Intercultural Competence and Education

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I believe in developing a classroom environment that is welcoming, nurturing, and safe to collaborate and share ideas and perspectives among various cultural and religious backgrounds.  I believe in creating a student-centered approach that allows each of my students to feel welcome and heard in my classroom.  My classroom and my students become a family, working to understand and appreciate one another, valuing each unique personality and cultural background, and working to support and encourage each other.  Through this supportive environment, I believe students will be excited to learn and to participate in classes, as their voice and opinion truly matters.      

I believe in inspiring and empowering my students, guiding and encouraging them to reach their potential.  In this way, I believe that each will be motivated and inspired to develop and share his/her unique strengths with the world around us.   

I believe in developing student confidence levels so that they fully express their ideas and thoughts in and out of the classroom through oral and written communication skills.  I believe in the development of critical thinking skills and finding ways to support ideas and opinions based on facts, and working to communicate differences in a constructive way.  I  believe in the power of collaborative work, project based learning strategies, and student-led initiatives to encourage and develop the unique personal and cultural strengths.

My passion for creating educational programs and opportunities that uplift, motivate, encourage, and inspire  my students will help to prepare and empower them with the necessary skills to successfully integrate into our culturally diverse world, and have the confidence and empathy to understand and support one another even through cultural boundaries or differences.   

 Graduate student practicum mentor from George Mason University School of Linguists. Oversee development and preparation of student to incorporate and develop progressive, student-centered modes of teaching through real face to face and online learning.  

In partnership with the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission (SACM), principle instructor and curriculum designer for the Saudi Ministry of Education Khbrat Scholar program.  Development of professional Saudi English teacher methodologies and strategies to implement critical thinking and independent thought into the Saudi school systems.  Saudi/American partner in overarching educational reforms as a part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. 

Implemented tools and strategies to encourage and promote independent thought, critical thinking skills, group work, and presentation methods for English teachers. Provided opportunities for collaborative projects, critical thinking, and independent thought in a safe and secure environment for all students, with sensitivity to cultural barriers of Middle Eastern students. 

Host of weekly global outreach and interactive English program focused on development of English speaking confidence, critical thinking and independent thought.  Clubhouse platform design to promote English language skills, cultural connections, and independent thought in a challenging yet supportive way.  

 Principle instructor for weekly Conversation Club classes comprising multiple levels to encourage additional English language usage opportunities on various topics.  Developed and instructed courses in Assimilating to the US Educational System, US Culture, Critical Thinking and Independent Thought, and Implementing Teaching strategies from Collectivist Societies into the US Educational System 

 College Advisor for students working to enter the American University system. Worked directly one-on-one with students to determine the appropriate fit for schools and ensure that application deadlines and processes were followed and met. Spearheaded implementation of Student Services Committee with Saudi English teachers and Intensive English Program to encourage and develop a student government process to provide opportunities to experience and directly influence decisions from a self-directed learning approach. 

ESL Instructor for low level English Proficiency Adult training and instruction. 

K-12 ESL Student Teacher and Internship Experience