Elena Diaz
elenadiazeducator@gmail.com | +1 (561) 271-3239 | New York, USA
Science Learning Specialist & ENL Coordinator | Bilingual Educator | TESOL Certified
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Dedicated Science Learning Specialist grades 6-8, Science Department Chairperson, and ENL
Coordinator with 15+ years of hands-on experience supporting English Language Learners in co-taught
and sheltered instruction settings. Expert in the SIOP model, WIDA standards, and NYSESLAT
administration, with a proven ability to design and deliver bilingual, differentiated lessons that align with
students’ language proficiency levels. Committed to ensuring equitable, culturally responsive access to
grade-level content for every multilingual learner and students with disabilities.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Learning Specialist, Gr. 6–8 | Science Dept. Chair | ENL Coordinator 2025 – Present
Unity Prep Middle School
• Administer the NYSESLAT exam school-wide, coordinating all logistics, scheduling, and
compliance requirements for English Language Learners across grade levels
• Design and implement lessons explicitly aligned to WIDA Can-Do Descriptors and English
language proficiency levels, ensuring rigorous and accessible instruction for ELL students
• Co-teach with general education teachers using the SIOP model, embedding language objectives
alongside content objectives to support simultaneous language and academic development
• Develop and distribute bilingual resources in English and Spanish to increase comprehension and
family engagement for multilingual communities
• Coordinate school-wide ENL programming, overseeing student placement, progress monitoring,
and compliance reporting
• Collaborated with school counselors and support staff to build individualized learning plans
addressing both linguistic and academic goals
Science Department Chairperson 2019 – Present
Unity Prep Middle School
• Chaired the Science Department, leading curriculum development, benchmark assessments, and
professional learning for department staff
• Lead departmental meetings, managing curriculum alignment, instructional coaching, and
data-driven improvement cycles
• Manage department budget, allocate resources, and oversee procurement of lab materials and
equipment
• Conduct formal and informal classroom observations across science disciplines to assess
instructional effectiveness and alignment to curriculum standards
• Utilize structured observation protocols to evaluate pedagogy, student engagement, and content
delivery
• Develop actionable next steps and growth plans collaboratively with teachers to address
instructional gaps and build on strengths
Learning Specialist, Grades 6–8 2017 – Present
Unity Prep Middle School
• Delivered co-taught and small-group instruction to ELL students at varying proficiency levels,
tailoring lessons to meet linguistic and academic needs
• Provided direct, tailored, and differentiated support to students with disabilities in co-taught
classrooms aligned with IEP goals and mandates
•Applied SIOP instructional strategies to make grade-level content comprehensible for English learners
language learners
• Collaborated with general education teachers to ensure equitable access to the curriculum for all
diverse learners
EDUCATION
Master of Arts – Bilingual TESOL
Specialized training in second language acquisition, bilingual pedagogy, and ENL instructional design
Bachelor of Arts – Elementary Education
Foundation in child development, curriculum design, and inclusive teaching practices
CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSURE
• NYC Teaching Certificate – English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• TESOL Certified – Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES
• SIOP Model (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) – 15+ years of practice
• WIDA Standards, Can-Do Descriptors & English Language Proficiency Frameworks
• NYSESLAT Administration – Whole-School Exam Coordination & Compliance
• Co-Teaching in ENL/Bilingual Contexts
• Bilingual Resource Development (English & Spanish)
• Differentiated Instruction & Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
• ENL Program Coordination, Student Placement & Progress Monitoring
• Culturally Responsive Teaching & Family Engagement
• Science Department Leadership & Instructional Coaching
•IEP & Language Development Plan Writing
• Google Workspace | Microsoft Office Suite | Educational Technology Tools
