Valentina Karalus

I am a driven, high-energy professional with years of progressive instructional experience looking for a position that matches my skills and interests. I am passionate about education and highly effective at building rapport and creating a stimulating learning environment where students can develop to their full potential. From elementary-level students to adults, my coordinators have relied on my ability to foster a classroom environment conducive to learning and my initiative to promote excellent student/teacher interactions.

Motivated to continue expanding my skills as an educator and challenge myself to teach in a culturally and linguistically diverse setting, I am completing a year of teaching English in South Korea. I finished a Master of Science Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and feel confident I can contribute valuable knowledge and experience at the university level. 

I look forward to discussing how my candidacy can meet your educational needs.

Thank you for your consideration. 

English Teacher - EPIK (English Program in Korea) - Incheon, South Korea

• August 2022 - Present

- I jointly conduct English classes with Korean teachers, develop extracurricular sessions based on learning needs, and lead English camps.
- Foster a positive learning environment for English learners by preparing teaching materials that include various learning modalities and project-based learning. 
- Implement technology-based learning tools and small group activities to enhance language learning and assist in assessing student progress. 
- Select supplemental resources from different cultures to improve student understanding of diversity and inclusion.
- Design and conduct weekly English conversation classes for Korean teachers to reinforce their speaking proficiency and confidence.
- Demonstrate an excellent command of the English language, both written and spoken, to perform other duties as specified by the Ministry of Education of South Korea.

High School Teacher & Interventionist - Miami Dade County Public Schools - Miami, FL, USA

• April 2015 - July 2022

- Implemented lesson plans that incorporated Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry following Florida Standards as a structure for identifying the alignment of cognitive demands.
- Incorporated opportunities for students to collaborate, think critically and problem-solve.
- Created an interactive learning environment for identified at-risk students by facilitating class discussions, encouraging participation, and providing clear academic paths via small-group interventions.
- Administered tests to analyze student performance and provide feedback. Communicated progress to parents, faculty, and administrators to address students' behavioral and academic challenges.

Group & Private Adult Dance Instructor - Miami, FL, USA

•  May 2016 - August 2022

- Responsible for implementing a structured dance syllabus for group and individual classes in a stimulating yet challenging way. @- Customized private lessons to improve technique, musicality, dance vocabulary, and partnering skills based on the needs of students. @- Provided close supervision of students and evaluated each dance class upon completion to determine any necessary action to improve each program. @- Attended all staff meetings and training for the studio's improvement, contributing to all discussions. 
- Helped create and maintain social media content, providing timely and friendly customer service as needed to expand operations and boost business growth.

• Master of Science Degree - Curriculum and Instruction - Western Governors University
  • Member of the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS)

This program focused on effectively engaging students and delivering improved learning outcomes. I have acquired specialized skills and valuable expertise in instructional theory and practice, learning science, and educational research.

• Bachelor of Science Degree - Hospitality Management - Florida International University
  • Cum Laude, Golden Key International Honour Society

I gained real-world knowledge from one of the top hospitality schools in the country. This degree provides a solid foundation in business for excelling in management, finance, logistics, accounting, and operations.

• TEFL/TESOL 170-Hour Certificate