Melissa R.

Smith
New York, NY 10024
mrs2264@tc.columbia.edu

OBJECTIVE: To teach English to speakers of other languages using best practices using a communicative
language approach
SKILLS: Credentialed Teacher, K-Adult, ESL endorsed Applications/Software: Weebly, Evernote,
QuickBooks, MS Office Suite, Interactive Whiteboard, ELMO, ENO, Inspiration, Kidspiration, PowerTeacher,
Fronter, GoToMeeting, Skype, MS Exchange, ACT!, Adobe PhotoShop, Edmodo, SPSS, Canvas

EXPERIENCE:
TEACHER, Teachers College Columbia Universitys Community English Program (7/14-current)
Taught two beginners courses using a communicative approach to language teaching
Used embedded formative assessment in all classes
Taught pronunciation and speaking
Created an online teachers training course for the TESOL certificate program at TC geared at informing
students of best practices in language pedagogy
GRADE TWO TEACHER, KIPP Infinity Elementary School, KIPP NYC (11/12- 8/13)

Created a classroom culture of safety and inclusivity to help foster learning

Worked collaboratively with the second grade team, as well as a co-teacher to meet the needs of 24
second graders, 96% of who qualified for free school lunches
Scaffolded lessons based on Common Core learning outcomes to meet the individual needs of 14 students
with special educational needs
While 20% of students began the year at or above grade level in reading, 87% of students finished at or
above grade level
Created and applied math interventions that helped quarterly math benchmarks move from 3% at grade
level, to over 70% at or above grade level
Differentiated instruction to support ELL students, and challenge students on all levels while integrating
technology, music, and movement into all instruction to create fun

ESL STUDENT TEACHER AT INTERNATIONAL HOUSE, DUBAI (1/12-6/12)

Created fun, engaging, communicative lessons for adult English language classes
Incorporated the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing into all lessons
Taught students of multiple first languages and English competency levels ranging from Beginning to
Advanced

GRADE ONE TEACHER AT NAHEL SCHOOL, Abu Dhabi Education Council (8/09-9/12)

Chosen as the Head of Faculty based on the demonstrated learning of 144 local, non-English speaking
students in English, Literacy, Math, and Science
Created all English, Math, and Science units and lessons as the Lead Grade 1 teacher to meet the needs of
English learning students

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Received the highest marks through ADEC evaluations

Chosen as a model first grade class for a Nord Anglia Media presentation due to fun and exciting
classroom environment, student focused centers, and student achievement
Created a strong classroom management plan to provide an environment of safety, curiosity, and
engagement based on Maslows hierarchy of needs
Planned and delivered integrated, differentiated, comprehensive, culturally relevant lessons based on the
learning outcomes provided by ADEC
Differentiated instruction to meet individual student needs with one to one, small group, and whole class
lessons based on continuous assessment
Produced bilingual materials associated with the curriculum for English, Literacy, Math, and Science
Created a nurturing, fun, interactive classroom environment integrating technology and core subjects, as
well as Emirate Culture to further inspire student learning
Conducted afterschool English Classes for Arabic teachers and families

CORPORATE TRAINER, LandAmerica, previously New Century Title (11/05-3/08)

Developed and honed a corporate IT curriculum

Taught a series of seminars, workshops, and classes on technology in line with individual needs ranging
in size from 1 to 150 students
Conducted ongoing professional development for Technology Trainers within New Century Title on
emerging software and CRM programs
Used GoToMeeting to provide the same support and training to clients outside of Los Angeles County as
for those inside our target area

EDUCATION:

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT LOS ANGELES, GPA 3.3

Bachelor of Arts, History

2003

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY NORTHRIDGE, GPA 3.9

Accelerated Collaborative Teaching Program Graduate with honors
Teaching Credential

2009

CELTA Certification, Cambridge English Language Teaching Adults

2012

TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, GPA 4.0

Pursuing Masters of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language

Current

COURSEWORK:

Videogames and Education, Research in Serious Games, Grammar, Phonetics and

Phonology, Classroom Practices, Second Language Acquisition, Second Language
Acquisition in the Classroom, Second Language Assessment, Practicum I & II

MEMBERSHIPS:

NYSTESOL, CALICO, Co-Chair for the TESOL/AL Roundtable Teachers College

Student Organization, Volunteer at Games for Change

CHARACTERISTICS: Dedicated, Hard-working, Creative, Fun, Personable, Goal-oriented, Well-traveled,

Flexible, Team-player, Lifelong learner, Strives for Student success

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Excellent references eagerly provided upon request