MARIA S. DIAZ-VARGAS
Union
Summary
Results-driven educational leader with 25 years in Bilingual Elementary Education. Skilled in motivating teams and implementing collaborative strategies. Strong multitasking abilities complemented by excellent communication and organizational skills. Focused on fostering an inclusive and effective learning environment.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Bilingual Education Classroom Teacher
Jersey City Public Schools
12.2000 - Current
- Planned, organized, and delivered instruction in English and native languages across all subjects, aligning with New Jersey Core Curriculum and WIDA standards.
- Facilitated mastery of verbal and written English skills, coordinating lessons with ESL teachers for effective student transition into regular classrooms.
- Provided instruction in verbal and written native language skills to support bilingual learners.
- Maintained strong classroom management to enhance student focus and engagement.
- Applied behavior modification techniques to motivate conduct improvement and encourage active participation.
- Integrated diverse teaching styles to broaden learning experiences for students.
- Supervised math learning centers with various manipulatives to enhance hands-on learning.
- Structured guided reading lessons that modeled questioning, clarification, and problem-solving techniques.
- Streamlined grading process by utilizing assessment tools and rubrics, providing timely feedback on student performance.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in bilingual education.
- Implemented data-driven instruction by analyzing student assessments and adjusting teaching methods accordingly for improved outcomes.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
Head Teacher of the Multilingual Intake Center
Jersey City Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
- Created and implemented the new sign-up method facilitating the flow of Intake registrations and accessibility to appointments using the SignUp Genius site posted on the district website.
- Successfully fulfill all head teacher responsibilities including coordinating work schedule and supervising a staff of 34 members, keeping accurate timesheets, entering payroll information and communicating job descriptions for the day.
- Responsible for communication between Bilingual Supervisors, School Administrators, ESL contact teachers, Guidance Counselors and Special Education Intake Center detailing any issues or cases requiring special services or scrutiny.
- Accountable for entering all the day's enrollments into the database, maintaining accurate records and files with the correct grade, school assignment, and transportation forms, and filing of completed cases accordingly.
- Welcome parents and facilitate a smooth transition to JCPS District by providing courteous services including proper registration of students.
- Assist when needed, in administering the WIDA test, to determine if a child needs E.S.L. and/or Bilingual services.
- Translate academic records as needed for grade placement.
- Read and or translate high school transcripts to document credits earned and place students in appropriate grade levels as mandated by the State of NJ and completion of required courses for graduation.
Head Teacher of the Latino Literacy Program
Charles E. Trefurt School
01.2017 - 01.2025
- Ordered materials and submitted building requests for program operations.
- Scheduled program dates and secured building guard at site for safety.
- Managed payroll and attendance records for staff and participants.
- Collaborated with parents of bilingual K-5 students to establish family reading routines.
- Participated in training and workshops to enhance program implementation and activities.
- Consulted with parents to build and maintain positive support networks and support continuing education strategies.
- Boosted cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
Registering Teacher for Multilingual Intake Center
Jersey City Public Schools
08.2008 - 06.2021
- Facilitated smooth transitions to JCPS District by providing courteous registration services for students.
- Administered WIDA tests to assess needs for E.S.L. and Bilingual services.
- Translated academic records for accurate grade placement of students.
- Reviewed high school transcripts to document credits and ensure compliance with NJ state requirements.
- Assumed head teacher responsibilities during absences, including signing registrations and managing payroll data.
- Ensured accurate documentation of student registrations, assignments, and transportation forms.
- Entered daily enrollments into database and organized completed cases efficiently.
- Served on school committees focused on curriculum development, teacher evaluations, or community outreach initiatives to contribute positively to the overall school climate.
Summer Sparks Camp Counselor
Jersey City Public Schools
01.2010 - 01.2021
- Developed engaging and educational learning opportunities to address achievement gaps for all scholars.
- Provided social and emotional support to facilitate transition from online to in-person instruction.
- Implemented strategies to enhance grade placement readiness for the upcoming academic year.
- Delivered tailored support aimed at fostering a positive classroom environment post-remote learning.
Extended Day Classroom Teacher
Jersey City Public Schools
01.2010 - 01.2021
- Facilitated learning opportunities to close achievement gaps for all learners.
- Delivered support and preparation for statewide assessments using digital and text resources.
- Administered practice assessments through online platforms to enhance student readiness.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ01.2025
Bilingual/Bicultural Certification
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJ01.2005
Alternate Route Program
St. Peter’s College
Jersey City, NJ01.2002
Bachelor of Arts - English
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ01.1999
Skills
- Fostering a positive school climate
- Analyzing student achievement data to drive instruction and improve student learning outcomes
- Effectively managing school operations and working with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition into the district
- Maintain open communication between schools, staff, administration, and families
- Collaboratively budgeting and managing finances for the JCPS Bilingual department's Multilingual Intake Center
- Team leadership and management
- Policy implementation
- Policy and procedure development
- Compassion and empathy
- Curriculum development
Certification
- 2025 Principal (Standard) -Expected Summer 2025
- 2025 Supervisor (Standard)-Expected Summer 2025
- 2005 Elementary K-8 School (Standard) Teacher, New Jersey.
- 2005 Elementary K-8 Teacher of Bilingual-Bicultural Education, New Jersey.
Additional Roles
- School Leadership Committee member 2021-present
- JCEA Building Representative 2005-present
- Previous Bilingual Grade 3-5 Representative
Curriculum and Instruction
- Presented Online NJSLA Information Session for parents, Grades 3-5, 2025
- Mathematics Grades 3-5 Pacing Revision Team, 2025
- ESL K-5 Curriculum Alignment Committee, 2025
- Math Grades K-5 Curriculum Selection Committee, 2024
- Screening Committee for the position of Vice-Principal of Charles E. Trefurt Elementary, 2024
- Safe Return School Committee Member 2021,
- Screening Committee for Supervisor of Bilingual/ESL Department, 2021
- Turn-key presenter of district-mandated Health program, 2023
- K-2 Bilingual Curriculum Writer for Foro Abierto Program
- Presented JCPS "Face-Off" Professional Development for Jersey City Teachers on Guided Reading Practices and Running Records
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Awards
- Awards: 2024-2025 Outstanding Bilingual Educator of the Year
- 2022-2023 District wide Bilingual/ESL/ World language grades 3-5 Poster Winner
Timeline
Head Teacher of the Multilingual Intake Center
Jersey City Public Schools
08.2021 - Current
Head Teacher of the Latino Literacy Program
Charles E. Trefurt School
01.2017 - 01.2025
Summer Sparks Camp Counselor
Jersey City Public Schools
01.2010 - 01.2021
Extended Day Classroom Teacher
Jersey City Public Schools
01.2010 - 01.2021
Registering Teacher for Multilingual Intake Center
Jersey City Public Schools
08.2008 - 06.2021
Bilingual Education Classroom Teacher
Jersey City Public Schools
12.2000 - Current
Bilingual/Bicultural Certification
New Jersey City University
Alternate Route Program
St. Peter’s College
Bachelor of Arts - English
Seton Hall University
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership
Montclair State University
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