Maria J. Montoya Mejia
Cary,North Carolina
Summary
Accomplished educator with 7 years of classroom experience
with expertise in curriculum design and cross-cultural engagement, teaching children of various ethnic backgrounds to adapt learning in English, fostering critical thinking and adaptability among students.
Has strong leadership in classroom management and rapport-based teaching while promoting collaboration and teamwork.
An innovative educator, during the challenges of COVID education content and delivery became a massive challenge, and so took responsibility to deliver interactive lessons, making education accessible to children online.
Possess skills in creating interactive and engaging lesson plans that instil interest in scientific concepts. Can provide innovative strategies to help students grasp complex theories, fostering environment that encourages curiosity and discovery.
Demonstrates excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
A reliable individual who seeks opportunities to share subject knowledge and passion. Sets high personal standards to build upon learning successes.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Teacher of English As A Foreign Language
Maureen Joy Charter School
Durham, North Carolina
08.2024 - Current
- Coordinated with other core subject teachers for curriculum development and language support.
- Adapted course materials to increase students' engagement and confidence in using English.
- Improved students' understanding of English skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening using interactive learning methods.
- Implemented differentiated instruction catering to varied learning abilities within the same class.
- Facilitated student-teacher meetings addressing any academic issues efficiently.
- Maintained comprehensive records of all assessments conducted contributing towards accurate grading.
Science Educator
Culbreth Middle School
Chapel Hill, USA
01.2020 - 06.2024
- Taught 6th-grade physics, earth, and life science.
- Responsible for creating comprehensive lesson plans.
- Designed interactive lessons using relevant software.
- Designed and implemented lab activities with relevant practices for students to apply their science knowledge.
Science Educator
New Cambridge School
Santander, Colombia
08.2017 - 01.2020
- Taught physics, earth, and life science 4th - 6th grade.
- Activities included the design of a science curriculum according to Cambridge Assessment International standards and the Colombian National standards for science education
- Responsible for preparing the students to take international and national examinations, such as Cambridge Checkpoint and Colombian end-of-grade examinations.
- Encouraged active participation in class discussions, fostered a cooperative learning environment.
Biology Educator
Colegio La Quinta del Puente
Santander, Colombia
03.2017 - 06.2017
- Taught life science and physics from 7th to 9th grade.
- Using English as the main language for non-native speakers in a bilingual school.
- Responsible for creating standardized tests according to the school's coursework and the Colombian National Ministry of Education standards.
English Instructor
Espiritu Santo Bilingual School
Meta, Colombia
07.2016 - 11.2016
- Taught 5th Grade English Language Arts.
- Responsible for creating standardized exams according to the school's coursework and the Colombian National Ministry of Education standards as well as the design of English Language Arts curriculum.
- Prepared the high school students to take the ICFES exam (Colombian exam that evaluates readiness for college and provides colleges with a data point that can be used to compare all applicants).
Education
Bachelor of Science BSc - Elementary Education (Natural Science and Environmental Education)
Industrial University of Santander
Colombia 01.2009 - 11.2014
Integral Christian Formation Programme - Christian Studies
Casa Sobre La Roca Church
Colombia 02.2015 - 09.2017
Master of Science MSc - Education Technology
Industrial University of Santander
Colombia 01.2018 - 03.2020
Skills
- Public speaking
- Multicultural sensitivity and awareness
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Able to assess the efficacy of course materials
- Builds strong rapport and relationships with students and colleagues
- Curriculum design
- Technological integration for classrooms
- Standardized Lesson Planning & Standardized Testing
- LMS (Canvas, Edmodo, Google Classroom)
- Classroom management
- Intercultural awareness
Languages
Spanish
Native
English
Fluent
Colombian Sign Language
Beginner
References
Available on request.
Affiliations
- Basic Piano Skills
- Singing
- Volleyball
- Krav Maga
Accomplishments
Guest speaker at International Pedagogy Congress at La Habana, Cuba (February 1-3, 2021). Presented my master's thesis called augmented reality science laboratories as didactic instruments to strengthen scientific competences.
Nominated for teacher of the year 2024
Timeline
Teacher of English As A Foreign Language
Maureen Joy Charter School
08.2024 - Current
Science Educator
Culbreth Middle School
01.2020 - 06.2024
Master of Science MSc - Education Technology
Industrial University of Santander
01.2018 - 03.2020
Science Educator
New Cambridge School
08.2017 - 01.2020
Biology Educator
Colegio La Quinta del Puente
03.2017 - 06.2017
English Instructor
Espiritu Santo Bilingual School
07.2016 - 11.2016
Integral Christian Formation Programme - Christian Studies
Casa Sobre La Roca Church
02.2015 - 09.2017
Bachelor of Science BSc - Elementary Education (Natural Science and Environmental Education)
Industrial University of Santander
01.2009 - 11.2014
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