Jelsie James
San Jose,CA
Summary
MA English graduate and experienced educator with a proven record of creating engaging learning environments for diverse student populations. Combines rigorous academic expertise in postcolonial literature with demonstrated teaching excellence, earning Teacher of the Year recognition. Draws upon a unique background as both a literature scholar and professional Indian dance choreographer to develop innovative instructional approaches. As a community college alumna, brings firsthand understanding of and commitment to the transformative power of accessible higher education.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Dance Choreographer
Self Employed
01.2015 - Current
- Placed first in multiple competitions both as a choreographer and participant.
- Organized team-building activities that improved camaraderie among dancers, resulting in stronger on-stage connections and performances.
- Evaluated dancer progress regularly through individual assessments, adjusting choreography as needed to showcase their unique talents effectively.
- Taught dances for programs, festivals, parties, weddings, competitions, workout classes, and company team building activities.
- Implemented constructive feedback systems for continuous improvement of individual dancer techniques and group cohesion.
- Networked through multiple social media sites to increase community engagement and recruit new dancers.
- Skilled in Indian Classical, Semi-Classical, Bollywood/Filmy, and Folk
- Created variety of original dance routines for different classes according to skill level, age, event, language and performance plans.
- Synchronized lighting, music, and costume design elements with choreography for cohesive visual impact in performances.
Para Educator
KIPP
07.2022 - 09.2022
- Taught 11th Grade English and AP English Language & Composition
- Monitored classroom to observe students' progress in developing skills as well as manage distracting or inappropriate behavior.
- Managed classroom effectively by maintaining clear expectations, enforcing rules consistently, and reinforcing positive behavior choices.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices within the field of special education.
- Oversaw students in classroom and common areas to monitor, enforce rules, and support lead teacher.
- Monitored student classroom and outdoors activities to promote student safety.
English and Humanities Teacher
Futures Academy
11.2019 - 07.2022
- Taught 6th through 12th Grade: English, Social Studies, Psychology, Government, Forensic Science, Fashion & Design, Gothic Literature, Mythology & Folklore.
- Also taught AP Language & Composition, AP Literature and Composition, AP European History, AP World History and AP Psychology.
- Mentored new teachers to help them acclimate to the school culture and enhance their teaching skills.
- Provided exciting model lessons for potential new students.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, broadening students'' understanding of interdisciplinary connections.
- Attended professional development workshops and conferences to stay current on best practices in humanities education, incorporating new ideas into classroom instruction.
- Developed strong relationships with students and parents, fostering a positive learning environment in the classroom.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing various teaching methods and strategies, catering to diverse learning styles.
- Produced engaging lesson plans and activities to help students master learning objectives.
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
- Encouraged students to take active role in learning and academic success.
- Developed and implemented variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse needs of students.
- Built variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
- Supported development of individualized education plans for students with special needs.
Education
Master of Arts - English
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester03-2024
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA05-2019
Associate of Arts - English Literature
De Anza College
Cupertino, CA07-2017
Skills
- Creative vision
- Social media promotion
- Multimedia integration
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Effective communication
- Active listening
- Interpersonal skills
- Analytical thinking
- Student engagement
- Group and individual instruction
- Classroom management
- Creative writing
- Text analysis
- Adapting to different learning styles
- Online instruction
Accomplishments
- Named "Teacher of the Year" at Futures Academy in 2021.
- Won the "Most Courses Taught" Award at Futures Academy from 2021-2022.
- Won the "Most Variety of Courses Taught" Award at Futures Academy from 2021-2022.
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Malayalam
Native or Bilingual
Hindi
Limited Working
Conferences
2024 - The Ruins of Empire: Postcolonial Hauntings. Augsburg, Germany
Timeline
Para Educator
KIPP
07.2022 - 09.2022
English and Humanities Teacher
Futures Academy
11.2019 - 07.2022
Dance Choreographer
Self Employed
01.2015 - Current
Master of Arts - English
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
San Francisco State University
Associate of Arts - English Literature
De Anza College
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