Sofia Waterman
Orem,UT
Summary
Goal-oriented Academic Coordinator dedicated to strengthening administrative operations to enhance procedures and encourage program growth. Cultivate long-lasting relationships with students and staff to strengthen program commitment and success. Motivational leader with effective interpersonal communication, organizational, and strategic planning abilities.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Academic Coordinator
Pace International Academy
625 State Street, Orem, UT 84058
05.2017 - Current
- Prepared faculty, files, and program for two separate accreditation processes with distinct accrediting bodies
- Assist in growth and retention of predominately international student body which saw increases from below 250 students to over 500 currently
- Monitor and track students' academic progress using audit results, assessments, and faculty input to encourage successful learning environment and outcomes
- Participated in preparation for and creation of additional courses
- Manage curriculum implementation, review, and training of faculty to optimize related site resources and learning
- Optimize term transitions while encouraging and reinforcing student progress and liaising with administration and faculty
- Interview and hire faculty members that implement program initiatives and support mission of our IEP
- Mentor over one hundred students on academic problems and make professional recommendations while considering personal circumstances
- Develop and implement faculty professional development needs required by policy
- Collaborate with faculty, staff and students to identify and address program challenges and find solutions
- Collaborated with administration to increase student recruiting, engagement, and retention
- Improve policies and procedures to maximize student academic progress, as well as job satisfaction for faculty
- Conduct annual reviews of faculty while documenting feedback which is used by Director of Operations to consider wage increases
- Confer with administration to rebalance classes, increase resource utilization, and promote level integrity
- Create and manage HR files for moderately transient faculty, (presently seventeen teachers) that maintain documentation required by law
- Oversee planning, alignment, and approval of external learning experiences conducted by faculty with their classes
English Language Instructor
Pace International Academy
625 State Street
05.2016 - Current
- Authored tests and quizzes to evaluate student learning and comprehension for classes of up to 35 students
- Built relationships with students to understand obstacles to learning such as difficult home situations, illness, or social hurdles
- Provided support to students in understanding and improving sound relationships, spelling, punctuation, style, and pronunciation with self-guided exercises
- Attended two local Inter-mountain TESOL conventions to stay current with developments within field and continue professional development
- Developed activities and integrated technology to scaffold and diversify instruction
- Improved instruction methods by using various assessment tools and strategies
- Administered and graded tests and assignments to evaluate student progress
- Documented student attendance and progress against goals
- Coordinated language immersive field trips that allowed students to associate knowledge with real-world experiences
- Personalized instruction based on needs, interests, and capabilities of individual students
- Reviewed course materials and student progress to identify strengths and weaknesses for future improvements
- Provided individual mentoring and special tutoring to struggling students
- Encouraged students to deepen knowledge with additional learning opportunities
- Maintained complete student records with accurate grades and attendance information
- Supplemented instruction and increased student understanding with use of audio-visual equipment and other technology
- Conducted skills assessments to uncover performance gaps
- Balanced instruction, demonstration, and personal work time for optimal student learning
English Instructor
Internexus Language School
Orem, UT
09.2014 - 04.2015
- Evaluated students' abilities and acquisition of English language, keeping appropriate records and preparing progress reports
- Encouraged participation to maintain positive attitudes and proactively engaged students in activities and lessons
- Initiated, facilitated, and moderated classroom discussions for college-bound English students
- Immersed students in unfamiliar cultures by devising hands-on activities
- Developed lesson plans and adapted curriculum to meet individual needs of students in functional learning environment
English Language Department Chair
Stockton Unified School District
Stockton, CA
09.2002 - 06.2009
- Observed, coached and mentored 5-10 instructional staff to promote warm, structured and responsive classroom culture
- Created lesson plans, department professional training, and other associated lesson materials
- Reinforced positive student behavior and established rapport with students and families through home visits and conferences
- Spearheaded new programs to incorporate community involvement that built rapport with parents and students
- Planned and executed professional development sessions monthly for 10-25 staff
- Collaborated with administration, faculty, staff, and students to identify and address institutional challenges weekly for seven years
- Implemented strategies to increase student involvement and progress within target language.
- Developed and implemented student success initiatives to recognize and encourage achievement.
- Assisted in development and implementation of faculty development plans as part of middle-school school leadership team
- Assisted in programs to promote diversity and inclusion among staff, faculty, and students
- Prioritized spending of federal and state migrant, and ELL allotted funds with sensitivity and in depth understanding of teacher and student needs
- Used data to drive instruction and school-wide decisions related to content and services offered
- Conducted frequent observations, used to improve instruction delivery of colleagues, within department
- Assisted site leadership with state accreditation, curriculum alignment, and site visits to verify implementation of federal requirements for funding of Title I school
Education
Bachelor of Arts - TESOL
Brigham Young University - Hawaii
La'ie, HI06.2001
Skills
- Records Management
- Document Management
- Social Behaviors
- Performance Optimization Strategies
- Managing Schedules
- Office Meetings
- Active Participation
- Educational Settings
Community Involvement
I have served on the Board of Directors at Community Action Services for the last seven years. Most recently serving as the Vice President of the Executive Committee, I support the mission of Community Action by signing and approving checks for the funding of program operations. Serving the socio-economically challenged population of our tri-county has increased my understanding and compassion for the challenges faced by those who may not usually have a voice.
Languages
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
Academic Coordinator
Pace International Academy
05.2017 - Current
English Language Instructor
Pace International Academy
05.2016 - Current
English Instructor
Internexus Language School
09.2014 - 04.2015
English Language Department Chair
Stockton Unified School District
09.2002 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Arts - TESOL
Brigham Young University - Hawaii