Ralph Hernandez
Stamford,CT
Summary
Dynamic educator and instructional leader with over 20 years of experience in secondary world language instruction, curriculum development, and teaching. Expertise includes Spanish language acquisition, performance-based assessment, instructional design, and teacher coaching. Proven track record of spearheading curriculum initiatives that enhance student engagement, support diverse learners, and create impactful lessons in multicultural environments. Committed to fostering a positive classroom culture that encourages student excellence while seeking opportunities within a progressive school district.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Classroom Teacher, Spanish 3–AP Literature
Darien Public Schools
Darien, CT
01.2018 - Current
- Teach Spanish 3 through AP Spanish Literature in a high school setting.
- Design and deliver engaging, standards-based lesson plans that improve student participation and language proficiency.
- Integrate creative role-play, authentic resources, and discussion-based activities to strengthen speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Develop and implement performance-based assessments aligned with district and state standards.
- Differentiate instruction and provide accommodations for students with special education needs and diverse learning styles.
- Collaborate with colleagues, families, and support staff to create an inclusive and high-performing learning environment.
- Participate in district and external professional learning initiatives focused on instructional best practices and curriculum innovation.
Classroom Teacher, Spanish
New Haven Public Schools
New Haven, CT
01.2015 - 01.2018
- Taught multiple levels of high school Spanish in a diverse urban school district.
- Developed engaging lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs.
- Created and implemented lesson plans that increased student engagement and supported language acquisition.
- Incorporated reading and writing workshop models to improve student literacy and communication skills.
- Used performance-based assessment strategies to measure student growth and inform instruction.
- Modified curriculum and classroom practices to meet the needs of students with individualized education plans.
- Participated in districtwide professional learning and instructional improvement efforts.
- Assessed student progress using various assessment tools, adjusting instruction as needed to address identified areas of need.
- Planned lessons, activities and trips to cover all required course material.
Senior Training Manager / Coordinator of Workforce Development
State Education Resource Center
Middletown, CT
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Directed the design, development, and delivery of organization-wide training and workforce development programs.
- Partnered with leadership to create competency-based employee development plans.
- Conducted training needs assessments to identify organizational priorities and guide program design.
- Coached employees and managers in leadership development, career planning, and performance improvement.
- Recommended and implemented new training strategies that improved program effectiveness and employee engagement.
- Led cross-functional teams to implement innovative educational initiatives and improvements.
- Facilitated workshops and professional development sessions to empower staff with best practices.
- Evaluated training needs through assessments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
- Analyzed training programs' effectiveness, making data-driven adjustments for optimal results.
Curriculum Coordinator, World Languages
Fairfield Public Schools
Fairfield, CT
01.2003 - 01.2005
- Led districtwide curriculum planning, implementation, and assessment for the World Languages department.
- Ensured curriculum alignment with district goals and state and national standards.
- Designed and evaluated program-level assessments and introduced portfolio-based assessment practices.
- Developed departmental systems and procedures to improve workflow and instructional consistency.
- Planned and facilitated monthly professional development sessions for world language educators.
- Managed department budgets and monitored annual expenditures.
- Introduced technology integration strategies to strengthen language instruction and assessment.
Classroom Teacher, Spanish
Fairfield Public Schools
Fairfield, CT
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Taught Spanish at all levels in a high school setting.
- Developed engaging lessons and assessment strategies that improved participation and language proficiency.
- Implemented reading and writing workshop approaches to strengthen literacy skills.
- Helped introduce Advanced Placement language courses into the district curriculum.
- Participated in professional development related to language instruction and educational methodology.
- Implemented classroom management strategies promoting a positive learning environment.
- Evaluated student performance through assessments to inform instructional decisions.
- Analyzed student data to identify areas for improvement and drive academic success.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and classroom management, creating a respectful and productive learning atmosphere.
- Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
Program Coordinator, Graduate-Level Educator Cohort
The Graduate Institute
Milford, CT
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Coordinated a graduate-level cohort program for secondary educators.
- Designed curriculum and facilitated seminars, lectures, and discussions on instructional practice and adult learning.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop course content and effective instructional methodologies.
- Conducted program evaluations to ensure quality and alignment with institutional guidelines.
Classroom Teacher, Spanish
Milford Public Schools
Milford, CT
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Taught Spanish in middle and high school settings.
- Planned and delivered instruction that supported language acquisition and student achievement.
- Used performance-based assessments and differentiated instruction to meet diverse student needs.
- Consistently received positive evaluations from supervisors and students.
Training and Quality Manager
Transcom North America/Asia
Lafayette, LA
01.2009 - 01.2011
Operations Manager
ACS/Xerox
San Antonio, TX
01.2008 - 01.2009
Operations Manager
West Corporation
College Station, TX
01.2006 - 01.2008
Corporate Trainer
West Corporation
San Antonio, TX
01.2005 - 01.2006
Education
Master of Arts - Spanish
Middlebury College
Madrid, SpainBachelor of Arts - Literature
Yale University
New Haven, CTTeacher Certification / Graduate Coursework - undefined
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CTSkills
- Spanish Instruction (Levels 1–AP Literature)
- Curriculum Design & Alignment
- Performance-Based Assessment
- Instructional Coaching & Facilitation
- Lesson Planning & Differentiation
- Technology Integration
- Second Language Acquisition
- Classroom Management
- Student Engagement Strategies
- Learning Needs Analysis
- Understanding by Design
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Parent-teacher communication
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Classroom Teacher, Spanish 3–AP Literature
Darien Public Schools
01.2018 - Current
Classroom Teacher, Spanish
New Haven Public Schools
01.2015 - 01.2018
Senior Training Manager / Coordinator of Workforce Development
State Education Resource Center
01.2012 - 01.2015
Training and Quality Manager
Transcom North America/Asia
01.2009 - 01.2011
Operations Manager
ACS/Xerox
01.2008 - 01.2009
Operations Manager
West Corporation
01.2006 - 01.2008
Corporate Trainer
West Corporation
01.2005 - 01.2006
Curriculum Coordinator, World Languages
Fairfield Public Schools
01.2003 - 01.2005
Classroom Teacher, Spanish
Fairfield Public Schools
01.1999 - 01.2005
Program Coordinator, Graduate-Level Educator Cohort
The Graduate Institute
01.1998 - 01.2002
Classroom Teacher, Spanish
Milford Public Schools
01.1996 - 01.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Literature
Yale University
Teacher Certification / Graduate Coursework - undefined
Sacred Heart University
Master of Arts - Spanish
Middlebury College