Shawna-Kay Lipscombe
Kingston, Jamaica
Summary
Bilingual (English/Spanish) educator and administrator skilled in curriculum design and cultural communication. Expertise in fostering interactive learning environments and mentoring students to success in competitions. Adept at managing educational projects and organizing events to support language acquisition and cultural exchange.
Overview
1
1
Certification
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
Kumamoto, Japan
11.2021 - 07.2026
- Taught approximately 18 classes weekly to over 350 high school students, including those with special needs.
- Partnered with Japanese Teachers of English (JTEs) to modify content effectively, ensuring student comprehension and progress.
- Fostered an interactive learning environment through innovative use of multimedia resources.
- Led English club, preparing students for debate competitions and English assessments while coordinating cultural festival activities.
- Organized intercultural exchange workshops to facilitate language acquisition and foster cultural connections among participants.
- Mentored students for speech and skit contests, achieving notable placements: first in 2023, second in 2025, and third in 2026.
- Moderated discussions at the prefectural 2024 Skills Development Conference.
- JTE recruitment interviewer; 2026 JET Leavers' Ceremony speaker.
Spanish Teacher: K-6
Our Lady of the Angels Preparatory
, Jamaica
02.2021 - 06.2021
- Developed lesson plans addressing vocabulary and grammar for K-6 students.
- Provided support to native Spanish students during English exams.
- Conducted interactive storytelling sessions to enhance language skills and engage students.
- Implemented interactive activities to enhance student participation and language skills.
- Incorporated textbooks, worksheets, audio recordings, and videos to create a dynamic and effective teaching environment.
Administrator
Embassy of Mexico
Jamaica
09.2017 - 12.2020
- Managed embassy budget and bank accounts, ensuring financial accuracy and compliance.
- Liaised with financial institutions to enhance banking operations and service delivery.
- Developed filing system and customer database protocols, improving office organization.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors, achieving cost reductions and enhanced service quality.
- Maintained accurate records of correspondence and documentation for reference.
- Organized purchase of two diplomatic vehicles, adhering to protocols established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Administrative & Consular Assistant
Embassy of Costa Rica
Jamaica
09.2016 - 08.2017
- Provided translation and interpretation for official correspondence during bilateral meetings with local agencies, enhancing communication with local agencies.
- Trained two administrative assistants on consular procedures, improving turnaround time and file accuracy.
- Expedited outbound departures through preparation of emergency travel documents.
- Facilitated processing of passport renewals by verifying supporting documents, resulting in reduced rework.
Spanish & Chemistry Teacher
Kingsway Preparatory & High School
Jamaica
09.2015 - 06.2016
- Developed faith-integrated Spanish lesson plans for grades four, five, and six, alongside chemistry lessons for grades ten and eleven.
- Adapted instructional resources to align with curriculum objectives.
- Introduced visual presentations of laboratory alternatives to improve comprehension in resource-limited environments.
- Maintained comprehensive records of student progress.
Education
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree - Education (Biology-Chemistry)
Universidad De Camagüey, Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz
Camagüey07-2015
Diploma - Spanish
Universidad De Ciencias Pedagógicas José Martí Pérez
Camagüey06-2010
Skills
- Curriculum design
- Language learning strategies
- Digital teaching tools
- Cultural communication
- Team leadership
- Organizational skills
- Translation expertise
- Project management
Personal Information
Educator and Administrator
Certification
- Certificate of Appreciation and Participation
JET Programme — Jul 2026 - JLPT N5
Japanese Language Proficiency Test — Dec 2022 - TESOL Certificate
International Open Academy — Dec 2020
LANGUAGES
English (Native), Spanish (Proficient), Japanese (Novice), Jamaican Creole (Native)
AWARDS
- Most Outstanding Class Student (2014–2015) - Universidad de Camagüey, Ignacio Agramonte
- Award from the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Nations for volunteering (2009–2012)
- The Cuba/Jamaica Bilateral Scholarship Program (2009–2015) - (Combined Bachelor's & Master's Degree in Education - Biology and Chemistry)
Timeline
Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)
Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
11.2021 - 07.2026
Spanish Teacher: K-6
Our Lady of the Angels Preparatory
02.2021 - 06.2021
Administrator
Embassy of Mexico
09.2017 - 12.2020
Administrative & Consular Assistant
Embassy of Costa Rica
09.2016 - 08.2017
Spanish & Chemistry Teacher
Kingsway Preparatory & High School
09.2015 - 06.2016
Combined Bachelor's and Master's Degree - Education (Biology-Chemistry)
Universidad De Camagüey, Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz
Diploma - Spanish
Universidad De Ciencias Pedagógicas José Martí Pérez