Igor Ljevaja
Cuyahoga Falls
Summary
Instructional professional with extensive experience in designing curricula and implementing educational programs. Known for collaborative approach and results-driven mindset, adapting flexibly to evolving educational needs. Highly skilled in curriculum development and team leadership, consistently delivering impactful instructional solutions.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Instructional Specialist
Akron Public Schools District
10.2022 - Current
- Develop supplemental materials that align with state standards and best practices in language education.
- Guidance and support teachers in implementing effective instructional strategies for ESL and world language learners, including differentiated instruction and language acquisition techniques.
- Planned and facilitated professional development sessions and workshops for teachers focused on ESL and world language instruction, incorporating the latest research and methodologies.
- Analyze student data, including language proficiency assessments and standardized test scores (OELPA, I-Ready, Starr, and reading Horizons), to identify trends and inform instructional decision-making.
- Coach and mentor ESL and world language teachers and tutors through regular observations, feedback sessions, and goal setting to improve instructional practices and student outcomes.
- Collaborate with other educators, administrators, and stakeholders to promote a school-wide culture of language proficiency and cultural competency.
- Develop and curate instructional resources, materials, and tools to support ESL and world languages instruction, including technology integration and multimedia resources.
- Develop and implement assessment tools and processes to measure student progress and proficiency in ESL and world languages, ensuring alignment with learning objectives and standards.
Spanish Instructor
Stark State College
08.2018 - Current
- Co-coordinate ongoing curriculum development while satisfying college and state standards for College Credit Plus (CCP) credit.
- Embed interactive language learning through virtual forums, web chat, and video lessons around language and culture.
- Stimulate student interest and learning about course content through personalized outreach via e-mail and contributing to online discussions.
- Evaluate student papers, projects, tests, and other assessments while offering qualitative feedback.
- Maintain student academic performance records to identify curriculum, assessment, and community development growth areas.
Spanish Teacher
Akron Public Schools District
08.2014 - Current
- Design and develop lesson plans and instructional materials for teaching Spanish language and culture, aligned with curriculum standards and student proficiency levels.
- Deliver engaging and interactive Spanish language lessons using various instructional methods, such as direct instruction, group activities, and multimedia resources.
- Assess student language proficiency through various means, including oral proficiency interviews, written assignments, and standardized assessments, and provide constructive feedback to students to support their language development.
- Differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs and learning styles of students, including English language learners and students with varying levels of language proficiency.
- Integrate cultural content and activities into Spanish language instruction to promote cultural awareness and understanding among students.
- Establish and maintain a positive and inclusive learning environment conducive to language acquisition, with clear expectations for behavior and participation.
- Incorporate technology tools and resources, such as language learning software, multimedia presentations, and online resources, to enhance Spanish language instruction and student engagement.
- Communicate regularly with parents and guardians regarding student progress, assignments, and expectations, and collaborate with them to support student learning at home.
- Engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in language teaching, pedagogy, and technology integration.
Assistant Lecturer of Spanish
The University of Akron – Wayne Campus
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Participated in ongoing planning, development, and evaluation of curriculum.
- Used a variety of instructional strategies to provide equity and excellence to students of all ability levels.
- Worked cooperatively with other Spanish instructors in developing and sharing curriculum strategies.
- Participated in all staff and department meetings.
- Maintained accurate records and grades for students and department archives.
Spanish Instructor
Upward Bound: The University of Akron
06.2014 - 07.2021
- Taught six-week project-based classes to underrepresented high school students in the Akron area.
- Developed curricula for various levels in Spanish.
- Chaperoned and facilitated student events focused on orientation, navigating higher education, and personal wellness.
- Involved in faculty meetings and cultural exchanges.
- Increased students’ fluency in Spanish through TRPS (Total Physical Response through Storytelling)
Spanish Instructor
Kent State University
01.2018 - 05.2018
- Participated in the curriculum's ongoing planning, development, and evaluation.
- Used a variety of instructional strategies to provide equity and excellence to students of all ability levels.
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers in developing and sharing curriculum strategies.
- Collaborated with colleagues and actively participated in course-level and world-language department teams.
- Implemented diverse approaches to ensure both language and academic success.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Practice and Leadership
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota12.2024
Graduate Certificate - TESOL
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, North Dakota06.2024
Graduate Endorsement - Administrative Licensure
Cleveland State University
Cleveland, Ohio06.2020
Master of Arts - Spanish Literature
Kent State University
Kent, Ohio05.2018
Master of Science - Education
The University of Akron
Akron, Ohio12.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
The University of Akron
Akron, Ohio06.2010
Skills
- Technology Skills: Blackboard, Brightspace, Canvas, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Zoom, Adobe Reader, Smartboard
- Language Skills: Spanish (ACTFL OPI: Advanced-High and WPT: Advanced High); Croatian/Serbian (Native fluency)
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Croatian
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Limited Working
Russian
Limited Working
Timeline
Instructional Specialist
Akron Public Schools District
10.2022 - Current
Assistant Lecturer of Spanish
The University of Akron – Wayne Campus
08.2021 - 12.2021
Spanish Instructor
Stark State College
08.2018 - Current
Spanish Instructor
Kent State University
01.2018 - 05.2018
Spanish Teacher
Akron Public Schools District
08.2014 - Current
Spanish Instructor
Upward Bound: The University of Akron
06.2014 - 07.2021
Graduate Certificate - TESOL
University of North Dakota
Graduate Endorsement - Administrative Licensure
Cleveland State University
Master of Arts - Spanish Literature
Kent State University
Master of Science - Education
The University of Akron
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
The University of Akron
Doctor of Education - Educational Practice and Leadership
University of North Dakota
Awards
Recipient of a Shining Apple Award, 2022, Member of Building Leadership Team (BLT), 2019 - 2021, Member of School Improvement Plan (SIP) team, 2018 - present, Member, Ohio Foreign Language Association (OFLA)
ABROAD EXPERIENCES
- Mester Language School in Salamanca, Spain (July 2017)
- Immersion program for teachers regarding the intercultural implementation of technology and methodology in the world language classroom.
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