Samra Teferra
Communications/Simulation Specialist
Madison,WI
Summary
Communications Specialist and professionally trained theater artist possessing strong public relations, communication and project management abilities. Excels in developing print communications and enforcing proactive media plans. Diverse credentials in both private and public industry sectors.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Communications Specialist LTE
Department of Workforce Development
Madison, WI
06.2025 - Current
- Collaborated with communications and internal teams to compile information and align company messaging for one-pagers, correspondence, and articles.
- Copyedited, proofread and revised company print materials and web copy before dissemination.
- Streamlined internal reporting processes, making it easier to track project progress.
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image.
- Coordinated media interviews with organization staff, board members and volunteers.
Teaching Artist
Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Madison, Wisconsin
10.2023 - Current
- Guided students in the monologue selection process and taught theater arts curriculum to high school students in preparation for the 2023 New Narratives Monologue Competition.
- Taught theater fundamentals: characterization, text analysis, vocalization, physicalization, and ensemble-building skills.
- Tailored theatre exercises to meet the individual needs of students to optimize performance.
- Contribute lesson content ideas toward the development of theater curriculum
Simulation Specialist/Actor
Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER)
Madison, Wisconsin
07.2023 - Current
- Puppeteer digital avatars in virtual learning scenarios leveraging Mursion software
- Improved team collaboration by initiating regular strategy meetings.
- Developed and wrote avatar character profiles
- Improvisational role playing of digital student avatars within a pedagogical framework
Art Instructor
Monroe Street Arts Center
Madison, Wisconsin
03.2023 - 06.2023
- Taught and developed K-2 Art curriculum to scholars at One City Schools in Madison, Wisconsin.
- Facilitated group sessions and provided one-on-one support.
- Prepared and gathered materials for detailed lesson plans.
Art & Reach Teacher
Leopold Elementary
Madison, Wisconsin
09.2022 - 02.2023
- Taught K-5 Art, SEL, and Drama lessons to elementary students, serving over 100 students per semester.
- Created curriculum through online and art education research to facilitate age-appropriate learning.
- Fostered a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students, including those with emotional and developmental disturbances.
- Led students through art projects to aid in developing creativity and self-expression through various mediums.
- Developed strong relationships with students and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
Student, Teaching
Wisconsin ESL Institute (WESLI) Teacher Training Program
Madison, Wisconsin
11.2021 - 02.2022
- Acquired and applied skills in lesson planning, formulation of curriculum-based assignments, and learning material facilitation by observing and actively collaborating with seasoned WESLI Teachers. Noted teachers’ interactions with students and engaged in hands-on tutoring.
- Developed core skills in delivering English as a Second or Other Language lessons.
- Resolved emergent classroom issues in absence of teacher, cultivating environments conducive to enhanced academic growth.
- Earned certification for completion of program (130hrs).
Education
Coursework towards Master of Fine Arts - Acting
University of Missouri Kansas City
Kansas City, MOBachelor of Arts - Speech Communications
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VASkills
Internal communications
Press release writing
Media relations
Proofreading
Teamwork and collaboration
Adaptability
Copyediting
Brand promotion
Event coordination
Certification
Teaching English as Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification, WESLI, Madison, WI
Communications Experience
Correspondent, Unified Newspaper Group, Verona, WI, Editorial Intern, Brava, Madison, WI, Account Assistant, GMMB, Washington, D.C., Program Coordinator for External Affairs, The Washington Center, Washington, D.C
Timeline
Communications Specialist LTE
Department of Workforce Development
06.2025 - Current
Teaching Artist
Milwaukee Repertory Theater
10.2023 - Current
Simulation Specialist/Actor
Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER)
07.2023 - Current
Art Instructor
Monroe Street Arts Center
03.2023 - 06.2023
Art & Reach Teacher
Leopold Elementary
09.2022 - 02.2023
Student, Teaching
Wisconsin ESL Institute (WESLI) Teacher Training Program
11.2021 - 02.2022
Coursework towards Master of Fine Arts - Acting
University of Missouri Kansas City
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communications
James Madison University