María Fernanda Acosta
Bogotá
Summary
Experienced educator with a Master of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama and a degree in Ecology from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Over ten years of experience as a bilingual science, math, and language teacher. Strong believer in hands-on learning for deeper understanding and critical thinking. Implements a positive discipline system centered on prevention and building students' self-esteem to create a safe, inclusive learning environment. Committed to fostering student growth through self-reflection and peer learning.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Self-Contained Classroom Teacher
Colegio Los Nogales
08.2018 - Current
- Experienced homeroom and self-contained elementary teacher skilled in creating engaging, student-centered learning environments.
- Proficient in delivering cross-curricular instruction while fostering social-emotional growth and academic success.
- Designing PBL curriculum for students' varying needs
- Committed to building a positive classroom culture that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and lifelong learning
- Modified lessons and curriculum to accommodate diverse learners by using strategies such as peer-assisted learning and group work.
4th Grade- Homeroom Teacher
Fundación Gimnasio Campestre
08.2015 - 07.2018
- Classroom environment: Create a safe environment where children can develop their academic potential and develop themselves as individuals by providing a clear set of rules and opportunities
- Curriculum: Design and implement the curriculum for specific content areas (English, Math Science) using a variety of teaching strategies and methods
- Reinforce the second language acquisition process; Present students topics and concepts in order to help them develop certain skills
- Work cooperatively with grade level team
1st Grade- Homeroom Teacher
Fundación Gimnasio Campestre
08.2013 - 06.2015
- Curriculum: Design and implement the curriculum for specific content areas (English, Math Science) using a variety of teaching strategies and methods
- Reinforce the second language acquisition process; Present students topics and concepts in order to help them develop certain skills
- Work cooperatively with grade level team
- Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet students' varying needs.
Math Teacher - Homeroom Teacher (K5, 1st,2nd Grade)
Colegio Ekiraya-Montessori School
08.2012 - 06.2013
- Implemented the Montessori method in the classroom.
- Designed curriculum and instructional materials.
- Taught primary school students.
- Work cooperatively with grade level team.
- Establish appropriate communication channel to identify students' needs.
Cultural Programme Teacher - (6th, 7th Grade)
Colegio Ekiraya-Montessori School
08.2011 - 06.2012
- First year: Cultural programme Teacher (6TH,7TH,8th)
- Design and develop the curriculum for specific topics (Biology, chemistry and physics) using a variety of teaching strategies and methods
- Created and developed lesson plans to meet students' academic needs.
Teacher Assistant
Colegio Nueva Granada
08.2010 - 06.2011
- Discuss assigned duties with classroom teachers in order to coordinate instructional efforts; Prepare lesson materials and aids, bulletin board displays, equipment, and demonstrations
- Present subject topics and concepts to students under the direction and guidance of teachers
- Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups in order to help them acquire certain skills and to reinforce specific learning concepts
Education
Masters of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Alabama
Bogotá06.2013
Bachelor - Ecology
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
Bogotá06.2008
Skills
- Ability to transmit enthusiasm
- Encouraging Student Engagement
- Sensitivity to needs and feelings of students
- Establishing positive relationships
- Tailoring teaching methods
- Resourcefulness
- Eagerness for personal and professional development
- Literacy strategies
- Student engagement
- Project-based learning
- Social-emotional learning
- Parent-teacher collaboration
Proffessional Development
- Cumbre de Educadores Uncoli – Speaker: "Using Students’ Samples as a Teaching Strategy", Colegio Los Nogales (Mar. 2024)
- NEASC Visiting Team Member – Nido de Águilas, Santiago de Chile (Oct. 2016)
Certification
- Differentiated Instruction: Maximizing Learning for All (Oct. 2024)
- Apple Teacher Certification – Apple (Jun. 2023)
- Child Protection for International Schools – TES (Oct. 2022)
- Reading and Writing Project – Teachers College, Columbia University (Jun. 2021)
- Curso Liderazgo Educativo: Una cultura de indagación – Universidad de los Andes (Jul. 2020)
- Positive Discipline – Positivediscipline.org (Mar. 2017)
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program – Consciencia Plena (Ene. 2017)
- Formative Evaluation: International Seminar – Universidad de los Andes (Jul. 2013)
Languages
Spanish
Native language
English
Advanced
C1
Timeline
Self-Contained Classroom Teacher
Colegio Los Nogales
08.2018 - Current
4th Grade- Homeroom Teacher
Fundación Gimnasio Campestre
08.2015 - 07.2018
1st Grade- Homeroom Teacher
Fundación Gimnasio Campestre
08.2013 - 06.2015
Math Teacher - Homeroom Teacher (K5, 1st,2nd Grade)
Colegio Ekiraya-Montessori School
08.2012 - 06.2013
Cultural Programme Teacher - (6th, 7th Grade)
Colegio Ekiraya-Montessori School
08.2011 - 06.2012
Teacher Assistant
Colegio Nueva Granada
08.2010 - 06.2011
- Differentiated Instruction: Maximizing Learning for All (Oct. 2024)
- Apple Teacher Certification – Apple (Jun. 2023)
- Child Protection for International Schools – TES (Oct. 2022)
- Reading and Writing Project – Teachers College, Columbia University (Jun. 2021)
- Curso Liderazgo Educativo: Una cultura de indagación – Universidad de los Andes (Jul. 2020)
- Positive Discipline – Positivediscipline.org (Mar. 2017)
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program – Consciencia Plena (Ene. 2017)
- Formative Evaluation: International Seminar – Universidad de los Andes (Jul. 2013)
Masters of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Alabama
Bachelor - Ecology
Pontificia Universidad Javeriana
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