2137 Spray St.

#5
San Diego, CA 92107
(650) 384-5263
[email protected]

April 26, 2017

Catherine Gray: Director

Calle 57 562, Francisco May
77240 Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R., Mexico
Calle 57 562, Francisco May, 77240
Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Q.R., Mexico

Dear. Ms Catherine Gray,

While searching for teaching opportunities in Mexico, I saw an English teacher position advertised on Daves
ESL Caf with the Naatik Language and Culture Institute in Quintana Roo, Mexico. One of the many things
that stuck out to me about this particular language institute is, as a registered 501(c)(3), Naatik forms a
mutually beneficial relationship with the local community. Through financial re-investment and a focus on
empowering learners within the Maya community, Naatik practices thinking globally and acting locally
through education. I would love to be considered for the English teacher position and have the opportunity to
join the Naatik community.

Upon seeing the advertised position, I looked at Naatiks website and facebook page to familiarize myself
more thoroughly with the institution. From that information, it seems as if cultural preservation is a priority.
This more holistic approach aligns perfectly with my personal goal of teaching as a form of advocating for
learners. I will be graduating with a Masters in TESOL, Literacy, and Culture this May, 2017. My previous
experiences working with indigenous were in Ecuador and Southern California- including activities from
engaging in language exchanges (including Nahuatl), providing free English and technology classes, sharing
cultural traditions, and organizing educational events. I feel that my language teaching abilities coupled with my
political awareness and passion for social-justice would mesh well with Naatiks goals.

The position advertised involves both linguistic instruction and more hands-on learning opportunities, such as
special events and field trips. I have extensive experience teaching English in various classroom settings with
students belonging to a very wide age-range including service-learning experiences, which I planned and
implemented. I have also had the opportunity to work closely with professional Mentors and colleagues, as I
feel collaboration and learning from others is essential. Working with Naatiks dedicated team would offer me
an immense opportunity to learn from other passionate educators. After having taught in multiple settings and
designing my own curriculum and materials, I feel that I could contribute to Naatiks English immersion
classes.

Mexican history, culture, and language has enriched my life so much that I feel this is my chance to not only
grow as an educator and a professional, but to give back to the community that has brought me so much joy and
enlightenment. Personally, I would like to better my teaching, continue working on my Spanish, be exposed to
new languages and cultures, engage in professional development opportunities, and form meaningful
connections with colleagues and the local Quintana Roo population. I hope to speak with you more about
joining Naatiks team. Please do not hesitate to call me at (650) 384-5263, or email me at
[email protected]. I have a more comprehensive CV and references available upon request. I look forward
to hearing from you soon, and appreciate you taking the time to review my letter and enclosed resume.

Sincerely,

Zoe Adler
 Zoe Adler

(650) 384-5263 [email protected]
EDUCATION
University of San Diego San Diego, CA Expected May 2017
MEd TESOL, Literacy, and Culture, GPA 3.96

Pitzer College Claremont, CA May 2012

BA Spanish and Political Studies Double Honors
LANGUAGES

Native language: English. Fluent in Spanish (written and oral).

GLOBAL STUDIES:

University of San Diego International Teaching Program June-July 2016

Tokyo, Japan
Pitzer College Global Exchange Program August 2011-January 2012
Quito, Ecuador

EXPERIENCE

San Diego Mesa Community College San Diego, CA August 2016 January 2017
Graduate Tutor
Attended and supervised every session of two Accelerated Basic Composition courses (ENG 47A).
Wrote lesson plans and created worksheets for both grammatical and critical-thinking centered instruction.
Tutored students individually in writing and grammar from across the Community College curriculum.
Collaborated and planned classes and professional development sessions with faculty, colleagues, and administration.
Presented on cultivating a Growth Mindset among learners at the 1st annual 3CSN LAP Sponsored Inland Empire
Supplemental Instruction Conference.
San Diego Miramar Community College San Diego, CA January 2016 May 2016
Instructional Assistant
Created materials and assessment pieces for instructor and student use in a six-unit ESOL 40 class.
Administered an interactive rsum workshop through the English Center for English students.
Taught grammar lessons to the full class.
Implemented the final class unit regarding Californias new law to increase the statewide minimum wage.
Communicated directly with students about class materials, homework, and concepts from the ESOL 40 curriculum.
Tutored students one-on-one from across the English curriculum in the Miramar English Center.
Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship - Sacramento, CA October 2012 September 2013
Assembly Fellow/Budget Consultant
Developed legislative hearings for the Assembly to consider the budgets of 30 state departments totaling $2.4 billion
and 9,700 personnel within Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on General Government
Recommended budgetary action to the Assembly based on analyses of budget proposals submitted by the Governor.
Briefed legislative members and staff during the Subcommittee process and Conference Committee process.
Represented the Assembly Democratic Caucus at meetings with the Department of Finance and other stakeholders.
Authored hearing agendas and budget reports to facilitate oversight discussions and allow for public comment.

Centro Educativo de Desarrollo y Estudios Alternativos - Quito, Ecuador August 2011 December 2011
Program Director and Educator
Produced, authored, and published a sexual education manual in Spanish for Ecuadorian juveniles.
Planned and oversaw informative civil-rights conferences for indigenous Ecuadorians and Afro-Ecuadorians.

Pitzer College Nahuatl Linguistic and Cultural Exchange Claremont, CA January 2010-May 2010
Program Leader and Teacher
Planned a linguistic and cultural exchange program where students collaborated with native Nahuatl
speakers from the community.
Taught Nahuatl speakers English as a second language and basic computer literacy skills.
Provided weekly lesson plans, organized co-tutors schedules, and prepared applicable interactive activities.