State Certified Reading Specialist; M.Ed in Reading Education with 4 years of classroom ESL and general education teaching experience

Tess's resume

Education and Certifications
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN MARCOS, TEXAS
Graduate Research Assistant, February 2019-May 2019
• Collaborated on writing a grant proposal with an emphasis on inspiring confidence, creativity, engagement, and value in reluctant writers, utilizing hands-on scientific experiences and real-world topics;
• Used NVivo software program to analyze audio transcripted interviews and texts.

ST. EDWARD’S UNIVERSITY, AUSTIN, TEXAS
Adjunct Instructor for ACCESS Program, March-April 2019
• Designed curriculum and assessment for 14 Japanese high school graduates, aimed at enhancing verbal and written English language skills;
• Targeted curriculum applying college literacy standards in preparation for attending Asia Pacific University.

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY, SAN MARCOS, TEXAS
Graduate Research Assistant, September 2017-September 2018
• Collaborated with Professors on research for publication on critical media literacy;
• Participated in the design, implementation, and facilitation of critical literacy and critical media literacy lessons for graduate and undergraduate courses;
• Managed recruitment for the Reading Education program through field research, website information, and post-graduate student surveys.

EDUCATION FIRST, ONLINE LEARNING
ESL Distance Learning Teacher, April 2016- Present
• Use online teaching tools to maximize learning for ELLs from various countries around the world via distant learning;
• Use a friendly voice, engaging students in a conversational way;
• Encourage students to share their own personal thoughts and experiences throughout lessons;
• Model grammar, sentence structure, and conversational rhythm;
• Manage the flow of the online classroom;
• Grade students using feedback with specific examples of their accomplishments and areas for improvement.

HANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, HANGZHOU, CHINA
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher, August 2015-November 2015
• Implemented new International Primary Curriculum and Jolly Phonics for Early Years;
• Collaborated with team members for each unit to create purposeful activities that met the individual needs of students;
• Maintained consistent written and verbal communication with parents and administration regarding the progress and needs of each student;
• Established an effective classroom management system by using appropriate behavior management strategies to reinforce positive student behaviors and ignite a passion for learning;
• Directed teacher assistant duties.
Summer School Teacher, Shanghai Community International School, June 2015-July 2015
• Designed and facilitated engaging summer activities for students in grades three, four, and five;
• Ordered and organized supplies for activities.
Kindergarten Teacher, August 2014-June 2015
• Tracked progress of students using various assessment methods, allowing me to accommodate materials to enhance the growth of each individual student;
• Integrated technology into daily lessons to heighten student engagement, including the use of Starfall, Discovery Education, Brain Pop Jr., and Tumblebooks;
• Created and executed hands-on activities designed to foster a deeper understanding of social and academic content for students using auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learning strategies;

HORNE ELEMENTARY, HOUSTON, TEXAS
Kindergarten Teacher, August 2012-June 2014
• Improved 17 ELLs English language proficiency by assessing each students’ proficiency level, researching the student’s family background, and providing proper individualized accommodations;
• Guided student-centered activities to gradually increase student independence and responsibility for their own learning;
• Facilitated a balanced literacy program, including Lucy Calkin’s reading and writing workshops, Fountas and Pinnell Guided Reading, word work, and interactive reading and writing;
• Served as our Kindergarten Team’s Math Textbook Representative, in which I tested and reported on possible math textbooks for our school to adopt.

KLEIN ISD, SPRING, TEXAS
Special Education Support Assistant, October 2011-May 2012
• Used technology and other resources to support students in their social and educational needs;
• Accommodated tests, activities, and learning materials to fulfill the Individual Education Plan requirements for each student with special needs.
Education and Certifications

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS, AUSTIN, TEXAS
Major: Bachelor of Science, Applied Learning and Development Minor: Communication
TExES: PPR- Renewed, August 2015
TExES: EC- Grade 4 Generalist- Renewed, August 2015
TExES: EC-Grade 6 ESL Generalist- Renewed, August 2015

Leadership Positions
HANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, HANGZHOU, CHINA
Co-choreographer for The Little Mermaid Jr. Musical, August 2015-November 2015
• Collaborated with a team of teachers to choreograph dance moves to the music of The Little Mermaid;
• Participated in the overall production and costume design of the musical.
International Day Organizer, August 2014-November 2015
• Collaborated with a team of teachers to create and organize meaningful activities, of which celebrated diversity within the school.

HORNE ELEMENTARY
Step Team Coordinator for the Horne STAAR Steppers, Fall 2013-Spring 2014
• Organized and operated the first extra-curricular step and dance team, including choreography for 25 students;
• Performed for faculty, students, and parents of Horne throughout the year, motivating them to take an active interest in the STAAR test;
• Coordinated with administration and parents for scheduled performances.

Skills
• Microsoft Office and iMovie Proficient
• Conversational Mandarin
o Completed 45 hours of Mandarin lessons while in China.