Samra Teferra
Madison,Wisconsin
Summary
Dynamic professional with experience in public communications, arts education, classroom instruction, and simulation-based training environments. Proficient in developing educational content, coordinating instructional activities, and producing communication materials, including articles and press releases. Skilled in writing and editing content, supporting internal and external communications, and delivering engaging learning experiences across K-12 and higher education settings. Strong background in collaboration, curriculum support, and audience engagement across academic, arts, and public-facing environments.
Overview
1
1
Certification
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Simulation Specialist
Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER)
Madison, WI
01.2023 - 08.2026
- Delivered real-time digital avatar simulations in Mursion-based learning environments, portraying adaptive student personas to support educator training, research, and experiential learning initiatives. Contributed to collaborative improvements in simulation delivery processes.
- Interpreted scenario-based behavioral responses aligned with instructional objectives and character frameworks.
- Developed detailed avatar profiles and behavioral profiles to support consistency across simulation learning experiences.
Communications Specialist LTE
Department of Workforce Development
Madison, WI
01.2025 - 01.2026
- Developed, edited, and refined high-volume internal and external communications supporting workforce development initiatives. Led web content accuracy efforts, strengthened messaging consistency across platforms, and supported media coordination activities to enhance public-facing communication strategies.
- Edited 100+ pages of web content, improving clarity, accuracy, and accessibility across public-facing websites.
- Revised and polished print/digital communication materials prior to publication, improving editorial quality.
- Drafted press releases communicating organizational updates and workforce initiatives, strengthening public engagement.
Art & Reach Teacher
Madison Metropolitan School District (Leopold Elementary)
Madison, WI
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Delivered integrated art, social-emotional learning (SEL), and drama instruction, fostering inclusive classroom engagement and creative expression through structured curriculum design. Instructed 100+ K-5 students per semester in art, drama, and SELbased learning programs designed to support emotional expression and creativity.
- Developed age-appropriate curriculum using research-based instructional strategies and arts education methodologies.
- Fostered inclusive classroom environments supporting students with diverse emotional and developmental learning needs.
- Implemented interactive instruction methods including group collaboration, performance activities, and creative projects.
- Built strong student and colleague relationships through consistent communication.
Student Teacher / ESL Training Participant
Wisconsin ESL Institute (WESLI)
Madison, WI
01.2021 - 01.2022
- Completed a 130-hour TEFL certification program combining instructional theory, lesson planning, and applied teaching practice. Applied foundational teaching strategies through observation, assisted instruction, and supervised practice. Assisted in maintaining classroom continuity and learning support during the instructor's absence.
- Observed instructors and supported classroom instruction through guided tutoring and student engagement activities.
Teaching Artist
Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Milwaukee, WI
- Delivered theater education programs for high school students, integrating acting technique, performance training, and curriculum-based instruction. Coached students in acting fundamentals, including character development, text analysis, vocal technique, physical expression, and ensemble collaboration. Guided performance preparation processes for student participants in competitive theatre initiatives, strengthening interpretive and presentation skills.
Art Instructor
Monroe Street Arts Center
Madison, WI
- Delivered foundational visual arts instruction for early childhood learners, supporting creativity, focus, and structured engagement in classroom art activities. Designed and delivered K-2 visual arts curriculum for elementary learners at One City Schools, aligning instruction with developmental learning stages. Prepared instructional materials and organized classroom resources to support lesson execution and creative projects.
Correspondent
Unified Newspaper Group
Verona, WI
- Interviewed sources and collected facts for accurate newspaper coverage.
- Wrote clear articles in AP style and met newsroom deadlines.
- Edited copy for grammar, clarity, and publication accuracy.
- Worked with editors on story assignments and daily newsroom priorities.
Editorial Intern
Brava
Madison, WI
- Proofread Brava manuscripts for grammar, spelling, and style consistency.
- Fact-checked source details and quotations for Brava editorial pieces.
- Provided administrative support
- Assisted editors with research on specific topics as requested.
- Reviewed manuscripts, edited content for accuracy, grammar, punctuation, clarity, style, syntax and consistency.
- Conducted interviews with sources over the phone or in person.
Account Assistant
GMMB
Washington
- Coordinated media outreach, press lists, and reporter follow-up for organization communications.
- Monitored media coverage and compiled clipping reports for organization stakeholders.
- Prepared communication materials, fact sheets, and backgrounders for public relations campaigns.
- Maintained media contacts, publicity records, and campaign files for organization archives.
- Identified customer needs through market research and analysis
- Responded promptly to inquiries from the media and other external stakeholders.
- Maintained professionality and efficiency while working closely with leadership.
- Conferred with production personnel to produce or coordinate advertisements or promotions.
- Tracked vendor payments and followed up on outstanding balances.
Program Coordinator for External Affairs
The Washington Center
Washington, D.C.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Acting
University of Missouri
Kansas City, MOBachelor of Arts - Speech Communications
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VASkills
- Internal & External Communications
- Content Development & Writing
- Proofreading & Editorial Review
- Media Relations & Public Messaging
- Arts & Theater Education
- Cross-functional Team Support
- Editing & Quality Review
- Brand Messaging
- Event Coordination
Certification
- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Certification, WESLI, Madison, WI
Timeline
Communications Specialist LTE
Department of Workforce Development
01.2025 - 01.2026
Simulation Specialist
Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER)
01.2023 - 08.2026
Art & Reach Teacher
Madison Metropolitan School District (Leopold Elementary)
01.2022 - 01.2023
Student Teacher / ESL Training Participant
Wisconsin ESL Institute (WESLI)
01.2021 - 01.2022
Teaching Artist
Milwaukee Repertory Theater
Art Instructor
Monroe Street Arts Center
Correspondent
Unified Newspaper Group
Editorial Intern
Brava
Account Assistant
GMMB
Program Coordinator for External Affairs
The Washington Center
Master of Fine Arts - Acting
University of Missouri
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communications
James Madison University