Samantha Hennessy
Seabrook,TX
Summary
Dual Language Specialist with nearly 15 years of experience in One-way and Two-way Dual Language Programs. Passionate about supporting emergent bilingual (EB) students to achieve bilingualism, biliteracy, and academic excellence. Skilled in curriculum design, teacher training, and data-driven instructional strategies that close learning gaps. Adept at fostering culturally inclusive environments where students feel seen, valued, and respected. Fluent in English and Spanish, with extensive experience working with SLA and ELA TEKS.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Fifth Grade ELA Teacher
Yes Prep South East Elementary
Pasadena, TX
08.2023 - Current
- Transformed academic outcomes for a class of 5th-grade emergent bilingual students with no prior formal English instruction
- Guided students from Beginning and Intermediate TELPAS levels to Advanced and Advanced High, a remarkable achievement in one school year
- 100% of students demonstrated growth on the English MAP test, reflecting significant improvements in reading and language proficiency
- All students exceeded expectations on the English STAAR, showcasing mastery of state standards despite language barriers
- Integrated social-emotional learning (SEL) into daily lessons, supporting student well-being and resilience as they navigated the dual challenge of language acquisition and academic content
Fourth Grade ELA/SLA Teacher
Houston Independent School District
Houston, TX
08.2021 - 06.2023
- Increased TELPAS scores by 68% through targeted, personalized learning strategies that empowered students to take ownership of their language development
- Spearheaded a data-driven writing initiative that led to the development and adoption of a new writing methodology by the 4th-grade teaching team
- Utilized research-based instructional practices to promote language acquisition and improve student academic outcomes
- Fostered family engagement and home-school partnerships, promoting collaboration with parents to support student progress
Spanish 1 & 2 Instructor
Pearland ISD
Pearland, TX
08.2020 - 10.2020
- Delivered high school-level Spanish instruction, supporting students in developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in Spanish
- Designed engaging lessons to enhance cultural awareness and appreciation for Spanish-speaking communities
Fourth Grade ELA/SLA Teacher
Pasadena ISD
Pasadena, TX
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Achieved a 92% student growth rate on MAP testing, with 78% of students meeting or exceeding their end-of-year growth targets
- Facilitated a dramatic increase in student TELPAS proficiency, with 75% of students advancing from Beginner/Intermediate to Advanced/Advanced High
- Maintained a classroom culture of excellence in attendance, with 7 consecutive months as the top homeroom for attendance
- Established a daily SEL (social-emotional learning) block, promoting self-regulation and empathy through guided discussions
Second Grade Math & Science Teacher
Alvin ISD
Alvin, TX
08.2012 - 05.2019
- Created and implemented a self-paced multiplication mastery program, empowering students to track and monitor their own learning progress
- Leveraged MAP assessment data to design differentiated small-group instruction, driving significant academic growth
- Increased classroom engagement and student participation through interactive math games, leading to higher student performance
Second Grade SLA/ELA Teacher
La Porte ISD
La Porte, TX
08.2009 - 06.2012
- Supported the language development of emergent bilingual students, fostering biliteracy and academic growth
- Collaborated with parents to enhance literacy at home, creating a partnership that strengthened student achievement
Education
Bachelor of Science in Education - Bilingual Generalist EC-4
University of Houston
Clear Lake, TX12.2008
Skills
- Parent-teacher communication
- Collaborative learning
- Student motivation
- Writing instruction
- Reading comprehension
- Literacy strategies
- Cultural sensitivity
- Problem-solving skills
Certification
- LOTE-Spanish, Certified to teach Spanish Language and Literature
- Bilingual Generalist EC-4, Certified to teach Bilingual Education, Early Childhood through Grade 4
Timeline
Fifth Grade ELA Teacher
Yes Prep South East Elementary
08.2023 - Current
Fourth Grade ELA/SLA Teacher
Houston Independent School District
08.2021 - 06.2023
Spanish 1 & 2 Instructor
Pearland ISD
08.2020 - 10.2020
Fourth Grade ELA/SLA Teacher
Pasadena ISD
08.2019 - 05.2020
Second Grade Math & Science Teacher
Alvin ISD
08.2012 - 05.2019
Second Grade SLA/ELA Teacher
La Porte ISD
08.2009 - 06.2012
Bachelor of Science in Education - Bilingual Generalist EC-4
University of Houston