Shirley D. Sepulveda
Woodbridge,VA
Summary
Bilingual Spanish teacher with a distinguished track record, adept at instructing both English and Spanish to foreign nationals. Known for nurturing students struggling with foreign languages. I tailor teaching methods to optimize global competency and make a significant difference in the lives of our students by closing achievement gaps with a sense of urgency and strong motivation. With over 12 years of teaching experience, I have consistently pursued professional development, integrating best practices to enhance the learning environment. Beyond the classroom, I have demonstrated leadership through curriculum development, collaborative efforts with staff, team leader for the past 4 years and effective administrative tasks working directly with the previous assistant principal and taking extra responsibilities to ensure student safety and maximize instructional time. Committed and passionate to fostering a positive learning atmosphere, my focus on student outcomes and innovative educational programs aligns seamlessly with the responsibilities of an assistant principal positioning me as a valuable asset to the school's success. My driven and resilient hard work ethic have been demonstrated through my loyalty and success at the same school for 8 years, achieving student success, closing gaps in learning and data evidenced of student's achievements. Creating an impacting result that will market an appealing asset to be part of my school. My first degree being a BBA in International Public Relations, solidify in me the leadership qualities to promote and maintain excellence through all my goals, including promoting my student's successes to elevate the image of our school.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
PK-12 Spanish Teacher Certification
1
1
BBA in International Public Relations
2
2
ELL credits and SPED added to Standard Teacher License
Work History
World Languages Spanish Teacher
Walker Jones EC
08.2016 - Current
- Developed and wrote curricula in both Spanish and English, often sharing curriculum with other WL teachers.
- Conducted foreign language exams to determine fluency and comprehension.
- Employed diverse teaching approaches to help students of all abilities understand material.
- Organized detailed list of resources to help students go beyond classroom environments and delve into topics of interest.
- Immersed students in unfamiliar cultures by devising hands-on activities.
- Served as Team Lead for Connection Teachers department (2020-current) and lead team meetings to develop and update on strategies to improve student's performance and behaviors.
- Lead PD session for WL teachers.
- Successfully completed DCPS GLOBE fellowship, first year as WL teacher.
- Explained concepts and assignments in both native and non-native languages.
- Helped students develop important learning skills and good study habits useful in trade school or college education.
- Used and created written exercises to test and develop ability to read and write foreign languages.
- Assisted Principal by leading Nearpod Training during LEAP session.
- Developed, reviewed and adjusted schedule for Connection's classes during past 3 years and for every additional activity that would impact instructional time.
- Worked hand on hand with our AP and logistic coordinator to ensure safety of our scholars by creating everyday schedule to cover absences.
- Consulted with teachers in WL disciplines to identify and adopt successful instructional strategies.
- Spoke to students in non-native language to challenge students and introduce students to non-native speaking environments.
- Created supportive learning environment for foreign students to nurture budding language development.
- Reported progress of students and results of testing to school board and principal.
- Explored and implemented innovative use of technology in language education.
- Facilitated positive learning environment by using enthusiastic and energetic instructional strategies and consistent classroom management.
- Sourced optimal curricula and developed lesson plans to fully cover target material for each course.
- Expanded student understanding of texts by spearheading in-depth discussions and assigning exploratory essays to help students articulate knowledge.
- Diversify curriculum to assess students from Pre-k to 8th grade.
- Reviewed curriculum and devised alternate approaches to presenting lessons to increase student understanding.
- Collaborated with team of faculty to develop after-school tutoring program for students in need of extra help.
- Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
- Developed and implemented lesson plans that addressed general students as well as those with individualized 504 plans as part of integrated classroom.
- Held conferences with parents to address questions, discuss academic progress and encourage learning goals.
- Implemented and encouraged debate-style classroom environment to increase student engagement and promote critical thinking.
- Attended and facilitated IEP meetings for students and families.
- Communicated frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Incorporated exciting and engaging activities to reinforce student participation and hands-on learning.
- Introduced and lead Hispanic Heritage Months celebrations every year at WJEC.
Spanish Professor
Columbia Central University
05.2015 - 07.2016
- Developed and wrote curriculum in both Spanish and English, often sharing curriculum with other college professors.
- Conducted foreign language exams to determine fluency and comprehension.
- Sourced optimal curriculum and developed lesson plans to fully cover target material for each course.
- Expanded student understanding of texts by spearheading in-depth discussions and assigning exploratory essays to help students articulate knowledge.
- Created supportive learning environment for students to nurture budding language development.
- Facilitated positive learning environment by using enthusiastic and energetic instructional strategies and consistent classroom management.
English Teacher
Saint Jude’s School
01.2012 - 01.2013
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for all classes.
- Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of all students.
- Tracked student progress using exams and weekly graded assignments, keeping detailed notes and working with students to identify and rectify issues.
