Leah Young
Colorado Springs,CO
Summary
Professional English educator with track record of fostering student engagement and academic success. Skilled in curriculum development, classroom management, and integrating technology to enhance learning experiences. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability to meet evolving educational needs. Known for effective communication, patience, and results-driven approach.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
English Instructor
United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, Colorado
06.2023 - Current
- Instructs 80 lessons for more than 100 future officers in two required English courses per year, executing the Dean's intent to develop critical thinking and clear communication in future leaders.
- Introduces students to various literary forms including prose, poetry, drama, film, and journalism, to enhance their understanding of literature.
- Utilizes a variety of assessment methods including essays of various lengths, oral presentations, portfolios, quizzes and writing assignments.
- Ensures graduation eligibility for 53 cadets and advises 27-person English and Fine Arts faculty on accreditation requirements.
- Attends professional development workshops related to best practices in teaching English literature and composition courses.
- Encourages participation by maintaining positive attitude and proactively engaging students in activities and lessons.
- Mentors students outside of class time to provide additional support in mastering course content.
Chief of Public Affairs
United States Air Force
Beale Air Force Base, CA
06.2021 - 06.2023
- Led an 18-person team advancing strategic communication of premier/high-visibility mission in alignment with senior leader priorities and objectives.
- Deployed to Suriname, Guyana, and Saint Lucia as lead Public Affairs representative for a Southern medical outreach mission to Partner Nations.
- Designed and executed media strategy for flyovers and community events, engaging eight local news organizations to enhance public awareness.
- Managed resources for reconnaissance mission supporting over 12,000 base personnel, aligning operational needs with strategic objectives.
Public Affairs Officer
United States Air Force
Langley Air Force Base, VA
05.2019 - 06.2021
- Co-led 24-person team to execute comprehensive Public Affairs support for 5 wings, 7 brigades, 60 mission partners, and two four-star commands, enhancing mission visibility.
- Managed COVID-19 communication efforts, advised senior leaders, and facilitated townhall meetings to address community concerns.
- Liaised with local community and elected officials, served as wing spokesperson, and coordinated communication with over 12 local media outlets to articulate mission objectives.
Public Affairs Specialist
United States Air Force
McChord Air Force Base, WA
03.2010 - 06.2012
- Airman of the Quarter, March 2011
- Public Affairs Award for Communication Excellence, 2011
- Cultivated strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets for enhanced media coverage opportunities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms and channels.
- Initiated partnerships with community organizations to increase visibility and strengthen alliances within the community.
- Developed crisis communication strategies to minimize negative impact on public opinion.
Education
Master of Arts - English
University of Colorado At Boulder
Boulder, CO05-2019
Bachelor of Science - English
United States Air Force Academy
Colorado Springs, CO05-2017
Graduated -
United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School
Colorado Springs, CO06-2013
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Online teaching
- Group instruction
- Classroom management
- Academic writing
- Grammar instruction
- Reading comprehension
- Instructional technology
- Assessment tools
- Task-based learning
- Progress assessments
- Instructional planning
Certification
- Colorado Alternative Teacher License - Submitted/Pending Approval
Timeline
English Instructor
United States Air Force Academy
06.2023 - Current
Chief of Public Affairs
United States Air Force
06.2021 - 06.2023
Public Affairs Officer
United States Air Force
05.2019 - 06.2021
Public Affairs Specialist
United States Air Force
03.2010 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Science - English
United States Air Force Academy
Master of Arts - English
University of Colorado At Boulder
Graduated -
United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School