Carmen Alvarez-Harden
BIG POOL
Summary
Doctor of Curriculum and Development with Administration Certification. Accomplished World Language Department Chair recognized for enhancing productivity and efficiency. Expertise in curriculum development, linguistic analysis, and cross-cultural communication. Proven track record in leadership and problem-solving to improve educational outcomes and promote language proficiency among diverse student populations.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
World Language Department Chair
Washington County Public Schools
Hagerstown
08.2022 - Current
- Advised students on course selection, graduation progress, and career planning.
- Assisted faculty and staff with class instruction, orientation programs, and event scheduling.
- Utilized data analysis techniques to identify trends in organizational performance levels.
- Analyzed collected data to formulate solutions and alternative methods for the Acceleration Model alignment.
- Collaborated with other departments to develop interdisciplinary projects or activities involving world language instruction.
- Scheduled courses for optimal utilization of resources.
- Conducted ongoing evaluation of program effectiveness and made recommendations for improvement.
- Assisted teachers with lesson planning or classroom management issues.
- Developed, implemented, and evaluated curriculum and instructional strategies to ensure student success.
Equity Coach
WCPS- South Hagerstown High School
Hagerstown
08.2019 - Current
- Leveraged research-based strategies to enhance equitable learning environments for all students.
- Advised teaching and administrative staff on curriculum development to improve educational equity.
- Coached stakeholders to foster relationships essential for significant learning outcomes.
- Built deeper connections in learning environments beyond just content delivery.
- Mentored team members to build confidence and foster a supportive environment.
Spanish Teacher
WCPS- South Hagerstown High School
Hagerstown
08.2018 - Current
- Taught Spanish I through Spanish IV to native and heritage speakers in grades 9-12.
- Innovated instructional strategies to enhance language skills and fluency among students.
- Counseled students on educational pathways, including course selection and career planning.
- Evaluated student performance through standardized assessments like AP exams and proficiency tests.
- Provided after-school tutoring for students needing additional support in mastering concepts.
- Promoted cultural awareness by integrating Hispanic customs into class activities.
- Led World Language Curriculum Planning team to develop cohesive educational programs.
- Collaborated with staff to identify and facilitate employment opportunities for graduates.
ESL and Secondary Education Professor
Frostburg State University
Frostburg
01.2005 - 06.2023
- Implemented interactive learning mediums for adult learners in English as a Second Language.
- Developed tailored lessons based on thorough student background reviews.
- Instructed Methods of Teaching Modern Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communications using applied linguistics.
- Evaluated student performance through tests, quizzes, and various assessments.
- Created comprehensive course materials including syllabi, lectures, and assignments.
- Integrated technology into classroom activities to enhance engagement.
- Collaborated with staff to design innovative curricula for new courses.
- Advised students on academic challenges and career development opportunities.
Special Education Teacher
LKSD- Rocky Mountain School
Goodnews Bay
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Conducted special education screenings in compliance with legal mandates.
- Served as IEP team case manager, preparing for and participating in meetings.
- Performed educational assessments using standardized tests and prepared comprehensive reports.
- Maintained confidential records and files to ensure student privacy.
- Provided direct instruction for students eligible for special education per IEPs.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, therapists, and school staff to support student success.
- Supervised two instructional aides, establishing schedules, training, and developing lesson plans.
- Implemented behavior management systems that fostered positive student behaviors.
Bilingual Customer Service Analysts
CAMIS
Cumberland
02.2017 - 07.2018
- Delivered comprehensive customer service for all CAMIS Inc. client care needs.
- Guided users through problem resolution using effective diagnosis and communication skills.
- Assisted Call Center Supervisor with daily operations and training as required.
- Monitored customer feedback trends to recommend impactful process improvements.
- Conducted quality control checks on customer service operations to ensure excellence.
- Created detailed reports on service activities and performance metrics for analysis.
- Performed data entry tasks related to customer accounts and orders accurately.
- Responded promptly to incoming inquiries from internal and external sources.
Academic Coordinator
The Language Company
Frostburg
05.2015 - 02.2016
- Directed curriculum decisions on student placement, textbook selections, and teaching assignments.
- Facilitated instructor communication regarding policy changes impacting academic operations.
- Monitored course enrollment to ensure appropriate staffing levels for all classes.
- Participated in committees dedicated to enhancing educational quality institution-wide.
- Developed assessment tools, including surveys and questionnaires, to measure instructional effectiveness.
- Compiled data on student performance metrics, attendance, and grades for analysis.
- Served as liaison between faculty and university administration when necessary.
- Scheduled classes, assignments, tests, and events per established guidelines.
ESL Instructor
The Language Company
Frostburg
08.2013 - 02.2016
- Taught English as a Second Language to learners from foundational to advanced levels.
