JOANNA YU
Boston
Summary
Experienced leader with strong background in guiding teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Teaching and Learning department
The Steppingstone Foundation
Boston, MA
07.2021 - 08.2024
- Responsible for hiring and training teachers, ensuring curriculum meets student needs, facilitating training sessions, conducting performance reviews, developing new course offerings, managing operations of academic programs, and maintaining department budget.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Facilitated cross-functional collaboration for improved decision-making processes within the organization.
- Spearheaded innovative approaches to resource allocation and strategic planning.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.
Program Manager of A+ Program
Academic Student Center (ASC)
11.2017 - 07.2021
- Oversaw operations of enrichment program for grades 1-12, including hiring teachers, ensuring program quality, leading training sessions, and maintaining budget.
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring support for program initiatives.
- Managed cross-functional teams for successful project completion within deadlines and budgets.
- Managed multiple strategic projects with numerous sub-projects or workstreams.
Service Coordinator
Rainbow Adult Day Health Care of Waltham
Waltham, Massachusetts
03.2017 - 11.2017
- Coordinated medically-related services for participants, assisted with personal and social issues, communicated with government agencies, and conducted ESL classes.
- Revolutionized customer service protocols, significantly improving customer satisfaction ratings.
- Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
English Language Arts teacher, Advisor, Standardized Test Coordinator
Beijing No. 8 High School
09.2014 - 07.2016
- Coordinated communications, advised students on college applications, coached students for interviews, and facilitated communications with parents regarding standardized tests.
- Conducted thorough analysis of test results, identifying patterns and trends that led to targeted improvements.
- Established strong communication channels with stakeholders, keeping them informed on testing progress and potential issues.
- Improved test coordination efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
Education
Master of Arts - Business Administration And Management
UMass Boston
Boston, MA08.2025
Master’s of Education Degree - Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages
Beijing Normal University
01.2013
Bachelor’s of Arts Degree - East Asian StudiesInternational Relations
Connecticut College
05.2006
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Familiar with Naviance, Salesforce, CRM database, Paylocity, Zoom, Google Meets, G-suite software
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Strategic Planning
- Verbal and written communication
- People Management
- Operations Management
- Project Management
- Team Management
- Budget Management
- Hiring and Retention
Awards
- Sulin Ma Prize for excellence in Chinese (Mandarin)
References
- Jane Ventrone, Vice President of Academic Programs at The Steppingstone Foundation; jventrone@steppingstone.org 617-510-6574
- James Lane, Social Studies Teacher at Archbishop Williams High School, jlane@awhs.org, 774-563-8774
- Ivy Wagner, Former Teaching and Learning Associate at The Steppingstone Foundation; ivywagner73@gmail.com, 617-905-2474
- Jennifer Scott, Former teacher at ASC English and The Steppingstone Foundation, jennifer.aileen.scott@gmail.com, 818-522-9832
- Margaret Shamatta, Associate Lecturer (College of Management) at Umass Boston, Margaret.Shamatta@umb.edu
Certification
First Aid/CPR Certified Exp June 2026
CELTA, 07/15/15
TEFL Certificate, 01/01/08
EL Education Certification (Grades 6-8) 08/22/24
Traveling, Cooking
Traveling and cooking are means of extended learning. Having lived abroad and traveled to over 20 countries and have learned about various cultures and people. Cooking is another form of exploration and discovery whose product can be shared with friends and family.
Languages
Chinese (Cantonese)
Native or Bilingual
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
HybridRemoteImportant To Me
Paid time offHealthcare benefitsPaid sick leave401k match4-day work weekTeam Building / Company RetreatsPersonal development programsCareer advancementWork-life balanceFlexible work hoursWork from home optionInterests
Traveling
Cooking
Timeline
Director of Teaching and Learning department
The Steppingstone Foundation
07.2021 - 08.2024
Program Manager of A+ Program
Academic Student Center (ASC)
11.2017 - 07.2021
Service Coordinator
Rainbow Adult Day Health Care of Waltham
03.2017 - 11.2017
English Language Arts teacher, Advisor, Standardized Test Coordinator
Beijing No. 8 High School
09.2014 - 07.2016
Master of Arts - Business Administration And Management
UMass Boston
Master’s of Education Degree - Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages
Beijing Normal University
Bachelor’s of Arts Degree - East Asian StudiesInternational Relations
Connecticut College
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