to strengthen teaching effectiveness and team collaboration

ESL Instruction & Course Delivery

• Instructed international students in English from beginner to higher intermediate levels
• Taught academic courses in reading, grammar, composition, listening/speaking, presentation, and pronunciation

Curriculum & Program Development

• Created original course materials, including a vocabulary art program and critical thinking modules
• Designed and led workshops on cultural communication and language/media for diverse learners

Mentorship & Academic Collaboration

• Mentored TESOL Master’s students, including graduate interns from California State University, Sacramento (CSUS)
• Established instructional partnerships with the CSUS Department of Audio and Speech Pathology to support interdisciplinary learning

Instruction & Curriculum Development

• Taught 30-week Basic German language courses and contributed to the development of curriculum for each training module
• Designed and administered assessments to measure student progress and comprehension
• Developed detailed lesson plans, course curriculum, and supplemental materials to support language acquisition and student success

Experiential Learning & Cultural Engagement

• Coordinated two major excursions and study trips to enhance cultural immersion and real-world language practice
• Created hands-on, interactive learning activities to immerse students in unfamiliar cultures and contexts
• Facilitated in-depth discussions and exploratory writing assignments to deepen student understanding of texts and themes

Collaboration & Innovation

• Collaborated with faculty to plan and implement school-wide events and educational activities
• Participated in cross-functional team projects, demonstrating effective collaboration and adaptability
• Incorporated technology and interactive teaching methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes