MARIA LIGNOS
Middletown,NJ
Summary
Creative and style-conscious English teacher with a strong passion for fashion and a keen eye for trends. Experienced in building meaningful relationships, adapting to diverse needs, and managing multiple responsibilities efficiently. Eager to bring an eye for style, excellent customer service, and a love for Anthropologie’s unique aesthetic.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Highschool English Teacher
Union County Vocational Technical Schools
09.2023 - Current
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Increased student motivation by providing timely feedback and recognizing individual achievements.
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
Highschool English Teacher
South Plainfield Highschool
09.2022 - 06.2023
- Taught honors English II and academic English IV
- Taught virtually to home-instruction students
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
- Utilized data to bridge gaps in student knowledge.
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
Language Arts Tutor
Freelance
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Collaborated with students to complete homework assignments, identify lagging skills, and correct weaknesses.
- Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network.
Middle School English Teacher
Pinnacle Classical Academy
10.2020 - 06.2021
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of texts and literary concepts.
- Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
- Analyzed and monitored student data to inform targeted instruction.
- Helped students grow 12.4% on state test scores.
- Coordinated with mentor and teachers during common planning to implement successful strategies to meet goals and differentiate instruction for all learners.
- Coordinated with Exceptional Children (EC) teachers to discuss IEP and 504 plans to ensure success of EC students.
- Maintained classroom discipline and modeled correct behaviors.
- Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network.
- Attended professional developments and training: Lost Tools of Learning, Google Classroom Training & Implementation, Website Training and Implementation.
Retail Sales Associate
Belk Department Store
06.2018 - 08.2020
- Greeted customers and helped with product questions, selections, and purchases.
- Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
- Handled returns and exchanges professionally, resolving customer issues while adhering to company policies.
- Developed strong relationships with repeat clients, leading to increased loyalty and return visits.
Social Media Manager, Content Writer, Office Manager
Pope Marketing & Events
01.2020 - 03.2020
- Directed all development of brand awareness and online reputation.
- Developed marketing content such as blogs, promotional materials and advertisements for social media.
- Utilized exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills to produce engaging and error-free content.
- Established efficient workflow processes, monitored daily productivity and implemented modifications to improve overall effectiveness of personnel and activities.
- Monitored online presence (Instagram & Facebook) of company's brand to engage with users and strengthen customer relationships.
Editor
Freelance
09.2017 - 01.2020
- Provided editing/proofreading services for over 50 students of UNC Charlotte, NYU, and Rutgers University to enhance quality of submissions.
- Proofread, edited, and evaluated final copy to verify content aligned with established guidelines.
- Used MLA and APA guidelines to make accurate changes and comply with ideal structure.
- Researched content and grammatical issues to check accuracy of information.
- Delivered exceptional level of service to each customer by listening to concerns and answering questions.
Graduate Office Assistant
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
11.2018 - 12.2018
- Completed travel authorization, scheduling, budgeting, and major/minor request forms.
- Handled all direct communication with students and staff to maintain a punctual and efficient work environment.
- Developed spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel to track and chart information.
Graduate Research Assistant
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
08.2015 - 12.2018
- Researched African American literature, Multicultural literature, Greek Immigrant narratives, and childhood studies to assist professor with academic pursuits.
- Compiled and presented research at state conferences.
- Researched feminist scholarship to aid professor's publication of novel, Yakin, a translation of Octavia Butler's Kindred. The book was published March 2019, in Turkey.
- Researched and presented research on race, gender, and effects of segregation in Charlotte Mecklenburg schools.
Teaching Assistant
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
08.2016 - 12.2016
- Created lesson plans, visuals and digital presentations for LBST course of 120 students, Growing up in America.
- Assisted professor with classroom discussion by suggesting topics, modeling best practices when analyzing literature and language, and interjecting when necessary.
- Mentored students through office hours and one-on-one communication.
- Developed instructional content focusing on specific time periods in English literature or individual author studies.
- Assessed student assignments to check quality and completeness before submission for grading.
- Recorded grades for coursework and tests in online reporting system.
Retail Sales Associate
Justice Tween Brands
06.2013 - 06.2014
- Greeted customers and provided outstanding customer service.
- Managed cash register, ensuring accurate transactions and safeguarding against losses.
- Enhanced store appearance and shopping experience with meticulous shelf organization and cleanliness.
- Collaborated with team members to meet daily sales targets, contributing to overall store success.
Education
Master of Arts - English Language And Literature
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Charlotte, NC 08.2017 - 05.2019
Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
Charlotte, NC 01.2015 - 05.2017
Skills
Fashion trends
Accessorizing
Verbal and Written Communication
Motivation and Goal Setting
Languages
Greek
Excellent
Interests
Creative writing, blog writing, philosophy, sociology, travel
Timeline
Highschool English Teacher
Union County Vocational Technical Schools
09.2023 - Current
Highschool English Teacher
South Plainfield Highschool
09.2022 - 06.2023
Language Arts Tutor
Freelance
01.2022 - 05.2022
Middle School English Teacher
Pinnacle Classical Academy
10.2020 - 06.2021
Social Media Manager, Content Writer, Office Manager
Pope Marketing & Events
01.2020 - 03.2020
Graduate Office Assistant
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
11.2018 - 12.2018
Retail Sales Associate
Belk Department Store
06.2018 - 08.2020
Editor
Freelance
09.2017 - 01.2020
Master of Arts - English Language And Literature
University of North Carolina Charlotte
08.2017 - 05.2019
Teaching Assistant
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
08.2016 - 12.2016
Graduate Research Assistant
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
08.2015 - 12.2018
Bachelor of Arts - English Language And Literature
University of North Carolina At Charlotte
01.2015 - 05.2017
Retail Sales Associate
Justice Tween Brands
06.2013 - 06.2014
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