Leona Ellefson

Hello! 

My name is Leo and I am two semesters away from completing my master's degree in TESOL. Additionally, I have 3+ years of ESL tutoring and teaching experience. I speak Spanish and I love being able to give other people the joy I have found with learning a second language. 

Substitute Teacher

Las Cruces Public Schools 

Mar 2023 - Present 

Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States

- Instructs a variety of K-12 classes on a daily basis across the LCPS district in the absence of the regular teacher
- Delivers lessons according to the regular teachers wishes, ensuring that the education process isn't disturbed in the absence of the teacher
- Manages the classrooms using positive techniques fostering a healthy learning environment where students can thrive
- Empowers students to be their best and learn the most through example and positive reinforcement

English Second Language Instructor Intern 

PLUS U.S. Corporation 

Feb 2022 - Apr 2022 

- Conducted engaging ESL lessons focused on English for real-world use over zoom, increasing the English levels of nonnative English-speaking high school-age students. 
- Adapted lesson content to the needs of the students, optimizing lesson time and increasing productivity. 
- Informed and guided students, ensuring students stayed focused and met lesson goals. 
- Exercised cultural sensitivity to encourage students to explore the ways language and culture intersect and influence their identities resulting in meaningful and useful language gains. 
- Maintained a safe and comfortable virtual classroom ensuring that students feel comfortable speaking and practicing English to increase their English conversation skills.

Arizona State University

Master's in TESOL

2021-2024

4.0 GPA

New Mexico State University

BA in Anthropology 

2019-2021 

3.96 GPA