Ana Cristina Aleman
Educator
Panama
Summary
Dedicated educator skilled in building partnerships among families, teachers, and administration to enhance student well-being. Focused on collaboration to refine instructional strategies and create inclusive learning environments that promote critical thinking and emotional development. Drives student engagement and academic success through individualized education plans and adaptive technologies, empowering learners to achieve their full potential.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary and Early Years Spanish Teacher
Metropolitan School of Panama
Panama, Provincia de Panama
07.2011 - Current
- Designed engaging Spanish curricula aligned with national educational standards. Tailored instruction to address diverse needs of students within an inclusive classroom environment.
- Fostered supportive classroom environment by encouraging respect, responsibility, and open communication among students.
- Facilitated events aimed at inspiring appreciation for Spanish language and Panamanian culture within student community.
- Nurtured effective parent-teacher connections fostering teamwork in student learning environment.
Spanish as a Second Language Teacher (SSL)
Metropolitan School Of Panama
Panama, Provincia de Panama
08.2012 - Current
- Introduced dynamic instructional methods to increase student engagement and participation in language activities. Crafted engaging curriculum for multicultural language learners to boost fluency and comprehension.
- Adjusted teaching strategies to meet diverse learning preferences, ensuring effective grasp of complex concepts by all students.
- Facilitated learning for early years and elementary students on principles and practices of Spanish in small groups of five.
- Developed inclusive learning settings that strengthened confidence and independence in students' language acquisition.
Spanish Team Leader
Metropolitan School of Panama
Panama, Provincia de Panama
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Led training workshops for educators from public schools (Minister of Education- MEDUCA), improving teaching skills and promoting professional growth.
- Analyzed program outcomes to identify areas for improvement and drive strategic enhancements.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to align objectives, share best practices, and address challenges effectively.
- Coordinated national celebrations of Panama, promoting cultural awareness and engagement in educational settings.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities according to individual strengths and areas of expertise.
- Collaborated with other department leaders to establish shared goals and ensure alignment across teams.
Early Years Teacher
Magen David Academy
Panama, Provincia de Panama
07.2008 - 06.2011
- Enhanced cognitive and emotional skills of preschool-aged children through targeted learning activities, fostering holistic development.
- Monitored individual student progress and adapted pedagogical strategies, ensuring tailored support for optimized learning outcomes.
- Developed engaging didactic materials and educational resources, improving accessibility and engagement for diverse learning needs.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects, fostering integrated learning experiences across subjects.
- Assisted and supervised 10-15 students through entire school day.
Early Years Teacher
Colegio de Panamá
Panama
01.2007 - 06.2008
- Implemented individualized strategies for children with special needs, promoting inclusive education and fostering diverse learning experiences.
- Created nurturing environment that supported children's social and emotional development while encouraging positive interpersonal relationships.
- Redesigned classroom layout to improve accessibility and promote interactive learning opportunities for all students.
- Integrated technology into lesson plans to actively engage students and accommodate varied learning styles.
- Supported and supervised 15-20 students through entire school day.
Early Years Teacher
Centro Preescolar El Mundo de los Niños
Panama
03.2001 - 12.2006
- Designed and executed age-appropriate activities that significantly improved children's cognitive and physical skills.
- Documented children's behavior to tailor educational approaches that enhanced individual learning experiences.
- Guided new educators in classroom management techniques, fostering a supportive teaching environment.
- Organized family events that strengthened community ties and enhanced support for early childhood education.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Education With A Concentration in Early Childhood
Universidad Latina De Panamá
Panama, PA08-2021
Associate Degree - Spanish And Literature
IDESCA
Panama, PA07-2016
Skills
- Curriculum design
- Individualized instruction
- Instructional coaching
- Educational technology
- Data management
- Administrative management
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Community engagement
- Parental engagement
- Team collaboration
- Effective communication
- Student advocacy
Timeline
Spanish Team Leader
Metropolitan School of Panama
01.2019 - 01.2022
Spanish as a Second Language Teacher (SSL)
Metropolitan School Of Panama
08.2012 - Current
Elementary and Early Years Spanish Teacher
Metropolitan School of Panama
07.2011 - Current
Early Years Teacher
Magen David Academy
07.2008 - 06.2011
Early Years Teacher
Colegio de Panamá
01.2007 - 06.2008
Early Years Teacher
Centro Preescolar El Mundo de los Niños
03.2001 - 12.2006
Bachelor of Science - Education With A Concentration in Early Childhood
Universidad Latina De Panamá
Associate Degree - Spanish And Literature
IDESCA
Professional Development
Workshops Facilitated:
- Play-based Learning and the ATLs. Metropolitan School of Panama. March 2025.
