MACARENA A GUERRERO
Online Teaching Portfolio and CV
ABOUT
South American born but living in Columbus, OH for the past 6 years. An educator since 2011, with experience teaching in Chile and in the United States.
Passionate about helping EL students in a mainstream classroom, all things social studies, high school life, exploring the world and helping students become successful and happy adults.
MY EXPERIENCE
Background & Expertise
As a professional in my field, I’ve had the opportunity to hold a variety of roles throughout the years. Take a look below to learn more about my background and experience.
SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION
June 2018 - Present
Since 2018 I have taken the necessary steps to become a leader within my school community. I completed an MA degree and I have assumed the responsibilities in the areas of instructional coaching, data team facilitator, testing coordinator, master schedule planning and professional development coordinator. I currently hold a hybrid position as Assistant Principal and Social Studies Teacher.
SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER, COLUMBUS , OH
August 2015- Present
I joined my current school in August of 2015 after taking one year to earn the Ohio teaching license. Since then I have taught American History, Modern World History, Economics and Personal Finance, Contemporary World Issues, and African American American studies. I have taught all grades between 7-12 grade in a title 1 and mostly EL student population.
SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER, VALPARAISO, CHILE
March 2010-August 2013
As a recent graduate of PUCV university, I was able to continue working for the school I did my student teaching at, Saint Dominic school located in Vina del Mar, Chile. I taught 8th grade and freshmen social studies classes and gain important experience in classroom management and lesson planning. During these years I focused on developing good teaching practices and a deeper understanding of standard-based teaching and assessment.
EDUCATION
What I’ve Learned
Fall 2017- Summer 2019
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
During my time at OSU, I was able to learn about the theories and best practices on school leadership, including theories of organization, data analysis, school climate and culture.Â
Major: Educational Studies
Minor: School Administration
GPA: 4.0
March 2005-July 2010
PONTFICIA UNIVERSIDAD CATOLICA DE VALPARAISO
Graduated with a 5-year professional degree.
Major: History, Geography, and Social StudiesÂ
Minor: Education
Received a Chilean teaching license for 7-12 Social Studies
MY SKILLS
What I Do
DATA TEAM FACILITAROR
Worked with state mentors to create a school structure to enable the collection and analysis of data at the classroom and building level. Participated in bimonthly data meetings and monitor teacher implementation of different instructional practices to increase student achievement.
TEACHER EVALUATOR AND INSTRUCTIONAL COACHING
Certified to evaluate teachers with the OTES model, conducted official teacher evaluations twice a year. Conducted daily instructional walkthroughs and provided teachers with instructional feedback.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
Since becoming a school leader I have led and developed several professional development opportunities that focus on school culture, teacher self, and collective efficacy, teacher self-care, EL instruction in the mainstream classroom.
MY TEACHINGÂ PHILOSOPHY AND WORK
LESSON PLANNING WITH EL STUDENTS IN MIND
Striving for student growth and achievement for all
After working with mostly EL students for over 5 years, I have been able to create lesson plans that include EL students in a way that supports their acquisition of language skills. Explicit vocabulary instruction strategies are at the core of this process, as well as providing different opportunities for students to show their understanding of content.
STUDENT'S WORK
Simulations
During simulations, students are able to engage in different perspectives and to understand different forms of reasoning. One particularly engaging simulation activity is for the unit of Imperialism. During a simulation of the Berlin Conference of 1885, students engage in the negotiations of the scramble for Africa. Students must think critically about their country's needs and the deep underlying reasons that drove imperialism in Africa.
STUDENTS' WORK
Creating artifacts
We do multiple projects throughout the school year. By far one of the students' favorite is to create original content based on their knowledge of a specific standard and to create a "historical artifact". This is a formative assessment in which students can demonstrate mastery of the content on a particular unit.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
All means all
I believe that teachers are crucial to help achieve higher levels of equality in our society. Therefore my teaching philosophy is driven by an understanding that teachers must be able to reach all students, independent of their culture, language skills, prior academic records, etc. My teaching and leadership practice is guided by culturally responsive principles and focuses on crafting an inclusive, safe and stimulating learning environment that suits students' individual needs. Is this challenging? Absolutely! But practice makes perfect.