ELSA MENA
Lakewood,NJ
Summary
Certified Elementary Teacher devoted to promote student learning and enhancing individual potential. Skillful in directing classroom environments and enhancing student behavior through positive and forward-thinking approaches. Caring relationship-builder with analytical mindset and good decision-making skills. Fosters growth and development in children while encouraging strong partnerships with families.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
After School Reading Tutoring
Lakewood Public Schools
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Reinforced classroom learning using bilingual phonics and phonological awareness programs.
- Differentiated instruction to meet the individual needs and learning styles of each student
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Mentor Teacher
Lakewood Public Schools
09.2021 - Current
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on instructional strategies and classroom management techniques for successful outcomes.
- Developed innovative lesson plans, resulting in increased student engagement and retention of material.
- Strengthened student and teacher performance through consistent feedback, assessment, and targeted support.
Bilingual Instructional Coach (part-time)
Lakewood Public Schools
07.2020 - Current
- Coached teachers to improve practices through professional development and modeling instructional strategies.
- Enhanced teacher effectiveness by providing individualized coaching and professional development opportunities.
- Assisted new teachers acclimate quickly into their roles through comprehensive mentoring programs and ongoing support.
- Facilitated collaborative planning sessions for grade-level teams to establish learning goals and align curriculum across subjects.
Bilingual Kindergarten Teacher
Spruce Street School
09.2019 - Current
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Delivered structured lessons on readiness skills by emphasizing phonics, language skills, literature, and handwriting.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Arranged parent-teacher conferences to address student progress and collaboratively set goals for areas of improvement.
- Developed culturally-sensitive lesson plans to foster an inclusive learning environment for all students.
- Enhanced student language proficiency by implementing bilingual instruction and immersion techniques.
- Promoted learning through play with engaging activities, games and lessons.
First Grade Bilingual Teacher
Spruce Street School
09.2015 - 06.2019
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively using positive reinforcement techniques, fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment.
- Provided differentiated instruction to meet the unique needs of each student, resulting in improved academic outcomes.
Kindergarten Teacher
El Faro Christian Academy
09.2014 - 05.2015
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments to inform instructional decisions.
Math Teacher Tutor
Proyecto Asciende al Éxito (PAE)
01.2014 - 05.2024
- Adapted teaching style to accommodate diverse learning needs, resulting in improved academic performance for all students.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Enhanced students'' understanding of complex mathematical concepts by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples into lessons.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Assessed student comprehension through regular quizzes, tests, and assignments.
Art Teacher
Summer Camp - Proyecto Asciende al Éxito (PAE)
06.2014 - 07.2024
- Managed diverse range of learners, adapting lesson plans to accommodate different abilities and interests.
- Enhanced student creativity by incorporating various art mediums and techniques into lessons.
- Developed and implemented engaging art lessons for students in grades kindergarten through 5th.
Student Tutor - Spanish, Math, and Science
Proyecto Asciende al Éxito (PAE)
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Collaborated with teachers to identify areas of improvement and adjust lesson plans accordingly.
- Adapted teaching methodologies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Provided academic assistance to students with subject-specific problems and questions to improve student academic achievement.
Education
CEA - Teaching English As A Second Language
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ2020
CEA - Teacher of Bilingual/Bicultural Education
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ2018
Master's Degree English as a Second Language -
Universidad Del Turabo
Ponce, Puerto Rico12.2014
Bachelor's Degree Elementary Education (K-6) -
Universidad De Puerto Rico En Ponce
Ponce, Puerto Rico12.2013
Skills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Parent-Teacher Communication
- Lesson Planning
- Classroom Management
- Technology Integration
- Elementary Education
- Curriculum Development
- Spanish and English proficiency
- Team Collaboration
- Promoting Social and Emotional Development
- Excellent communication abilities
- Outstanding interpersonal abilities
- Workshop Facilitation
Accomplishments
- Named “Teacher of the Month” at Spruce Street School in 2023.
- Named "Teacher of the Year" at Spruce Street School in 2017.
- Bilingual Curriculum Design - Designed bilingual framework for grades K-5, and developed instructional materials to support the teaching and learning in the bilingual classes.
- Piloted the Leader in Me (LIM) 7 Habits of Happy Kids model focusing on leadership, culture, and academics that equips students, educators, and families with the leadership and life skills needed to thrive in a dynamic world.
- Designed and conducted professional development workshops for the 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 NJTESOL/NJBE Spring conference, FLENJ Annual Conference 2022, NJEA 2021 Teacher's Convention, and Little Egg Harbor's 2020, 2021, and 2022 Annual Summer Heat.
- Latino Family Literacy Project parent trainer
Certification
- Elementary School Teacher in Grades K - 6
- Teacher of Bilingual/Bicultural Education
- English as a Second Language
Educational Skills
- Elementary Education (All Subjects)
- Language skills: English and Spanish
- Innovative Curriculum Development
- Strong verbal and personal communication skills
- Excellent ability to adapt to difficult situations
- Student Assessment
- Lesson Planning
- Leadership skills
- Classroom Management
- Good organization skills
- Teamwork
- Drawing skills
- Quick learning skills
- Computer skills: the program Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.
Professional Associations and Affiliations
- Member of New Jersey Literacy Association (2024 - Present)
- Member of Foreign Language Educators of New Jersey (2022 - Present)
- Member of New Jersey Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages/New Jersey Bilingual Educators (2020 - Present)
- Member of New Jersey Education Association (2015 - Present)
- Member of Lakewood Education Association (2015 - Present)
Timeline
After School Reading Tutoring
Lakewood Public Schools
10.2022 - 05.2023
Mentor Teacher
Lakewood Public Schools
09.2021 - Current
Bilingual Instructional Coach (part-time)
Lakewood Public Schools
07.2020 - Current
Bilingual Kindergarten Teacher
Spruce Street School
09.2019 - Current
First Grade Bilingual Teacher
Spruce Street School
09.2015 - 06.2019
Kindergarten Teacher
El Faro Christian Academy
09.2014 - 05.2015
Art Teacher
Summer Camp - Proyecto Asciende al Éxito (PAE)
06.2014 - 07.2024
Math Teacher Tutor
Proyecto Asciende al Éxito (PAE)
01.2014 - 05.2024
Student Tutor - Spanish, Math, and Science
Proyecto Asciende al Éxito (PAE)
01.2012 - 01.2013
CEA - Teaching English As A Second Language
Rowan University
CEA - Teacher of Bilingual/Bicultural Education
Rowan University
Master's Degree English as a Second Language -
Universidad Del Turabo
Bachelor's Degree Elementary Education (K-6) -
Universidad De Puerto Rico En Ponce
- Elementary School Teacher in Grades K - 6
- Teacher of Bilingual/Bicultural Education
- English as a Second Language
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