- Executed enriching lesson plans for high school and post-graduate students.
- Designed specialized programs to challenge advanced learners seeking additional growth.
- Promoted cultural awareness through activities exploring diverse global cultures.
- Developed tailored lesson plans addressing individual student needs.
- Planned extracurricular activities, including speech competitions and field trips, to enhance language learning.
- Counseled ESL students on language acquisition individually and in groups.
- Adapted materials for varying proficiency levels among ESL learners.
Administrative Supervisor/Manager
Western Maryland Health System Durable Medical Equipment
Cumberland
01.2012 - 04.2013
- Submit the Capital and Operating Budget for the WMHS Durable Medical Equipment, LLC approval.
- Ensure that our accreditations, codes, equipment, and procedures are always up-to-date (according to Joint Commission guidelines). In 2013, successfully passed the accreditation process by the Joint Commission.
- Responsible for the operations of three branch offices, ensuring the recording and maintenance of all patient account records, accounts receivables, and sales reports were being done currently.
- We interviewed, hired, maintained employee reviews, and trained all personnel in three cities, with our center headquarters in Hagerstown, Maryland. (15-20 employees in all three locations).
- Maintain and provide continuous training for our certified medical coding staff and our billing specialists.
Clinical Representative
WMHS Durable Medical Equipment
Cumberland
10.2011 - 01.2012
- Verify insurance, medical codes, and equipment to match diagnoses.
- Solve customer service issues, explain benefits to patients, run opening and closing day reports, stock and restock equipment, place supply orders as needed
Operations Manager Housekeeping & Patient Transport
Crothall, Western Maryland Health Systems
Cumberland
02.2011 - 10.2011
- Provide direct leadership and guidance to staff (25 transporters and 120 housekeepers/floor technicians) to ensure high cleanliness, quality, and service are achieved and maintained. Assist with Joint Commission compliance and ensure accreditation.
- Maintain an entire staff and add staff as needed through the staff selection process: review applications, make recommendations, and interview candidates.
- Ensure proper supply control guidelines are followed, and all staff members are trained to use all chemicals according to the MSDS requirements.
- Make up the master schedule; keep employee records. Perform employee reviews, provide opportunities for work improvement, and keep logbooks and all necessary documents for each employee file.
Supervisor of Patient Transportation
Western Maryland Health System
Cumberland
10.2010 - 02.2011
- Supervised the daily functions of the Patient Transportation Department, 25 employees working in a three-shift rotation.
- Maintain an entire staff by adding or redirecting staff as required through the selection process.
- I performed yearly evaluations for each staff member and conducted employee reviews and staff development.
- I have maintained and updated the Dash Report and master schedule to promote a good work-life balance for each employee.
- Ensure employees adhered to superior client relations, program quality standards, performance improvement, and performance productivity were the goals I had to achieve quarterly.
Patient Flow Coordinator
Western Maryland Health System
Cumberland
11.2008 - 02.2011
- Promoted Crothall and WMHS culture through accurate dispatch and efficient transporter assignments.
- Monitored daily census data to assess staffing requirements and adjusted schedules.
- Identified resource needs to enhance patient flow processes.
- Provided training on best practices for optimizing patient throughput efficiency.
- Responded swiftly to unexpected changes in service demand affecting patient flow.
- Maintained precise records of all admissions, discharges, and transfers.
- Facilitated interdepartmental communication regarding patient status updates.
- Assisted in developing policies for effective management of patient flow.
Spanish Teacher
Allegany Board of Education
Cumberland
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Developed and implemented Spanish language curriculum covering grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and conversational skills.
- Taught Spanish I and II to students in grades nine through twelve using a blocked lesson plan.
- Innovated instructional techniques to enhance student fluency and language skills.
- Provided after-school tutoring as Spanish Club Advisor to support student learning.
- Organized field trips focused on Spanish culture and history to enrich classroom learning experiences.
- Attended professional development workshops to refine teaching strategies for second language learners.
- Encouraged proper pronunciation through targeted feedback during class discussions.
- Promoted cultural awareness by introducing students to Hispanic customs and traditions.
French Teacher
Westmar High School
Westernport
01.2002 - 01.2006
- Taught French levels I to III to students in grades 9th to 12th, which was a delightful experience, since most of my students had never heard French before.
Special Education Facilitator/Special Education
Westmar High School
Westernport
08.2002 - 07.2004
- As a Special Education Facilitator, I maintained, managed, and supervised caseloads for Special Education students ranging from minimal support, Traumatic Brain Injury, ADD, and ADHD to Full Support.
- As the Facilitator, I supervised three caseworkers that were school-based.
