Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Professional Development
References
Timeline
Generic

Elsa O. Brown

Marietta,USA

Summary

Spanish teacher (P-12) and certified Christian counselor with expertise in AP curriculum, pursuing substitute teaching roles. Proficient in curriculum development and enhancing student engagement through immersive cultural experiences. Demonstrated success in improving language acquisition with tailored instruction and strong classroom management.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Spanish Teacher (9-12)

Harrison High School
Kennesaw, GA
01.2000 - 01.2020
  • Curriculum Development: Designed and implemented comprehensive lessons for Spanish I–V and AP Spanish Language & Culture, aligned with Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) and ACTFL proficiency standards.
  • Advanced Placement (AP): Prepared students for the AP Spanish Language & Culture exam, employing various test-prep strategies and individualized feedback to improve performance.
  • Student Engagement: Created an immersive, communicative classroom environment, enhancing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in Spanish.
  • Cultural Enrichment: Organized abroad cultural trips for immersion experiences, expanding travel to Spanish-speaking countries and nearby countries that speak other Romance languages, exposing students to diverse cultures, traditions, and histories. Additionally, coordinated cooking classes, guest speakers, and movie nights to enrich students’ understanding of Spanish-speaking cultures.
  • Collaborative Work: Worked with colleagues to design interdisciplinary units, integrating language skills with history, geography, and art.
  • Differentiated Instruction: Tailored lessons to meet diverse learning styles, including support for students with special education needs and English Learners (ELs).

Spanish Teacher (9-12)

North Cobb High School
Acworth, GA
01.1993 - 01.2000
  • Curriculum Development: Developed and taught Spanish I–III, integrating language skills with cultural aspects and real-life applications.
  • Student Engagement: Created dynamic and interactive lessons, fostering student participation through oral presentations, group work, and cultural immersion activities.
  • Assessment and Feedback: Utilized various formative and summative assessments, providing timely feedback to improve student language skills.
  • Cultural Activities: Planned, organized international trips to enrich students' knowledge of the language, culture, and the people of Spanish-speaking countries. These trips provided an immersive experience, enhancing the students' connection to the language and cultural traditions.
  • Professional Collaboration: Collaborated with department colleagues to share teaching strategies and resources, ensuring a cohesive and effective Spanish program.

Christian Counseling

Pathwise Counseling
Marietta, GA
01.2005 - Current
  • Providing faith-based therapeutic support, including individual counseling, adolescent counseling, and marriage therapy.
  • Utilizing Prepare/Enrich tools for premarital and marital counseling.
  • Offering guidance on family dynamics, stress management, and personal growth through a Christian lens.
  • Grief Facilitator through the Ministry of Church Initiative, GriefShare, and by the elders of Grace Community Church (2020–2023)

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Education

Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, GA

Master of Arts - Christian Counseling and Therapy

Logos Christian College And Graduate School
Jacksonville, FL

Skills

  • Native Spanish speaker
  • AP Spanish curriculum expertise
  • Georgia World Languages standards
  • ACTFL proficiency standards
  • Language acquisition theory
  • Classroom management strategies
  • Behavior intervention techniques
  • Christian counseling for adolescents and families

Certification

  • Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC)
  • Certified Spanish (P–12), 08/03/00, 06/30/28
  • Certified Teacher Support Specialist, 08/03/00, 06/30/28
  • Certified Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Language & Culture, 01/01/13, 12/31/20
  • Certified Christian Counselor & Therapist
  • The Board of Examiners for Georgia, 01/01/25, 12/31/27
  • Certified in Individual Counseling
  • Certified in Adolescent Counseling
  • Certified in Prepare/Enrich (Marriage counseling program)

Professional Development

  • Certified Christian Counselor & Therapist (Board of Examiners for Georgia)
  • Advanced Placement (AP) Spanish Language & Culture certification by College Board
  • Ongoing participation in professional learning sessions through Pesi to satisfy CE requirements in both Counseling and Teaching professions.

References

  • Megan Gay Clark, Spanish Teacher, 770.733.7415, meganclark34@gmail.com
  • Art O'Neil, Career Education Supervisor, 678.469.4870, arthur.oneill@cobbk12.org
  • Rebecca HwangBo, Content Specialist of World Languages, 678.449.6227, rebecca.hwangbo@cobbk12.org

Timeline

Christian Counseling

Pathwise Counseling
01.2005 - Current

Spanish Teacher (9-12)

Harrison High School
01.2000 - 01.2020

Spanish Teacher (9-12)

North Cobb High School
01.1993 - 01.2000

Bachelor of Arts - Spanish Education

Kennesaw State University

Master of Arts - Christian Counseling and Therapy

Logos Christian College And Graduate School