Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
Timeline
background-images
Luisa Guzmán

Luisa Guzmán

East Hampton

Summary

Bilingual education leader and New York State-certified Spanish teacher with extensive experience teaching students of all ages and backgrounds. Currently serving as Director of Curriculum & Instruction, building on a strong foundation as a language educator. Known for designing engaging, culturally rich and inclusive learning experiences and leading impactful instructional initiatives. Skilled in coaching educators, aligning curriculum, and fostering inclusive, high-performing school cultures. Passionate about opening students’ minds to the beauty of language and culture and delivering rigorous, student-centered instruction.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate

Work History

Curriculum & Instruction Director

Costa Rica International Academy
08.2024 - Current
  • Oversaw curriculum development and ensured alignment with Virginia Standards of Learning.
  • Lead academic programs, instructional coaching, and PD aligned with strategic goals.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.

Primary Coordinator & Dual-Language Teacher

Costa Rica International Academy
08.2023 - 06.2024

Primary Coordinator & Grade 1 Dual-Language Teacher (2023–2024)

  • Balanced teaching and leadership by mentoring staff, coordinating division-wide & school-wide events, and supporting initiatives to ensure smooth, inclusive participation for all students, faculty, and staff.
  • Researched, recommended, and led implementation of Amplify platform for K–5 DIBELS benchmark assessments aligned to the science of reading; trained all primary teachers in its use.
  • Recommended integration of 504, IEP, and discipline data into the QuickSchools Online School Management Software, leading to schoolwide implementation and maximization of its use.

Grade 1 Dual-Language Teacher

Costa Rica International Academy
10.2020 - 06.2024

Grade 1 Dual-Language Teacher (2020–2023)

  • Delivered bilingual instruction using research-based methods to develop literacy and language skills.
  • Improved student language skills by implementing immersive and interactive learning activities.
  • Led transition of Grades 1–2 report cards from static PDFs to the QuickSchools Online School Management Software, improving reporting efficiency and data access.

Grade 3 Dual-language Teacher

La Paz Community School
10.2019 - 07.2020
  • Developed PBL (Project Based Learning) units for Grade 3 biliteracy, integrating English-Spanish reading, writing, and speaking.
  • Co-designed targeted support programs with individualized learning plans.
  • Collaborated on interdisciplinary projects to enhance holistic student learning.

Online TEASOL Teacher

DADA ABC
01.2018 - 10.2019
  • Built strong student and parent relationships through timely feedback and supportive virtual learning environment.
  • Differentiated instruction to meet diverse learner needs and promote equitable success.

Spanish/TESOL/Bilingual Computer Literacy Teacher

Montauk Union Free School District
09.2013 - 06.2017
  • Taught K-8 Spanish using TPR (Total Physical Response), visuals, and interactive methods across proficiency levels.
  • Differentiated instruction and assessment for diverse learners, including ELLs, students with learning support plans, and heritage speakers.
  • Designed standards-based units integrating all language domains in meaningful contexts.
  • Maintained a structured, student-centered classroom with clear routines and behavior supports.
  • Taught computer literacy in Spanish, promoting digital skills.

Grades 1-4 Spanish Teacher

Sagaponack Common School District
12.2012 - 06.2013
  • Increased engagement using authentic materials from Spanish-speaking cultures.
  • Fostered cultural awareness through lessons built around customs, traditions, and history.
  • Assessed student progress with varied tools and provided targeted support and feedback.

Education

Master of Arts - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Los Angeles, CA
05-2016

Bachelor of Arts - Hispanic Languages & Literature

STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Stony Brook, NY
05-2011

Associate of Science - Business Administration

SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Riverhead, NY
01.2008

Skills

  • Differentiated instruction tailored to heritage speakers, multi-language learners, and diverse proficiency levels
  • Integration of cross-cultural competency and global citizenship to deepen student engagement and intercultural understanding
  • Instructional coaching and teacher development for Toddler–Grade 12 educators across disciplines through goal-setting, coaching cycles, and actionable feedback
  • Standards alignment and curriculum mapping for Spanish and general education programs to Virginia and international standards
  • Data-informed instructional leadership driving targeted improvements in student outcomes
  • Design and facilitation of professional development focused on best teaching practices, engagement strategies, curriculum mapping, and assessment moderation

Certification

  • NYS Spanish 7-12 Professional Certificate No. 1331253, Issued August, 2020
  • NYS Spanish Grades 1-6 Professional Extension No. 1331253, Issued August, 2020

Languages

Spanish, English
Native language

Timeline

Curriculum & Instruction Director

Costa Rica International Academy
08.2024 - Current

Primary Coordinator & Dual-Language Teacher

Costa Rica International Academy
08.2023 - 06.2024

Grade 1 Dual-Language Teacher

Costa Rica International Academy
10.2020 - 06.2024

Grade 3 Dual-language Teacher

La Paz Community School
10.2019 - 07.2020

Online TEASOL Teacher

DADA ABC
01.2018 - 10.2019

Spanish/TESOL/Bilingual Computer Literacy Teacher

Montauk Union Free School District
09.2013 - 06.2017

Grades 1-4 Spanish Teacher

Sagaponack Common School District
12.2012 - 06.2013

Associate of Science - Business Administration

SUFFOLK COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Master of Arts - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Bachelor of Arts - Hispanic Languages & Literature

STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK
Luisa Guzmán