- As a Special Education Teacher, I provided services to students in grades 9 to 12 and maintained administrative paperwork on their cases.
Education
Ph.D. - Principal Leadership
Point Park University
Pittsburg, PA04-2025
Masters of Education - Special Education / Secondary Education
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD01.2005
Bachelor of Education - Secondary Education / Modern Foreign Language (Spanish)
Frostburg State University
Frostburg, MD01.2001
Associate of Science - Secondary Education Foreign Language (Spanish)
Allegany College
Cumberland, MD01.1996
Skills
- Language proficiency: Fluent in Spanish
- Technical skills: Duolingo, Microsoft Office, Adobe, Switchboard, Dropbox, Blackboard, AWOrms, Gradebook, Planbook, GaolView, PowerSchool, Google Classroom, Canva
- Curriculum development and alignment
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Equity strategies
- Instructional leadership
- Research skills
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Interpersonal skills, team collaboration, and teamwork
- Staff development and leadership development
- Multi-tiered support systems
- Program development and course design
Certification
- Maryland Teacher Certificate (Advanced)
- Positive Behavioral Intervention Support (PBIS) Badge #1
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Accomplishments
- Nominated for Teacher of the Year 2024
Training
- Advance Advant Leadership, August 2021
- Book analysis, July 2021 1 MSDE credit
- Teaching Heritage Languages through the Language Arts, June 21 to July 28th
- PBIS, University of Alaska Fall 2018
- Transition (Special Education) the University of Alaska, Spring 2019
- Growth Mindset, University of Alaska, Spring 2019
- SIOP, University of Alaska, Spring 2019
- Precautions Against Bloodborne Pathogens, November 2, 2018
- Equity Training for Educators, October 25, 2018
- Mandated Reports of Child Abuse and Neglect, October 17th, 2018
- Prenatal Alcohol and Drug-Related Disabilities, October 16, 2018
- Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Training for Educators, September 29, 2018
- Second Language Acquisition and ESL Methodology, April 10, 2015
- MD TESOL Membership August 2015
- Understanding Chinese Students in a US Education Environment, Dr. Bao Dept of Accounting, FSU December 2014
- What Makes a Good Partner School SACM & other Sponsoring Agencies, December 19, 2014
Timeline
World Language Department Chair
Washington County Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Equity Coach
WCPS- South Hagerstown High School
08.2019 - Current
Spanish Teacher
WCPS- South Hagerstown High School
08.2018 - Current
Special Education Teacher
LKSD- Rocky Mountain School
08.2018 - 05.2019
Bilingual Customer Service Analysts
CAMIS
02.2017 - 07.2018
Academic Coordinator
The Language Company
05.2015 - 02.2016
ESL Instructor
The Language Company
08.2013 - 02.2016
Administrative Supervisor/Manager
Western Maryland Health System Durable Medical Equipment
01.2012 - 04.2013
Clinical Representative
WMHS Durable Medical Equipment
10.2011 - 01.2012
Operations Manager Housekeeping & Patient Transport
Crothall, Western Maryland Health Systems
02.2011 - 10.2011
Supervisor of Patient Transportation
Western Maryland Health System
10.2010 - 02.2011
Patient Flow Coordinator
Western Maryland Health System
11.2008 - 02.2011
Spanish Teacher
Allegany Board of Education
01.2006 - 01.2007
ESL and Secondary Education Professor
Frostburg State University
01.2005 - 06.2023
Special Education Facilitator/Special Education
Westmar High School
08.2002 - 07.2004
French Teacher
Westmar High School
01.2002 - 01.2006
Ph.D. - Principal Leadership
Point Park University
Masters of Education - Special Education / Secondary Education
Frostburg State University
Bachelor of Education - Secondary Education / Modern Foreign Language (Spanish)
Frostburg State University
Associate of Science - Secondary Education Foreign Language (Spanish)
Allegany College
Similar Profiles
Tammy RheinsmithTammy Rheinsmith
Special Education Teacher at Virginia Beach City Public Schools; Washington County Public SchoolsSpecial Education Teacher at Virginia Beach City Public Schools; Washington County Public Schools
Kassandra MoyersKassandra Moyers
Connection's Paraeducator at Washington County Public SchoolsConnection's Paraeducator at Washington County Public Schools
Stefani BryantStefani Bryant
Gifted and Talented Educator at Washington County Public Schools EducationGifted and Talented Educator at Washington County Public Schools Education
Jennifer SchwartzJennifer Schwartz
Community Schools Specialist at Washington County Public SchoolsCommunity Schools Specialist at Washington County Public Schools
Shelli HarshmanShelli Harshman
Specialty Member Advisor at SECU of MarylandSpecialty Member Advisor at SECU of Maryland