MARILYN COHN
Laguna Woods,CA
Summary
Compassionate, creative and effective Teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Executive Director / Founder
Chosen Children International
01.2000 - 05.2025
- - Founded and implemented five Christian schools in Kenya (preschool through high school), integrating the Kenyan curriculum with a strong Christian worldview.
- - Developed and managed educational and social programs empowering street youth and vulnerable children to transition from homelessness to productive lives.
- - Designed a rehabilitation center providing education, life skills, and Christian nurturing to homeless and illiterate youth.
- - Conducted teacher and staff training in effective instruction, child protection, micro-enterprise education, and health awareness.
- - Trained social workers on home visitation, case documentation, and family support services.
- - Supervised staff at an African import shop, providing training in customer service, merchandising, and POS systems.
- - Directed strategic planning, budgeting, and resource management for multiple projects and programs.
- - Produced newsletters, sponsorship materials, and media content to promote organizational awareness and donor engagement.
- - Represented the organization on various media outlets, church presentations, and community events.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness and mission alignment.
- Oversaw budget management processes, ensuring financial sustainability and resource allocation efficiency.
Guest Teacher
Hueneme Elementary School District
08.2019 - 03.2021
- - Taught multiple grade levels and subjects including reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
- - Created engaging lesson plans and maintained classroom discipline.
- - Supervised students during physical education and recess activities.
Guest Teacher
Colorado Springs School Districts 2 & 11
09.2008 - 06.2012
- - Taught elementary and high school classes across a range of subjects: French, English, reading, science, and health.
- - Adapted quickly to diverse learning environments and student needs.
Elementary School Teacher
La Joya Elementary School
09.1996 - 06.1998
- - Served as a guest teacher in both special education and bilingual Spanish-English classrooms.
- - Delivered lessons across core subjects while maintaining a supportive and structured environment.
Bilingual Elementary School Teacher
Freedom School
09.1989 - 06.1996
- - Taught all academic subjects in bilingual (Spanish/English) classrooms.
- - Collaborated with parents to support student progress and development.
- - Designed lesson plans that incorporated art, music, and physical education.
Medical/Public Health Coordinator
World Relief
01.1995 - 06.1995
- - Supervised a team of 10 social workers conducting family tracing and case management for unaccompanied refugee children.
- - Implemented public health education programs and trained local staff in nutrition and hygiene.
- - Coordinated procurement and distribution of essential supplies for children’s shelters.
- - Participated in UNHCR emergency response and coordination meetings.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - French & Elementary Education
Hofstra University
Hempstead, NYPostgraduate Counseling Studies - undefined
Palm Beach Atlantic University
West Palm Beach, FLPostgraduate Coursework - Social Work
San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CASkills
- Classroom management
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Motivating students
- Student engagement
- Behavior management
- Parent-teacher communication
- Positive role model and mentor
- Public speaking
- Classroom instruction
- Conflict resolution
- Collaborative learning
- Child development
Certification
ASCI Certificate as Head Teacher
LANGUAGES
- French: Fluent
- Spanish: Conversational
Interests
Drama and Acting
International Development and Travel
Hiking
Swimming
- Dance
Timeline
Guest Teacher
Hueneme Elementary School District
08.2019 - 03.2021
Guest Teacher
Colorado Springs School Districts 2 & 11
09.2008 - 06.2012
Executive Director / Founder
Chosen Children International
01.2000 - 05.2025
Elementary School Teacher
La Joya Elementary School
09.1996 - 06.1998
Medical/Public Health Coordinator
World Relief
01.1995 - 06.1995
Bilingual Elementary School Teacher
Freedom School
09.1989 - 06.1996
Postgraduate Counseling Studies - undefined
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Postgraduate Coursework - Social Work
San Francisco State University
Bachelor of Arts - French & Elementary Education
Hofstra University