CARMEN M. IRIZARRY

PROFILE

Accomplished, Experienced High School Spanish Teacher

Career Summary: Background features strong academic preparation along with eight years of commitment and contribution teaching a diverse high school student body. Record of leadership in helping students to grow, self-actualize and become empowered through meaningful extra-curricular activities. Connecticut Certification in Spanish (7-12).

Technical Summary: Strong technology skills. Highly proficient in MS Office. Extensive experience with the Symphony Multimedia Learning System and Sony’s Virtuoso Instructional Control Software.

Language Skills: Bilingual in English and Spanish. Some proficiency in French (six years) and Portuguese.

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EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT – Storrs, Connecticut

Study towards a Ph.D. in Spanish Literature. Completed all required coursework. Status is ABD.

Master of Arts, Spanish, December, 1995

Passed Doctoral Foreign Language Examination in Portuguese.

Employment: Research Assistant and Translator, School of Family Studies (1996-1998)

COLLEGE OF THE HOLY CROSS – Worcester, Massachusetts

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Spanish, 1993

EXPERIENCE

1998 - CONARD HIGH SCHOOL – West Hartford, Connecticut

Present Spanish Teacher - Prepare and present daily lesson plans in this suburban high school. Student population is diverse with regard to ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic background, and includes young people from many foreign countries. Classes have included Levels Two, Three, Three Honors, Four, Four Honors and Advanced Placement. Integrate multi-cultural perspectives and projects into the curriculum. Create a positive, inclusive, motivational climate in which each student can succeed to the limit of their ability and effort. Work cooperatively with students, parents, teachers and administrators to create a genuine learning community.

¨ National Honor Society (2002 – Present) - Point person in charge of the Induction Ceremony for two academic years. Identified qualifying students. Invited them to join. Organized successful ceremonies, with heavy student, parent and teacher participation.

¨ National Council for Community and Justice (2002-Present) – Served as an Advisor in this unique weeklong residential program in which students from several area schools receive human development training, form an interdependent community, and make friends for a lifetime. A major focus of the program is to help empower students to become more responsible citizens, defeating the forces of racism, sexism, and all forms of prejudice.

¨ Gay and Straight Alliance (1998-Present) – Help to provide a forum for students who wish to promote greater understanding and tolerance of sexual orientation issues. Organize events. Coach faculty members. Bring students to annual conferences.

¨ Diversity Committee (1999-2000) – Played a leading role in this two semester initiative which had a positive impact on life quality. Assisted in writing the Mission Statement. Helped organize and facilitate a Diversity Assembly. Contributed to two Faculty In-service Sessions on diversity issues. Helped organize Essay and Art Contest.

1996-1998 UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT (Department of Modern and Classical Languages) – Storrs, Connecticut

Spanish Instructor - Taught Spanish Grammar, Culture and Composition Writing at beginning and intermediate levels to undergraduates. Responsible for all aspects of classroom presentation and student evaluation.

¨ Participated in Context-Based Teaching of Spanish across the curriculum to Nursing and Allied Health Students as part of the Spanning Project.