Mary Zervos Tselepis
Ridgewood,NJ
Summary
Experienced educator with 20+ years in the NYC Department of Education, specializing in ENL instruction, literacy development, and multilingual learner achievement. Skilled in implementing structured literacy aligned with the Science of Reading, differentiating instruction, and using data to drive student growth. Proven leader as an ENL Coordinator, mentor, and collaborative partner across diverse school communities.
Professional educator with passion for language instruction and commitment to fostering student success. Proven experience in creating dynamic and effective curriculum tailored to diverse learners. Known for strong team collaboration and adaptability, ensuring consistent and impactful educational outcomes.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
ENL Coordinator & Teacher
P.S. 48, NYC Department of Education
01.2005 - Current
- Coordinated school-wide ENL program, including compliance, scheduling, and service delivery
- Administer NYSESLAT and NYSITELL; maintain all required ENL documentation
- Hydroponics Classroom Initiative; Co-managed hydroponics lab for 3 years
- Designed and taught interdisciplinary lessons integrating science, sustainability, and literacy
- Deliver stand-alone and integrated ENL instruction for K–5 multilingual learners
- Apply Science of Reading principles using structured literacy, phonics, and targeted interventions
- Testing Coordinator (school-wide assessment oversight)
- Differentiate instruction across proficiency levels, resulting in measurable gains in language and literacy
- Collaborate with general and special education teachers to support MLLs, including students with IEPs
- Use assessment data to monitor progress and inform instruction
- Mentored new teachers (NYCTF, TFA); facilitated professional development workshops
- Planned and taught after-school enrichment programs for community service
- Directed after-school music group for grades 3–5, fostering student engagement and performance skills
- Additional Teaching Experience: Taught general music (Pre-K–5) for one academic year, integrating music into core instruction
ENL / ELA Teacher (Grades 9 & 12)
High School for Law and Public Service, NYC DOE
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Taught ELA and ENL in collaborative and remote settings
- Designed scaffolded instruction and literacy supports for multilingual learners
- Participated in MLL Leads Institute focused on culturally responsive practices
Education
M.S. TESOL (K–12) -
The City College of New York
B.M.A. Voice Performance - Minor in Psychology
University of Michigan
Reading Specialist Coursework (in progress)
Mercy University
Skills
- ENL / MLL Instruction
- Science of Reading & Structured Literacy (Fundations)
- Differentiated Instruction
- Multitasking and organization
- NYSESLAT / NYSITELL Administration
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Curriculum Development
- Teacher Mentoring
- Family Engagement
- Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CRSE)
- Data entry
- Document management
- Recordkeeping
- Strategic planning
- Meeting coordination
Timeline
ENL / ELA Teacher (Grades 9 & 12)
High School for Law and Public Service, NYC DOE
01.2020 - 01.2021
ENL Coordinator & Teacher
P.S. 48, NYC Department of Education
01.2005 - Current
B.M.A. Voice Performance - Minor in Psychology
University of Michigan
Reading Specialist Coursework (in progress)
Mercy University
M.S. TESOL (K–12) -
The City College of New York
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE & HONORS
- Private Tutor (Reading, Writing, Math)
- Director of Community Health Education – International Medical Relief (Haiti)
- Crisis Counselor – Common Ground Sanctuary
- AmeriCorps Education Award