Araceli Prado-Smith
Educator
Texas
Summary
I have a strong educational background with fifteen years of teaching experience and have excellent interpersonal and organizational skills. Enthusiastic educator dedicated to creating an enjoyable, inviting and dynamic learning atmosphere. Implemented traditional and innovative methods to motivate students to learn the English language and understand American culture. Engaging teacher who enthusiastic in hands-on learning with students. English and Spanish language fluency and skilled bilingual instructor versed in using effective and efficient methods of teaching while focusing on the individual needs of each student. Energetic and experienced in teaching children from a diverse range of cultures and ethnic backgrounds.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Dual Language Teacher
Liberty Hill ISD
08.2021 - Current
- Serve as languages department member and attended meetings to develop and update course curricula.
- Complete performance reviews and remained up-to-date on required certifications and continuing education credits.
- Create classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for physical, social, and emotional development of students.
- Boost cultural awareness by incorporating children's literature from world cultures.
- Use designated student database to document student grades.
- Shifted between formal and informal methods of teaching to keep students engaged.
- Prepare quizzes, tests and examinations to gauge how well students were learning.
- Communicate frequently with parents, students and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Foster student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
- Develop and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.
- Meet with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
- Maintain accurate and complete records for 16 students.
- Modify lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
- Create and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
- Work with staff members and teachers to design comprehensive and individualized plans to optimize student education.
- Schedule conferences with parents to discuss students' progress and classroom behavior.
Third Grade Dual Language Teacher
ISD
08.2019 - 05.2020
- Administered standardized assessments and used resulting data to inform instruction and improve students' progress
- Engaged students through conversation and used engaging lesson plans to hold interest and promote learning
- Maintained current knowledge of students' progress and educational needs and planned instruction accordingly
- Updated [System] records with students' attendance information, grades, and participation.
- Emphasized critical thinking through small group activities
- Coordinated communication between 16 students and school administration to create culturally-sensitive learning environment
- Developed activities and integrated technology to diversify instruction
LEP Specialist
FEMA Joint Field Office DR 4332
12.2017 - 08.2019
- Coordinate translation and dissemination of major products released in English to ensure widest release of disaster related products to LEP/ACN audiences in readily accessible formats and media
- Facilitate simultaneous distribution of products in languages and formats that are easily understandable to LEP/ACN stakeholders via traditional and alternative media
- Provide translation of English language products distributed during natural disaster.
- Distributed over 15 different language translations to survivors.
Bilingual Teacher
Corpus Christi ISD
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Supervised 22 students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, schoolyards and on field trips
- Created enjoyable and interesting learning environment for 22 students each year
- Encouraged students with special academic interests to fully pursue those subjects
- Pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences and teacher training workshops
- Assessed students' reading levels using DIBELS Next and Leveled Reading Passages
- Drafted lesson plans and submitted them for review and feedback in timely manner
- Developed students' computer and technology skills through demonstrations and practice
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
- Met regularly with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress
- Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior, social development and physical health
- Developed IEPs with and without BIPs
- Enforced school's student discipline code to deal with problem situations
- Created classroom environment in which children could learn respect for themselves and others.
- Instructed up to 22 students individually and in groups.
- Planned and implemented creative lessons in accordance with district, county, state and federal guidelines.
- Completed and filed all necessary paperwork for classroom activities, including meal count sheets and attendance logs.
- Completed training courses to keep up-to-date with new teaching methods and developments in field.
- Fostered oral language development and critical thinking skills during literary discussions.
- Determined student strengths and weaknesses through DIBELS, STAR testing and weekly assessments.
- Preserved confidentiality of student records and information at all times.
- Fostered team collaboration between students through group projects.
- Encouraged interactive learning by incorporating educational software.
- Maintained accurate and complete records for 22 students
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations
- Cooperated with parents to support students' learning and healthy development in school and at home.
Bilingual Teacher
Aransas Pass Independent School District
08.2007 - 08.2016
- Supervised 22 students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, schoolyards and on field trips
- Created enjoyable and interesting learning environment for 22 students each year
- Encouraged students with special academic interests to fully pursue those subjects
- Pursued professional development continually by attending educational conferences and teacher training workshops
- Assessed students' reading levels using formal and informal assessments.
- Drafted lesson plans and submitted them for review and feedback in timely manner
- Developed students' computer and technology skills through demonstrations and practice
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs and interests
- Met regularly with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress
- Observed and evaluated students' performance, behavior, social development and physical health
- Developed IEPs with and without BIPs
- Enforced school's student discipline code to deal with problem situations
- Took part in professional organizations and continuing education courses
- Created classroom environment in which children could learn respect for themselves and others
- Instructed up to 22 students individually and in groups
- Instructed up to 22 students individually and in groups
- Instructed up to [Number] students individually and in groups
- Promoted physical, mental and social development by implementing classroom games and outdoor recreational activities
- Planned and implemented creative lessons in accordance with district, county, state and federal guidelines
- Completed and filed all necessary paperwork for classroom activities, including meal count sheets and attendance logs
- Completed training courses to keep up-to-date with new teaching methods and developments in field
- Cooperated with parents to support students' learning and healthy development in school and at home
- Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations.
Child Support Specialist
Texas Attorney General
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Processed appeals, motions and pretrial agreements
- Organized envelopes, postage and mail correspondence for all clients
- Scheduled and made appointments with case parties
- Completed and documented trial and courtroom requests and applications for clients
- Supported team of office attorneys in child support law
- Organized files for court proceedings.
- Obtained signatures from attorneys for legal documents.
- Developed and maintained filing and retrieval systems.
- Assisted attorneys in collecting information such as employment, medical and other records.
- Scheduled all appointments, appearances and briefings.
- Mediated agreement between parties.
- Held weekly custodial parent meeting for 10-20 new applicants.
- Worked in collaboration with local, state and federal departments to obtain documentary evidence and other sensitive information.
- Interviewed involved parties to confirm facts, verify data and locate persons and financial assets.
- Calculated child support obligations and debts to initiate collection actions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX08.2004
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, TX12.2007
Skills
- Bilingual - Fluent in reading, speaking, writing Spanish
- Spanish Translator and Interpreter
- Conflict resolution techniques
- Culturally sensitive
- Texas Bilingual Teacher Certified
- Language Proficiency Certificate from Department of Homeland Security/FEMA
Affiliations
- Member of the TXST Parent Council Advisory 2014-2020
- Texas Association of Bilingual Educators Member
Certification
- Bilingual Teacher Certified EC-4
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Additional Information
Nominee of the 2023 HEB Excellence in Education Awards
School: Liberty Hill Elementary School
District: Liberty Hill ISD, Liberty Hill, Texas
Timeline
Dual Language Teacher
Liberty Hill ISD
08.2021 - Current
Third Grade Dual Language Teacher
ISD
08.2019 - 05.2020
LEP Specialist
FEMA Joint Field Office DR 4332
12.2017 - 08.2019
Bilingual Teacher
Corpus Christi ISD
08.2016 - 06.2017
Bilingual Teacher
Aransas Pass Independent School District
08.2007 - 08.2016
Child Support Specialist
Texas Attorney General
01.2007 - 01.2009
Bachelor of Science - Interdisciplinary Studies
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi
Master of Science - Educational Administration
Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi