Pilar Bravo
Curricular Development And Innovation Expert
Bogota
Summary
With a professional background in English Language teaching (ELT), education, research, and educational psychology, I have gained over 23 years of experience in the ELT field. I have honed my expertise in curricular design, creating innovative academic products for diverse target populations and channels including B2C, B2G, and B2B. My focus is on exploring cutting-edge materials and educational technologies to enhance English language teaching and learning, teacher professional development, cultural awareness, and skills development for different purposes. I am committed to expanding the boundaries of educational innovation at the CCA and supporting its growth and positioning nationally and internationally.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
10
10
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Innovation and Curriculum Development Leader
CCA Bogotá
01.2021 - Current
- Developed curricula for over 26 academic programs covering the diverse needs of B2B, B2C and B2G clients through meticulous and collaborative research, inclusion of innovative, up-to-date, and pertinent content and resources and project management strategies.
- Systematically explored and assessed innovative AI-based technologies, and other leading-edge technologies, collaborating with other teams to facilitate their potential integration in new academic products and services.
- Effectively Implemented national and international quality norms applicable to academic program development, obtaining positive feedback from quality audits.
- Seamlessly led and collaborated on the processes of presenting academic programs for approval to the corresponding educational authorities in Bogotá.
- Oversaw the continuous update of the PEIs, ensuring adherence to quality standards and legal requirements.
- Initiated and collaborated on the creation of the institutional manual for diversity and inclusion, by conducting thorough research and carefully composing the complete guide currently in use.
- Orchestrated the creation of the first institutional academic publication aimed at fostering teacher development, disseminating information about new methodologies and EdTech, showcasing teachers' intellectual and academic contributions, and providing valuable resources and tips.
Kids and Teens Program Coordinator
CCA Bogotá
01.2009 - 12.2020
- Successfully managed large and diverse groups of teachers by providing clear guidelines, establishing effective channels of communication, fostering team morale, and strategically planning actions and goals.
- Implemented strategies to deliver high-quality services and ensure a positive user experience for both students and parents.
- Tended to the special educational needs of learners by supporting families, applying curricular adaptations, and working collaboratively with teachers in refining inclusive teaching practices.
- Contributed to the program’s progressive growth for over a decade, by collaborating effectively with other teams in optimizing planning, processes, resources, and talent management.
- Directed the design and redesign of the course curricula, instructional materials, assessment and evaluation of resources and teacher training contents.
- Effectively directed the rapid adaptation of the entire Program to the virtual environment, ensuring its successful continuation during and after the pandemic.
Teacher Supervisor
CCA Bogota
07.2004 - 12.2008
- Supported CCA teachers’ professional development in areas such as English language proficiency, pedagogical skills and knowledge, and continuing education.
- Provided personalized coaching and feedback to teachers through classroom observations, post-observation meetings, and constructive feedback sessions aimed at improving teaching practices and student outcomes.
- Guided action research initiatives as an option for professional development with special focus on enhancing teaching practices and student learning outcomes.
- Collaborated on the design and implementation of pre-service and in-service teacher training courses and events on cutting-edge pedagogical approaches and strategies.
Spanish Teaching Assistant
Williams College
08.2003 - 05.2004
- Provided comprehensive support to Spanish language professors in their class planning and execution by contributing relevant cultural and historical contents from Latin America.
- Participated in testing and formative assessment of student performance.
- Collaborated with faculty members to develop and enhance course syllabus.
- Designed and executed cultural experiences for college students of diverse backgrounds.
- Volunteered in the Arts and Culture Club as a dance instructor and conversation club facilitator.
English Language Instructor
CCA Bogota
01.2001 - 12.2008
- Supported children and adults in their English Language learning path, ensuring high levels of user satisfaction, and learning effectiveness.
- Fostered critical thinking, autonomous learning and formative assessment through innovative teaching practices and resources.
- Conducted research on effective pedagogical strategies for teaching argumentative writing.
- Supported novice teachers during pre-service and in-service training as a team-teacher.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Psychology
Universidad Internacional De La Rioja
Online 2018 - 2019
Master of Arts - Education
Universidad Externado De Colombia
Bogota 2006 - 2008
Bachelor of Arts - English Language Philology
Universidad Nacional De Colombia
Bogota 1998 - 2003
Skills
Creativity and innovation
Project management
Strategic leadership
Results orientation
Resource management
Teamwork
Adaptation to change
Growth mindset
Accomplishments
- Helping High-Intermediate Students Develop Argumentative Skills in Writing. Research shared in publications from Universidad Externado de Colombia, UNICA and the CCA.
- Psychopedagogical Intervention in the Context of English Language Learning for Children with Autism. Research shared in publication from Universidad International de la Rioja.
- Presenter at the TESOL International Conference on Best Practices for Teaching English to Young Learners.
Timeline
Innovation and Curriculum Development Leader
CCA Bogotá
01.2021 - Current
Master of Arts - Educational Psychology
Universidad Internacional De La Rioja
2018 - 2019
Kids and Teens Program Coordinator
CCA Bogotá
01.2009 - 12.2020
Master of Arts - Education
Universidad Externado De Colombia
2006 - 2008
Teacher Supervisor
CCA Bogota
07.2004 - 12.2008
Spanish Teaching Assistant
Williams College
08.2003 - 05.2004
English Language Instructor
CCA Bogota
01.2001 - 12.2008
Bachelor of Arts - English Language Philology
Universidad Nacional De Colombia
1998 - 2003