Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Monica Rodriguez

Zapata

Summary

I am a student-centered Professor and high school teacher with expertise in Rhetoric and Composition studies, as well as English Literature. I have 17 years to offer background in supporting students, developing instructional plans and organizing and grading exams and tests. I have always been commended for sustaining effective learning environment through prepared classes and relevant assignments and consistently achieving classroom management and academic goals. I am also a successful educator that brings advanced teaching and department leadership experience. I often enjoy helping in advancing the department, improve teaching and modernize courses. I take pride in offering demonstrated ability to improve learning outcomes across all of my English classes. I am proficient in teaching about the writing process and that literature is the study of the human condition with 17 years of instructional experience. I am a committed and engaging English teacher that possesses the ability of bringing exceptional lecturing skills and expertise in English Literature and Rhetoric and Composition.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Dual Enrollment College Instructor

Laredo College
08.2020 - Current
  • Shifted between informal and formal methods of teaching to create multi-layered web of learning incorporating experiments, practical activities, discussions and projects into lessons.
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations, including visual, aural and social learning strategies.
  • Worked one-on-one with struggling students to optimize classrooms for diverse learning style students.
  • Administered exams and assignments to monitor student understanding and progress, implementing systems to fix blocks in comprehension or learning.
  • Wrote reading lists to optimize student experience and enhance understandings of rhetoric and composition.
  • Taught English 1301 and 1302 to over 50 annual students.
  • Collaborated with tutoring, enrollment, testing and advising services to support students.
  • Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
  • Graded quizzes, tests, homework and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
  • Impartially evaluated papers, projects and homework assignments of students, delegating grading to teaching assistants when appropriate.
  • Contributed to planning appropriate and engaging lessons for both classroom and distance learning applications.
  • Participated in various campus memberships at each assigned school to promote academics and faculty development.
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
  • Guided students in researching, structuring and presenting debate case.
  • Met with students to dispense study and career advice and provide guidance and potential opportunities within chosen field.
  • Monitored student use of Canvas tools and equipment for safe and effective handling.
  • Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
  • Led and prepared lectures for English classes, including 1301 and 1302 courses.
  • Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
  • Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
  • Created lesson plans for courses, modifying throughout year to meet time constraints and specific interests of class.
  • Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
  • Assisted and identified at-risk students to eliminate student barriers to learning.
  • Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.
  • Graded over 5 assignments per week and entered grades into Canvas.
  • Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives.
  • Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.

University Instructor

Texas A&M International University
01.2020 - Current
  • Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
  • Shifted between informal and formal methods of teaching to create multi-layered web of learning incorporating experiments, practical activities, discussions and projects into lessons.
  • Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations, including visual, aural and social learning strategies.
  • Developed and taught undergraduate courses in for department offerings serving major, minor and general students.
  • Collaborated with faculty and community stakeholders for program improvement.
  • Helped recruitment diverse program faculty reflecting student population.
  • Analyzed data on student retention, completion, employment and success on national certification exam.
  • Collaborated with tutoring, enrollment, testing and advising services to support students.
  • Impartially evaluated papers, projects and homework assignments of students, delegating grading to teaching assistants when appropriate.
  • Guided students in researching, structuring and presenting debate case.
  • Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
  • Stayed abreast of developments within the First Year Writing Program to improve curriculum, develop new research and share with colleagues and students.
  • Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
  • Incorporated instructional technologies in course delivery for both in-class and online instruction.
  • Monitored student use of Blackboard tools and equipment for safe and effective handling.
  • Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
  • Graded over 30 assignments per week and entered grades into Blackboard.
  • Conducted engaging in-class discussions to facilitate learning and encourage participation.
  • Created materials and exercises to illustrate application of course concepts.
  • Assisted and identified at-risk students to eliminate student barriers to learning.
  • Graded quizzes, tests, homework and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
  • Led and prepared lectures for English classes, including 1301 and 1302 courses.
  • Contributed to planning appropriate and engaging lessons for both classroom and distance learning applications.
  • Evaluated and supervised student activities and performance levels to provide reports on academic progress.
  • Taught diverse student population by employing various learning styles and abilities.
  • Applied innovative teaching methods to encourage student learning objectives.
  • Reviewed program materials and coordinated updates to keep department materials relevant and accurate.

High School English and Language Arts Teacher

Zapata County Independent School District
08.2006 - Current
  • Evaluated academic skills of each student through verbal assessments, graded assignments and standardized tests.
  • Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
  • Kept classroom organized, clean, and safe for all students and visitors.
  • Cultivated relationships with parents for complete support network.
  • Taught age-appropriate spelling techniques, grammar rules and language skills.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • Encouraged independent thought, good judgment and expression of original ideas.
  • Built learning and citizenship skills to help with personal growth in addition to increasing academic knowledge.
  • Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
  • Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
  • Utilized multimedia strategies and technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways.
  • Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of all students.
  • Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
  • Promoted effective verbal and written communication through listening, speaking, reading and writing practice.
  • Instructed classes of up to 32 students on principles and strategies of Rhetoric and Composition.
  • Inspired academic success based on belief that all students can achieve excellence, regardless of background.
  • Utilized curriculum which reflected diverse educational, cultural and linguistic background of student body.
  • Created engaging lesson plans, fostered culture of discovery and provided well-organized classroom structure to help students succeed in program.
  • Selected and requisitioned appropriate books and instructional aids to complement lesson plans.

Education

Ph.D. - English Literature

Texas A&M University, Commerce
Commerce, TX
08-2026

Master of Arts - English Language And Literature

Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX
05.2019

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Texas A&M International University
Laredo
05.2006

High School Diploma -

Zapata High School
Zapata
05.1996

Skills

  • Secondary education
  • English Language Arts and Reading instruction
  • Progress reporting
  • Group and individual instruction
  • Student records management
  • Classroom management
  • Class instruction
  • Adult Education
  • Thesis advisement
  • Online learning tools
  • Student needs assessment
  • Student research guidance
  • Continuing education
  • Technology-based curriculum
  • Differentiated instruction
  • Lesson Planning
  • Curriculum Development
  • Performance assessment
  • Lecturing
  • Academic research
  • Classroom presentations

Timeline

Dual Enrollment College Instructor

Laredo College
08.2020 - Current

University Instructor

Texas A&M International University
01.2020 - Current

High School English and Language Arts Teacher

Zapata County Independent School District
08.2006 - Current

Ph.D. - English Literature

Texas A&M University, Commerce

Master of Arts - English Language And Literature

Texas A&M International University

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature

Texas A&M International University

High School Diploma -

Zapata High School

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