Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Michell Gonzalez Vargas

English And Spanish Teacher

Summary

Dynamic and culturally aware English and Spanish educator with 8 years of experience proven to deliver high-quality lessons and foster supportive learning environment at Prairie Winds Middle School. Prepared to design engaging content and materials tailored to diverse learning needs. Known for adaptability and reliability in dynamic classroom settings. Fluent in Spanish and English with expertise in cultural immersion and language acquisition techniques.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
3
3
Certifications
3
3
Languages

Work History

Middle School Spanish Teacher

Prairie Winds Middle School / Mankato School Area
Mankato, Minnesota
09.2025 - Current
  • Foster a respectful classroom atmosphere where all 200 students each from 8 different sessions felt included, comfortable expressing their thoughts, and emotions using Spanish.
  • Boost students'' cultural awareness by incorporating authentic materials and real-world scenarios in lessons developing curriculum based on Spanish Speaking Countries culture and geography.
  • Implement creative assessment methods such as multimedia presentations or group projects, increasing their cultural awareness and allowing students multiple ways of demonstrating proficiency while building essential collaboration skills.
  • Develop and write curricula in both Spanish and English, often sharing curriculum with other teachers.

Tutoring MavPASS Coach

Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN
08.2023 - 05.2025
  • Arranged and lead weekly training meetings for a team of 13 leaders/tutors to share best teaching practices, discuss challenges, and foster a supportive team environment.
  • Attendance at 5+ tutoring sessions revealed significantly higher rates of course success at all GPA levels and Lower DFW (drop, fail, and withdraw) Rates.
  • Facilitated ongoing collaboration between leaders/tutors by organizing peer observations and mentorship opportunities within the team.
  • Collaborated with other coaches to share best practices, techniques, and insights for overall program improvement.

English Teacher, Tutor and Academic Advisor

Centro Colombo Americano
07.2017 - 07.2023
  • Taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to diverse groups of 15 to 20 students, ranging in age from 10 to 30+, across A1 to C1 proficiency levels.
  • Served as an academic advisor for 30 low-income high school graduates in a nonprofit program, supporting their English language development, guiding them in exploring their vocational passion for teaching, and assisting them with university applications to become future educators
  • Implemented project-based learning activities that encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.
  • Increased student motivation by planning dynamic lessons, providing timely feedback and recognizing individual achievements.
  • Developed strong relationships with parents fostering open communication regarding student progress and needs.

Macy's Trainer and Customer Service Representative

Concentrix Colombia
08.2016 - 12.2019
  • Conducted training sessions for 20+ Macy's and Bloomingdale's Customer Service Representatives on various aspects of the job including soft skills development, product knowledge enhancement, and procedural updates, reinforcing the importance of empathy, understanding and patience in all interactions with clients.
  • Unofficially taught English for customer service purposes as part of training sessions.
  • Coached employees on best practices, providing constructive feedback to support their professional growth.

English Teacher

Smart Language Academy
Bogota, Colombia
11.2015 - 08.2016
  • Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
  • Created inclusive classroom environment, fostering respect and mutual understanding among students of diverse backgrounds.
  • Supported students in development of skills and strategies to become independent and successful learners.
  • Lead conversation clubs to promote speaking, listening and reading skills development.

AuPair

Go AuPair
09.2014 - 09.2015
  • Planned educational trips to local libraries, parks, swimming pools or zoos to stimulate curiosity about the world for 1, 2 and 3 year old kids.
  • Implemented creative activities that simulated childe development in areas such as Spanish skills, motor skills, cognitive abilities and social interactions.
  • Applied positive behavior management techniques to enhance social interactions and emotional development.

Education

Master of Arts - Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages

Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN
05.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor's Degree in English/Spanish: Education

Universidad Francisco José De Caldas
Bogotá, Colombia.
05.2001 -

Skills

Lesson Planning

Curriculum Development

Teaching/Learning/Assessment Strategies

Classroom Management

Problem Solving

Team Work

Certification

C1 English level IELTS/135 Duolingo test

Timeline

Middle School Spanish Teacher

Prairie Winds Middle School / Mankato School Area
09.2025 - Current

Tutoring MavPASS Coach

Minnesota State University, Mankato
08.2023 - 05.2025

C1 English level IELTS/135 Duolingo test

06-2023

English Teacher, Tutor and Academic Advisor

Centro Colombo Americano
07.2017 - 07.2023

Macy's Trainer and Customer Service Representative

Concentrix Colombia
08.2016 - 12.2019

English Teacher

Smart Language Academy
11.2015 - 08.2016

English Writing Composition Class

05-2015

AuPair

Go AuPair
09.2014 - 09.2015

Certified Technician in Management Assistance

12-2009

Master of Arts - Teaching English To Speakers of Other Languages

Minnesota State University, Mankato
05.2001 -

Bachelor of Arts - Bachelor's Degree in English/Spanish: Education

Universidad Francisco José De Caldas
05.2001 -
Michell Gonzalez VargasEnglish And Spanish Teacher