Maria Alfaro
Houston
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. I have always been an advocate for our Emergent Bilingual population.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Part Time Interventionist
Alief ISD
Houston
11.2025 - Current
- Facilitated communication between teachers and support staff regarding student progress.
- Instructed small groups of students using research-based instructional strategies tailored specifically for their individual goals.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators to ensure student success.
- Advised teachers on how to modify curriculum content to accommodate individual differences among students.
- Collaborated with staff to implement curriculum improvements and best practices.
- Provided mentorship to new teachers, fostering their professional growth.
- Analyzed student performance data to inform instructional strategies.
- Initiated conversations focused on exploring alternative solutions or approaches when faced with difficult situations involving students
- Conducted observations of classrooms to provide feedback on instructional practices and suggest improvements.
- Coached teachers in effective instructional techniques, including scaffolding activities to promote student engagement.
- Provided positive feedback with emphasis on learning from mistakes to establish solid foundation for progress.
ESL Specialist
Alexander Elementary School
Houston
08.2019 - 05.2024
- Attended IEP meetings to discuss the progress of EB students receiving special education services.
- Mentored new teachers on best practices for teaching Emergent Bilinguals.
- Monitored student performance, identified areas of improvement, and developed strategies for success.
- Participated in professional development sessions related to ESL instruction techniques and methods.
- Compiled data reports detailing the progress of EB students over time.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers to ensure that language objectives were met in the general education setting.
- Collaborated and trained OWDL and TWDL teachers to make sure the program was being implemented and make sure students were developing both languages equally.
- Monitored ESL compliance for all new EB students.
- Organized and conducted monthly LPAC meetings for campus.
- Campus testing coordinator for TELPAS and back CTC for STAAR.
- Identified, obtained consent, and placed student in bilingual programs.
- RTI member, attend meetings and make testing decisions on students.
- Collaborate with reading, math, and science content to assure that language development is implemented in lessons.
- Collaborate with campus administrator to complete Campus Improvement Plan (Plan4learning)
- Complete yearly Title 1 compliance for campus
Dual Language Interventionist
Alexander Elementary School
Houston
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Provided individual, small group, and classroom-based interventions for students.
- Maintained detailed records of all intervention activities and results.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to small group instruction.
- Analyzed data from assessments and observations in order to identify student needs.
- Established positive and engaging classroom environment that was conducive to improving literacy skills.
- Interpreted assessment data to determine best intervention methods for students.
- Analyzed and reported on each student's progress in reading in accordance with school district's policies.
- Participated in professional development opportunities related to best practices in literacy instruction.
Teacher
Alexander Elementary School
Houston
08.2012 - 05.2018
- Maintained a safe and orderly learning environment for all students.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Prepared and maintained classroom environments appropriate for student learning and physical, social and emotional development.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Participated in Two Way Dual Language program professional development and implemented program.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies among students.
- Assessed student performance through tests, quizzes, and other assessments.
- Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
- Differentiated instruction according to student skill level.
- SIOP trained
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
San Antonio, TX12-2010
Associate of Science - Education
Palo Alto College
San Antonio, TX05-2008
Skills
- Proficient in English and Spanish
- SIOP Trained
- Small Group Instruction
- Certified ESL/Bilingual Instructor
- Certified EC-6 Teacher
- Classroom Management
- Personalized Instruction
- TWDL and OWDL program implementation
- State Testing Coordinator
Certification
- Generalist EC-6 Certification
- Bilingual Education Supplemental-Spanish Certification
- Obtain 30 initial GT hours
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Full Professional
Timeline
Part Time Interventionist
Alief ISD
11.2025 - Current
ESL Specialist
Alexander Elementary School
08.2019 - 05.2024
Dual Language Interventionist
Alexander Elementary School
08.2018 - 05.2019
Teacher
Alexander Elementary School
08.2012 - 05.2018
Bachelor of Science - Education
Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Associate of Science - Education
Palo Alto College