Elvira Casillas
West Hartford
Summary
Distinguished Spanish educator with 25 years of middle and secondary teaching experience seeking to teach AP Spanish Language and Culture and participate in Early College Experience (ECE) certification through the University of Connecticut. Proven record of preparing diverse learners for advanced coursework, designing rigorous curriculum aligned to college-level expectations, and leading collaborative instructional improvement.
Qualified [Desired Position] with deep understanding of curriculum development and student engagement. Proven track record in designing innovative course materials and delivering lectures that enhance student learning. Demonstrated ability to utilize critical thinking and effective communication to foster dynamic educational environment.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
High School Spanish Teacher
West Hartford Public Schools
West Hartford, CT
08.2022 - Current
- Developed lesson plans aligning with curriculum standards to enhance student learning experiences.
- Implemented diverse instructional strategies to accommodate various learning styles and needs.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations, providing targeted feedback for improvement.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects that engaged students in critical thinking.
- Facilitated classroom discussions that encouraged student participation and fostered a positive learning environment.
- Adapted instructional materials and methods to meet diverse learner needs and promote inclusivity in the classroom.
- Led professional development workshops focused on best practices for teaching foreign languages effectively.
Middle School Spanish Teacher
West Hartford Public Schools
West Hartford, CT
08.2000 - 06.2022
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance students' understanding of Spanish language and culture.
- Assessed student progress through regular evaluations and provided constructive feedback for improvement.
- Organized cultural events to promote Spanish-speaking traditions and increase community engagement.
- Integrated authentic texts, performance-based assessments, and multimodal instructional strategies to strengthen college-level readiness.
- Fostered inclusive learning environments that supported academic language development for diverse learners.
- Mentored new teachers on effective classroom management strategies and resource utilization.
- Contributed to a positive school environment by participating in extracurricular activities and taking on leadership roles when needed.
Team Leader
West Hartford Public Schools
West Hartford, CT
08.2012 - 06.2022
- Led team in implementing curriculum improvements across diverse educational programs.
- Mentored staff to enhance instructional strategies and foster student engagement.
- Coordinated professional development workshops to improve teaching effectiveness and collaboration.
- Developed and monitored performance metrics to ensure compliance with educational standards.
- Facilitated communication between administration, educators, and parents to address student needs.
- Managed conflict resolution among team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
- Maintained an inclusive and diverse team culture, promoting respect and understanding among all members.
Education
Sixth Year Certificate- (092 Certification) - Educational Leadership And Management
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT05-2026
Master of Science - Spanish Education
Central Connecticut State University
05-2005
Bachelor of Science - Education
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CT05-2000
Skills
- Curriculum Design and Alignment
- Native Spanish fluency
- Student engagement
- Collaborative teamwork
- Empathy and patience
- Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners
- Heritage Speaker Pedagogy
- Formative and Performance-Based Assessment
- Collaborative Leadership and Professional Learning Facilitation
- Multimodal Instructional Strategies
- Inclusive and Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices
Affiliations
- American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
- State World Language Association
Certification
- State Teaching Certification in Spanish (Grades 6–12)
- Eligible and prepared to pursue University of Connecticut Early College Experience (ECE) certification
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
High School Spanish Teacher
West Hartford Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Team Leader
West Hartford Public Schools
08.2012 - 06.2022
Middle School Spanish Teacher
West Hartford Public Schools
08.2000 - 06.2022
Sixth Year Certificate- (092 Certification) - Educational Leadership And Management
Central Connecticut State University
Master of Science - Spanish Education
Central Connecticut State University
Bachelor of Science - Education
Central Connecticut State University