- Helped students develop important learning skills and good study habits useful in trade school or college education.
- Provided personal guidance for students struggling both in and out of classrooms, maintaining professionalism while helping students feel safe.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Coordinated theme days for classes to encourage interest in reading, resulting in significant increase in reading scores.
- Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
Spanish Teacher
Colegio Ponceño
08.2011 - 11.2011
- Conducted foreign language exams to determine fluency and comprehension.
- Developed and wrote curriculum in Spanish, often sharing curriculum with lead teachers.
- Employed diverse teaching approaches to help students of all abilities understand material.
- Helped students develop important learning skills and good study habits useful in trade school or college education.
- Served as languages department member and attended meetings to develop and update course curriculum.
- Used written exercises to test and develop ability to read and write foreign languages.
English and Human Relations Teacher
CEDAS
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Human Relations and English Teacher.
- Led interesting and diverse group activities to engage students in course material.
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Provided one-on-one attention to students, while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
- Assessed submitted class assignments, determined grades and reviewed work with struggling students to boost success chance.
- Diversified teaching techniques and learning tools help students with differing ability levels and varied learning modalities.
- Built learning and citizenship skills to help with personal growth in addition to increasing academic knowledge.
Education
Spanish Teacher Certification in Secondary Level -
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico
Ponce, PR05.2010
BBA - International Public Relations
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico
Ponce, Puerto Rico2005
Skills
Leadership and management skills:
- Team leadership for the past 4 years
- Planning and coordination
- Decision-making
- Conflict Resolution
- Schedule Oversight
- Equity focus
- New Employee Orientation
Teaching and educational skills:
- Detailed-oriented
- Flexible and adaptable
- Analytical skills
- Organization and time management
- Special Education Program Completion
- Curriculum development
- Teacher training
- Behavioral Intervention, SEL expertise
- Standardized Testing Coordination
- Excellent Classroom management
Communication and collaboration skills
- Interpersonal Communication
- Team collaboration
- Community Engagement
- Cultural Awareness
Accomplishments
- Improved student STAMP testing scores to attain district standards.
- Closed gaps of student achievement from novice to intermediate and advanced.
- Provided colleagues with curriculum training opportunities to help and support their professional growth.
- Created a positive environment for students inside and outside the classroom to ensure an open and trusted communication to help meet goals in the short and long term while including their families in the process.
- Develop an ability to identify particular traits in students to appeal the multiple intelligences in order to help them realize their full potential.
- Successfully worked with students that were falling behind to help them achieve their goals and become better professionals.
- Constant professional and personal learning through the different workshops and conferences I have attended in my career and also by the many rich experiences in the field like the GLOBE fellowship and the New Leaders Workshops.
- Constant SEL learning to enrich students lives and provide them with extra support.
Achievements
- Successfully completed the SEERI course and Praxis to add it to my teacher license.
- Currently enrolled in Georgetown University completing a DCPS initiative for project ELEECT designed for ELL and ESOL students.
- Currently enrolled in the New Leaders program for OSSE Assistant Principal Workshops.
- Currently enrolled in the DCPS Aspiring AP PLC.
- Successfully completed DCPS GLOBE fellowship during my first year at DCPS.
- Lead a WL Professional Development for DCPS teachers during a District led PD.
- Participated in the ACTFL conferences in Nashville, TN representing the DCPS World Languages Department.
- Selected twice as Teacher of the Month at WJEC.
- Nominated for WL Teacher of the Year 2021.
- Connections Team Lead for 4 years.
- Highly effective IMPACT score for two consecutive years.
- Develop and lead a Nearpod training during a LEAP session with our school Principal
- Lead person for the Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations in our school for the past 8 years.
- Successfully moved students in proficiency during virtual learning.
- Develop the Spanish curriculum for our school following DCPS WL guidelines but adapting it to the particular needs of our scholars.
- Closed educational gap with impressive scores for our STAMP test and yearly improvements.
- Direct support and collaboration with our previous AP for 3 years.
- Created and developed cultural awareness and global competency inside and outside of the classroom.
- Foster a positive and committed relationship with students and parents.
- Jotting down ideas for a future book based on two educational theories.
Certification
- Licensed Spanish Teacher Secondary Level
Timeline
World Languages Spanish Teacher
Walker Jones EC
08.2016 - Current
Spanish Professor
Columbia Central University
05.2015 - 07.2016
English Teacher
Saint Jude’s School
01.2012 - 01.2013
Spanish Teacher
Colegio Ponceño
08.2011 - 11.2011
English and Human Relations Teacher
CEDAS
01.2010 - 01.2011
Spanish Teacher Certification in Secondary Level -
Pontifical Catholic University Of Puerto Rico
BBA - International Public Relations
Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico