Demaris Alston

Dedicated and enthusiastic TEFL certified teacher with superb leadership and communication skills; eager to provide a creative environment for English language and literature learning. With 10+ years of experience collaborating with others, I hope to share my passion for learning. My leadership, patience and creativity will set a great environment for hungry minds. As a motivated critical-thinker, challenges that students or I may face will be easily resolved.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE 

Ficus Tree Bilingual School, Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica —  English, Math and Science Teacher

January 2023 - Present

Create weekly lesson plans using Cambridge International curriculum

• Present lessons in a comprehensive manner and use visual/audio means to facilitate learning.
• Monitor student academic performance

TEFL Costa Rica, Playa Samara, Costa Rica — TEFL teacher

November 2022 - December 2022

Demonstrated excellence in creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment 

• Taught beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of Costa Rican students with a variety of learning styles.

Self Employed, Maryland, USA — Math and English tutor

November 2013 - August 2022

• Promoted students in finding useful study methods to enhance academic performance.
• Created training materials, such as handouts, study materials and quizzes
• Helped each student build strong study habits and use effective learning strategies.
• Instructed individual and small groups of students in key subject concepts.
• Consistently provided motivation and direction for students and gave feedback when needed.

Leap Into Learning Daycare, Maryland, USA — Child Care Assistant

August 2011 - June 2015

• Supported children's emotional and social development with one-on-one attention.
• Encouraged curiosity, exploration and problem-solving with age-appropriate activities.
• Taught children foundational skills such as colors, shapes and letters.
• Sparked creativity and imagination by helping children discover new things each day.
• Assesed children for signs of illness, injury, emotional disturbance, learning disorders and/or speech problems.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Edenwald Senior Living, Maryland, USA — Activities Assistant 

November 2019 - September 2022

• Tracked resident demographics and preferences in order to develop enjoyable activity plans.
• Planned diverse recreational programs.
• Facilitated events and programs in consideration of needs, abilities and interests of participants.
• Assisted residents with developing and maintaining positive social skills, mental aptitude, confidence and strong interpersonal connections.
• Utilized diverse strategies, including one-on-one time and small groups, to engage residents in facility life.

Marriott Hotels, Maryland, USA — Guest Services Agent 

November 2018 - December 2019

• Reviewed schedule of events to complete pre-planning and prevent issues.
• Mentored all new employees, demonstrating best methods for servicing clients and guests.
• Handled guest complaints in the most effective manner possible and offered complimentary services for hardship cases.
• Assisted guests at check-in, providing information on various services within the hotel.
• Addressed and welcomed a large volume of guests to business per day, improving overall customer service and engagement.

Dunkin Donuts, Maryland, USA — Manager 

May 2015 - November 2018

• Organized schedules, workflows and shift coverage to meet expected business demands.
• Enforced company policies and procedures to strengthen operational standards.
• Delegated daily tasks to team members to optimize group productivity.
• Upheld high standards of productivity and quality in all areas of operations.
• Directed and led employees, supervising activities to drive productivity and efficiency.

Costa Rica TEFL, Playa Samara

November 2022 - December 2022

• Completed 160 hours of in person training
• Planned and completed 16 hours of observed teaching practice

City Neighbors High School, Maryland, USA — Diploma

August 2011 - May 2015