Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Work Availability
Additional Information
Timeline
Zillah  Castaneda

Zillah Castaneda

Elementary School Teacher
Cartagena,BOL
The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
Walt Disney

Summary

Successful English Teacher with expertise in building engaging lesson plans and communicating ideas to foster student comprehension. Expert in adapting course materials to meet established standards and individual academic capabilities. Well-versed in motivating students to meet learning objectives.

Professional Spanish Teacher focused on maximizing student educational potential by applying diverse instructional strategies and classroom management techniques. Skillful in delivering lectures, facilitating discussions and planning hands-on activities to enhance learning. Expert in Spanish teaching approaches.

Overview

16
16
years of post-secondary education
13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

English Teacher

Bilingual Mentors
Cartagena, Bolivar
12.2019 - Current
  • Prepared students for International standardized testing, resulting in scores ranking 85% in Cartagena.
  • Served as languages department member and attended weekly meetings to develop and update course curricula.
  • Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
  • Kept classroom organized, clean, and safe for all students and visitors.
  • Helped students develop important learning skills and good study habits useful in school education.
  • Established appropriate deadlines and provided complete instructions for reading assignment and homework.
  • Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for 100 students, approximately.
  • Consulted with teachers in English disciplines to identify and adopt successful instructional strategies.
  • Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of all students.
  • Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.

Spanish Teacher

Bilingual Mentors
Cartagena, Bolivar
12.2019 - Current
  • Prepared students for International standardized testing, resulting in scores ranking 85% in Cartagena.
  • Served as languages department member and attended weekly meetings to develop and update course curricula.
  • Completed in-service and additional training to maintain professional growth.
  • Kept classroom organized, clean, and safe for all students and visitors.
  • Helped students develop important learning skills and good study habits useful in school education.
  • Established appropriate deadlines and provided complete instructions for reading assignment and homework.
  • Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for 100 students, approximately.
  • Consulted with teachers in English disciplines to identify and adopt successful instructional strategies.
  • Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of all students.
  • Administered assessments and standardized tests to evaluate student progress.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.

Bilingual Coordinator

Gimnasio Moderno de Cartagena
Cartagena, Bolivar
12.2018 - 11.2019
  • Hired, managed, developed and trained staff, established and monitored goals, conducted performance reviews.
  • Interacted with customers professionally by phone, email or in-person to provide information and directed to desired staff members.
  • Improved customer satisfaction scores through application of superior conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
  • Communicated corporate objectives across all divisions through regular correspondence and scheduled status updates.
  • Developed highly-efficient administrative team through ongoing coaching and professional development opportunities.
  • Oversaw appointment scheduling and itinerary coordination for both clients and personnel.

Elementary Classroom Teacher

Colegio Montessori de Cartagena
Cartagena, Bolivar
01.2011 - 11.2018
  • Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
  • Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
  • Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking and communication.
  • Drove student learning by establishing clear classroom plans and group objectives, as well as actionable strategies to achieve each goal.
  • Assessed student learning progress and comprehension with routine tests and standardized examinations.
  • Organized classroom supplies and decorated walls to create fun, nurturing settings and meet learning needs.
  • Established and enforced rules of behavior to drive social development and maintain positive interactions.
  • Boosted individual perseverance and resilience by setting challenging goals and providing realistic support.
  • Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies and social skills.
  • Planned lessons according to district standards to cover all requirements and prepare for standardized tests.
  • Collaborated with administrators on classroom policies, management strategies and discipline.
  • Designed daily lesson plans customized to student needs.
  • Coached students on physical and emotional safety as part of health curriculum.
  • Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
  • Impacted lessons positively by incorporating smart boards, computers, games and music into classroom.
  • Taught all core subjects including math, science, technology and history.
  • Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
  • Introduced classroom games and various outdoor recreational events to promote physical, mental and social development.
  • Kept classroom clean, organized, and safe for students and visitors.
  • Developed learning objectives for each subject area to quantify learning and set benchmarks.

Preschool Lead Teacher

Gimnasio Altair de Cartagena
Cartagena, Bolivar
01.2009 - 12.2010
  • Monitored students' academic, social and emotional progress and recorded in individual files.
  • Maintained well-controlled classrooms by clearly outlining standards and reinforcing positive behaviors.
  • Promoted physical, academic and social development by implementing diverse classroom and outside activities.
  • Applied play-based strategies, including crafts and games, to provide diverse approaches to learning.
  • Promoted sensory development by providing access to different textures.
  • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
  • Sanitized toys and play equipment each day to maintain safety and cleanliness.
  • Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers and letters.
  • Established guidelines for teacher performance, lesson planning and compliance with established procedures.
  • Planned and prepared activities for 5-years old students.
  • Provided open and loving environment where children direct learning process.
  • Improved academic performance by diversifying teaching techniques.
  • Administered assessments for each child and tracked results.
  • Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.

Education

High School Diploma -

Colegio De La Presentación, Cartagena
02.1981 - 11.1986

BBA - Tourism

Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Cartagena
08.1989 - 06.1993
  • Thesis: 20 años en el Desarrollo Turístico de Cartagena.

MBA - Finances

Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Cartagena
01.2000 - 03.2001
  • Thesis: Analisis Financiero de la Compañía Pesquera Orcas Ltda.

Degree in Educational Management - Education Administration

Universidad De San Buenaventura, Cartagena
01.2006 - 09.2011
  • Thesis: Incidencia de los programas de calidad en la educación bilingue de Cartagena

Skills

Special education

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Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Additional Information

SEMINARS AND COURSES CARRIED OUT
2005 Total Immersion Seminar in Bilingualism.
Aspaen Gym Cartagena de Indias Cartagena.

2015-2016- Seminar on the Implementation of the Montessori Method in Elementary.
Montessori School of Cartagena

Timeline

English Teacher - Bilingual Mentors
12.2019 - Current
Spanish Teacher - Bilingual Mentors
12.2019 - Current
Bilingual Coordinator - Gimnasio Moderno de Cartagena
12.2018 - 11.2019
Elementary Classroom Teacher - Colegio Montessori de Cartagena
01.2011 - 11.2018
Preschool Lead Teacher - Gimnasio Altair de Cartagena
01.2009 - 12.2010
Universidad De San Buenaventura - Degree in Educational Management, Education Administration
01.2006 - 09.2011
Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano - MBA, Finances
01.2000 - 03.2001
Universidad Jorge Tadeo Lozano - BBA, Tourism
08.1989 - 06.1993
Colegio De La Presentación - High School Diploma,
02.1981 - 11.1986
Zillah CastanedaElementary School Teacher