- Developing Social-Emotional Skills in Early Childhood: Emotion-Connection-Learning. Met Work and Meduca. March 2023.
- Introduction to the Reggio Emilia Approach and Play-Based Learning. Metropolitan School of Panama and Motta Foundation. October 2019.
- Basic Skills to Develop in Early Childhood. Met Work and Meduca. April 2019.
Trainings and Seminars:
- What If It’s Not Autism? Masterclass for health and education professionals led by Dr. Florencia Sanabria, a specialist in neurodevelopment. May 2026.
- A Missing Ingredient in K-12 Curriculum - Adult Regulation. Online Conscious Discipline Seminar. April 2026.
- What Schools Need Now: A Brain-Based Answer to Escalating Behavior. Online Conscious Discipline Seminar. January 2026.
- Staying the Course Through Uncertainty and Change: Everyday Science & Strategies for Early Education Leaders. Online Session, Zaentz Professional Learning Academy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. November 2025.
- Mitigating Workplace Stress and Promoting Well-being: Everyday Science and Strategies for Early Education Leaders. Online Session, Zaentz Professional Learning Academy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. October 2025.
- Promoting Well-Being at Your Workplace. Online Session, Zaentz Professional Learning Academy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. September 2025.
- Connections to Inquiry in Early Childhood. Online session. IB Exchange. January 2025.
- A World of Differences: A Discussion on Human Diversity and Its Role in the Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of Early Childhood Programs. Webinar. Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. June 2024.
- AI for IB Educators. Webinar. IB Exchange. June 2024.
- 2nd International Congress on Inclusive Education: The Potential of Artificial Intelligence. Virtual Congress. Spain. April 2024.
- Approaches to Learning. In-person International Baccalaureate Workshop. Metropolitan School of Panama. October 2023.
- Pedagogy of Play Summit. Virtual Conference. Toddle Team. April 2023.
- The Role of Language in the Primary Years Program. Virtual International Baccalaureate Workshop. October 2021.
- Co-Educating Reggio at Home. Webinar. ZeroSei Project Team. June 2020.
- Transforming Activities into Learning Opportunities. Online Course. ZeroSei Project Team. June 2020.
- Project-Based Learning vs. Play-Based Learning. Online Course. ZeroSei Project Team. May 2020.
- Transdisciplinary Learning. In-person International Baccalaureate workshop. Metropolitan School of Panama. Sept. 2019.
- 5th Annual PAIS Teachers' Conference: Looking at Learning: A holistic approach to learning. Panama. March 2019.
- Play-based learning. In-person International Baccalaureate workshop. Metropolitan School of Panama. March 2018.
- 4th Annual PAIS Teachers' Conference: Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships. Panama. March 2017.
- Concept-Based Learning. In-Person International Baccalaureate Workshop. Metropolitan School of Panama. Oct. 2016.
- 3rd Annual PAIS Teachers' Conference: Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead. Panama. March 2016.
- Teaching and Learning. International Baccalaureate Workshop. Metropolitan School of Panama. October 2015.
- Inquiry. International Baccalaureate Workshop. Metropolitan School of Panama. Sept. 2012.
- Tri-Association Conference. Panama. February 2012.
- Making the PYP Happen. International Baccalaureate Workshop. Metropolitan School of Panama. August 2011.
Languages
- Spanish Native Speaker
- English Proficiency Advanced High C1, C2
References
- Mgt. Elides Rodriguez, EAL Teacher. Metropolitan School of Panama. Phone: (+507) 6804-9762
- Mgt. Shelley Felliu-Love. Founder Education Member. Raising Thinkers. Phone: +1 (904) 754-7354
- Mgt. Dalia Meir, Elementary School Principal, Magen David Academy, (+507) 6676-2848