Monica Rodriguez
Zapata
Summary
Organized academic professional offers history of positive student learning outcomes fostered through creative curriculum delivery. Skilled in sparking thought-provoking discussions to increase student participation and boost information retention. Brings 21 years of teaching experience and strong sense of academic integrity.
Dedicated Adjunct Professor of English Literature versed in adult classroom management, online instruction and individual student support. Hardworking, computer-savvy and dedicated to student success. Highly-qualified Adjunct Professor specializes in Rhetoric and Composition. Dynamic writing instructor with in-depth insight into student needs evaluation and instruction.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Adjunct English Instructor
Texas A&M International University
Laredo
01.2020 - Current
- Created lesson plans and developed instructional materials covering required topics and learning objectives.
- Integrated multimedia technology in classroom instruction for well-rounded and engaging approach to instruction.
- Documented student assignments, attendance and test scores in online reporting systems.
- Sourced appropriate course materials to support variety of student learning needs and styles and deliver content in relevant, distinctive ways.
- Displayed exemplary written and oral communication skills to meet learning styles and improve student learning.
- Maintained schedule of office hours to assist students and offer educational support.
- Worked in collaborative environment with fellow faculty members to design curriculum for English 1301/1302 courses.
- Distributed and posted course syllabus and answered student questions regarding standards, material, grading and progression at beginning of semester.
- Completed recordings via video and audio media of classroom lessons, tests and special instructions for online courses and use by special needs students.
- Wrote and filed reports detailing course activities and student progress.
- Created and implemented lesson plans, modifying for differences in student learning styles.
- Attended professional development training to improve knowledge and skills.
- Customized innovative methods and materials to produce effective learning experiences.
- Educated students about foreign cultures through immersive activities.
- Made difficult concepts understandable to students.
- Led general English, literature and creative writing classes during semester.
- Compiled multidimensional cultural and educational resources for students to expand knowledge of key topics beyond classroom limitations.
- Explored deeper meanings behind texts through lively classroom discussions and challenging essay assignments.
- Selected and revised course curricula to meet current instructional demands.
English Language Teacher
Zapata County Independent School District
Zapata
08.2006 - Current
- Used varied instructional resources and tools to strengthen English language skills.
- Worked with English language learners in small groups to develop fluency.
- Developed and implemented activities and lessons to improve vocabulary and sentence structure.
- Worked one-on-one with struggling students to shore up learning in specific skills and concepts.
- Evaluated student progress, recorded scores and revised plans for reteaching of subject matter where necessary to accomplish learning.
- Encouraged students to join class discussions and activities, promoting inclusion, social development, and comprehension of class concepts.
- Graded assignments and offered constructive feedback to help students focus on areas in need of improvement.
- Recorded student progress, test scores, and assignment completion and maintained well-organized files for reference.
- Taught reading comprehension, writing, grammar and literature in team teaching environment with [Number] other teachers.
- Maintained strict classroom behavior management to provide positive, conducive environment for learning.
- Wrote custom materials for teaching concepts and material to supplement or replace standard materials to add interest, focus on specific concepts and meet learning needs of student population.
- Administered timed reading, writing, speaking and comprehension exams to students.
- Consulted with students to identify reasons for poor performance, gain understanding of personal struggles outside classroom, and devise plans for remediation.
- Created age and interest appropriate reading lists to expand students' vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- Devised compelling lesson content for age-appropriate literature that met various learning styles and capture imaginations of students.
- Developed detailed lesson plans for all classes to meet educational needs of diverse student population.
- Met with parents at planned meetings and in ad hoc conversations to discuss student challenges, behavior modification and performance.
- Met with parents and administration to advocate for student needs.
- Evaluated test results to monitor comprehension and improve curriculum.
- Created evaluation vehicles to test student learning across several levels of understanding and comprehension, taking care to develop multiple opportunities for success within each vehicle.
- Provided on-going student support by offering academic office hours and tutoring.
- Modified teaching techniques to meet instructional needs of English Language Learners and Special Education students and IEP outlines.
- Prepared syllabus listing semester coursework and projects for dissemination to students on first day of class.
Education
Ph.D. - Literature/Rhetoric And Composition
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Commerce, TXMaster of Arts - English Literature
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX05.2019
Bachelor of Arts - English
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, TX05.2006
Skills
- Canvas and Blackboard College Instructional platforms proficiency
- Academic advisement
- Learning management interfaces
- Research and analysis
- Curriculum creation
- Online class discussion
- Student performance evaluation
- In-class lectures
- Class organization
- Academic publication
- Faculty communication
- Grammar and punctuation rules
- Individual instruction
- Testing and grading
- Learning style assessment
- Substitute teaching
- Digital literacy skills
- Special education
- ESL
Languages
English
Professional
Spanish
Professional
Accomplishments
- Recognized for going above and beyond to serve student needs. Teacher of the Year at Zapata High School (2009)
- Instructed 2,040 students over the course of 17 years.
- Goal Setting - Established clear objectives for all lessons/projects and communicated with students, achieving a total understanding of grading rubric and overall class expectations.
- Material Development - Created reading, writing, and rhetoric and composition curriculum, targeting first year writing program students at the college level to create an engaging educational experience.
- Team Building and Leadership - Created collaborative classroom experience through the fostering of positive relationships with students and colleagues.
- Creative Lesson Planning - Motivated students to engage with course materials for History of WWII course by organizing a war veteran to come to class to speak about his personal experience.
- Student-Centered Curriculum Planning - Developed mid-semester evaluation for students to give feedback about current curriculum and suggest alternative course materials and subjects for remainder of year.
- Named “First-Year Teacher of the Year” in 2009.
- Developed innovative instruction methods that became the standard for the district.
Timeline
Adjunct English Instructor
Texas A&M International University
01.2020 - Current
English Language Teacher
Zapata County Independent School District
08.2006 - Current
Ph.D. - Literature/Rhetoric And Composition
Texas A&M University - Commerce
Master of Arts - English Literature
Texas A&M International University
Bachelor of Arts - English
Texas A&M International University