Resume

Laura L. Davis (Ramírez)

sealaura1@gmail.com
Linkedin profile

CREATIVE & PASSIONATE BLOGGER -   WRITER   -   EDUCATOR   -   MULTI-LINGUAL

I am an innovative and energetic University Instructor. I am an avid writer and combine my multi-cultural perspective, academic experience, passion for the arts, culture and travel for my coastal lifestyle blog "sealaura". My teaching background has provided me with persuasive communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to contribute as a productive team leader or member. I am also a self-starter who exhibits a tireless work ethic and deep personal commitment to the achievement of goals. Fluent in English, Spanish and highly proficient in French.

~ Research & Intelligence Gathering           ~ Multimedia Presentations               ~ Public Speaking

~ Persuasive Communication                      ~ Leadership & Development              ~ Community Relations

NOTABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

* Launched sealaura blog to explore travel and lifestyle writing suitable for a coastal lifestyle.

* Researching and contributing to an arts and entertainment calendar for local NPR station.

* "Ms. Ramirez is often asked to guide independent studies and research...She has been integral to our multi-cultural center and Latin American Studies Program...She has created a very innovative website for students to access."  ~ Dr. Barbara Morris, Dean, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Redlands.

* "Laura's work was highly regarded...She can work independently and is a self-starter.  She is innovative...I feel she will be successful in any endeavor she chooses to undertake, whether it be in or outside the field of teaching."  ~ Dr. Janet Fisher-McPeak, University of Notre Dame.

* Recipient of Provost's Team Excellent Award in Spanish ( November 2011)
"In recognition of teaching excellence as demonstrated through the academic achievement of your students during the rigorous course of study at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center."
 

* Recipient of Foreign Language Area Award that granted full tuition waiver and the opportunity to study Brazilian language and culture - Kellogg Institute for International Studies (2000-2001).

* Awarded the University of Notre Dame Graduate Fellowship that granted full tuition waiver and a Graduate Instructorship for two years (1999-2001).

* Received Kaneb Award for Outstanding Teaching (2001).

Experience 

SEALAURA, COASTAL LIFESTYLE BLOGGER June 2008- present

·   Establish relationships with other bloggers and coastal lifestyle vendors

·   Author and publish key content and messaging to drive awareness for key coastal lifestyle products, trends, travel and fashion

·   Creative force behind developing and executing blog focus and all content

·   Promote website & website content via social media networking sites

POPE JOHN PAUL II HIGH SCHOOL, SPANISH TEACHER August 2013- June 2014

·   Spanish Teacher for the second and third year of Spanish.  Teaching load per semester consists of five sections including two sections of Advanced Spanish 2. 

 ·  Developed the content of my individual courses to meet the needs of the students who are often at different level despite being in the same course.  Led the Spanish club.  

·  Some of the highlights if our activities is preparing an altar for the Day of Dead and also celebrating Christmas Traditions in Latin America which can be seen here and here and on my Linkedin profile

·  Apart from language instruction, assisted students through advising on course selection, and after school tutorials.

    

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE, INSTRUCTOR October 2012- December 2012

·   Prepare Spanish Language curriculum geared towards managers and supervisors at a local manufacturing plant.

·   Ensure the client’s needs are met by preparing specific lessons geared towards a better understanding  of the employer-employee culture.

·   Teach classes based on the needs of local manufacturing plants.  Classes are created based on the demand of the local plants.

·   Maintain communication with students via email to make sure they are up to date with material and also to provide additional information and class material.

DEFENSE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE DEPARTMENT OF THE US ARMY, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR Monterey, CA  May  20011-January 2012

·   Assistant Professor in Spanish at The Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC).  The role of professors at DLIFLC is to work as the Department of Defense’s premier language educators so that our armed forces can be culturally and linguistically prepared to handle their military missions.

·   Taught 6 hours a day in target language to classes of mixed military branches using an intensive 6-month course curriculum.

·   Conducted OPI preparation interviews to aid in rapid language acquisition.

·   Provided individualized advising to support the success of the students so they could accomplish the mission at hand.

·   Coordinated mandatory study hall sessions for students, which included one on one tutoring.  Sessions were divided into conversation and listening comprehension practices to prepare students for DLPT examinations.  DLPT examinations are created at DLIFLC and administered by the Department of Defense to assess the general language proficiency of English speakers in a specific foreign language.

·   Prepared and participated in Language Immersion Sessions where only the target language was used and involved a variety of activities to simulate real world needs.

VOLUNTEER FOR ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT KVCR TV/FM, San Bernardino, CA  Fall 2010-March 2011

• Seek and establish contacts with local organizations, businesses, and universities in order to promote their events on air.
• Organize and update Arts and Entertainment calendar highlighting cultural events throughout the Inland Empire.

UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS, LECTURER Redlands, CA  Fall 2004-March 2011

·   Instructor for first, second and third year Spanish language.

·   Designed and developed course structure and content for class in Advanced Grammar and Composition using literature.

·   Initiated and coordinated a Latin American Film Series with Latin American Studies department titled “ Diferentes Caminos de la Juventud.” This title refers to the theme of youth in Latin America. Also organized a film series titled “ Argentina: Distintas Oportunidades ” (Different opportunities in Argentina).

·   Incorporated a course website to post assignments, and other tools for students.

·   Developed and taught independent study courses in Medical Spanish, and Conversational Spanish.

·   Launched a weekly Spanish chat hour for students and to have informal conversations

·   Evaluated incoming students to ensure proper level assessment for Spanish courses.

·   Advised students with course work, course selection, study abroad and career choices after college.

·   Experience gained using different types of media to enhance course content such as film, music and art.

UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME, VISITING LECTURER Notre Dame, IN  Fall 2001- Summer 2004

·   Instructor for first, second and third year Spanish language.

·   Developed supplementary course material for first and second year courses.

·   Designed and introduced a new course in Advanced Grammar and Writing

·   Served as a course coordinator for multi-sectioned Intermediate Spanish 201 courses.  Position involved coordinating the work of several instructors and supervising the curriculum for the course.

Education

University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 2001

MA Latin American and Iberian Studies

·       Focus of Master's program was Latin American and Iberian literature. Course work for MA was also complimented by graduate work in French Literature.

·       Received the Foreign Language Area Award. The Kellogg Institute gives this award for International Studies, through the Department of Education’s Title VI Grant. This award included full tuition waiver and the opportunity to engage in the study of Brazilian language and culture.

·       Received Kaneb Award for Outstanding Teaching 2001

Whittier College, Whittier, CA 1997

BA in Political Science and Political Culture

Honors

Provost's Team Excellent Award in Spanish November 2011
"In recognition of teaching excellence as demonstrated through the academic achievement of your students during the rigorous course of study at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center."