Lorena Valencia
Primary Teacher
Quito,P
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. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
20
20
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Fourth Grade LA/SS Teacher
Colegio Menor
09.2018 - 07.2024
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Third Grade Core Teacher
Colegio Menor
08.2015 - 07.2018
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers, administrators, and parents to help students reach learning objectives.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development creating my own CT time.
- Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Supported student teachers by mentoring on classroom management, lesson planning, and activity organization.
- Graded and evaluated student assignments, papers, and course work.
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
Kindergarten Teacher
El Pinar Preeschool
09.2014 - 07.2015
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment.
- Delivered structured lessons on readiness skills by emphasizing phonics, language skills, literature, and handwriting.
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
Third Grade English Teacher
American School of Quito (International Section)
1 2008 - 1 2012
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Increased student motivation by providing timely feedback and recognizing individual achievements.
- Coordinated activities to encourage interest in reading.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by modeling respect, empathy, and active listening skills during all interactions with students.
- Created and implemented activities to foster critical thinking skills of students.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on teaching best practices and enhance educator skills.
Theories of Knowledge Teacher
USFQ (Education)
01.2008 - 01.2009
- Developed and implemented innovative teaching strategies to engage students in lectures and coursework.
- Increased student interest by incorporating real-world examples into lessons and connecting material to relevant experiences.
- Conducted individual research projects to actively contribute to institution's research work.
- Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
Fifth Grade English Teacher
American School of Quito (International Section)
01.2004 - 01.2008
- Planned dynamic lessons to increase student comprehension of books and literary concepts.
- Created and implemented activities to foster critical thinking skills of students.
- Worked with other teachers to support struggling students and provide thorough help to rectify comprehension issues.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Implemented project-based learning activities that encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
Fourth Grade English Teacher
American School of Quito (International Section)
01.2002 - 01.2004
- Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by modeling respect, empathy, and active listening skills during all interactions with students.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities in lessons.
- Prepared comprehensive English curriculum for multiple classes.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay up-to-date on teaching best practices and enhance educator skills.
First Grade English Teacher
American School of Quito (International Section)
01.2000 - 01.2001
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on classroom management techniques and curriculum planning.
- Enhanced student literacy by implementing engaging reading and writing activities.
- Served as an active member of school committees focused on improving school-wide policies, programs, and initiatives.
Teacher Assistant Grades 1-3
American School of Quito (International Section)
01.1996 - 01.1999
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
- Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
Education
Master in Education -
University of Alabama
08.2002 - 05.2004
BA Elementary Education - undefined
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
08.1996 - 05.2001
High School Diploma -
American School of Quito
Quito 1979.08 - 1993.05
Skills
Lesson Planning
Student Wellbeing
Classroom Management
Team Teaching
Continuous member of the curriculum development team at Colegio Americano
Developing and delivering workshops for staff development (Writing Workshop, Dimensions of Learning) during 4 years at Colegio Americano
Representing teachers at the communication committee that performed strategic planning
Mentoring new teachers
Workshopsgiven
- How to develop Emotional Intelligence at the Elementary School, AASA Conference, 2011.
- Dimensions of Learning (Marzano et al), American School of Quito, 2007-2010
- How to implement a successful Writer’s Workshop in class, American School of Quito, 2006-2010
Personal Information
Nationality: Ecuadorean
Languages
Spanish
Native language
English
Proficient
C2
French
Intermediate
B1
Timeline
Fourth Grade LA/SS Teacher
Colegio Menor
09.2018 - 07.2024
Third Grade Core Teacher
Colegio Menor
08.2015 - 07.2018
Kindergarten Teacher
El Pinar Preeschool
09.2014 - 07.2015
Theories of Knowledge Teacher
USFQ (Education)
01.2008 - 01.2009
Fifth Grade English Teacher
American School of Quito (International Section)
01.2004 - 01.2008
Master in Education -
University of Alabama
08.2002 - 05.2004
Fourth Grade English Teacher
American School of Quito (International Section)
01.2002 - 01.2004
First Grade English Teacher
American School of Quito (International Section)
01.2000 - 01.2001
BA Elementary Education - undefined
Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador
08.1996 - 05.2001
Teacher Assistant Grades 1-3
American School of Quito (International Section)
01.1996 - 01.1999
High School Diploma -
American School of Quito
1979.08 - 1993.05
Third Grade English Teacher
American School of Quito (International Section)
1 2008 - 1 2012