Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Interests
Affiliations
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Karyn Senita

Grove City

Summary

Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association's Teacher of the Year - 2022

The Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages' Teacher of the Year Finalist - 2023


Enthusiastic ACTFL-centered French teacher, avid world traveler, experienced facilitator of learning and service-based travel, passionate community builder who embraces collaboration and global-centric models of instruction. Zealous about pre-service teaching models and experiences, individual growth, and helping student identify and actualize their goals. Self-proclaimed professional development fanatic. Constantly and consistently reflecting on my own teaching practice to better the experience for my students and create an inclusive, input-based environment.


Overview

25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Adjunct Education Professor

Grove City College
08.2019 - Current
  • instructing two methodology-related courses for pre-service teachers with a lab-aspect in the high school classroom
  • instructing, advising, and overseeing field experiences for sophomores (in all certification areas) as a project-based experience
    • educating future teachers on ACTFL World-Readiness standards and High-leverage teaching practices
    • demonstrating varied methodologies and aspects of a Communicative Language Approach in practice
  • assisting in the supervision of World Language student teachers
  • collaborating with local teachers to guide students in field experiences including meaningful teaching moments to supercede traditional observation practices
  • advising field students in non-language disciplines (History, English, Elementary Ed) to collaborate with the Global Scholars program and create Connections relevant to both groups of students

SAT Site Coordinator

Educational Testing Services
08.2019 - Current
  • piloting and beta testing the new digital SAT (currently) that will be released in Fall 2023
  • liaison between College Board and the school district
  • coordinating staff training and certification to administer the SAT
  • ensuring the smooth administration of the weekend SAT and material return

High School French Teacher

Grove City Area School District
08.2017 - Current
  • teaching French I, II, III, and AP (program I implemented in 2020)
  • implementing a proficiency-driven, culturally diverse curriculum using ACTFL-aligned standards
  • designed and advising a robust PSMLA Global Scholars program
    • designing and implementing a Pre-K language program at the YMCA
    • engaging local university students and faculty to share out areas of expertise
    • embedding student agency into the design and selection of the program activities
    • inviting faculty and students from other disciplines to events with common goals
  • collaborating cross-departmentally to create Connections within our building
  • collaborating interdisciplinarily at 2 local universities to create Communities of learning
  • collaborating with local agencies to create Communities of service
  • cooperating teacher for field and student teachers
  • working with an administrative and faculty cohort and the National Committee on Economics and Education (NCEE) to strategically make systemic changes for the district
  • open classroom policy for professional collaboration and observation
  • assisting with a team of freshmen-leveled teachers in identifying students struggling academically or socially to group into focused academic support and/or SEL needs
  • advising students with Individual Learning Plans
  • facilitating online coursework for remote/virtual students
  • member of the Student Assistance Program team which engages local agencies (CYS, Law enforcement, mental health) for high-risk students

Operations captain

P3R (Pittsburgh Three Rivers non-profit)
04.2012 - Current
  • coordinating finish line operations for the Pittsburgh Marathon and affiliate races
  • supporting the Operations Manager in all functions
  • supporting the Volunteer Coordinator to manage finish chute volunteers
  • ensuring a positive end-of-race experience for 40,000 finishers

World Languages Department Chair, Upper School French Teacher

Winchester Thurston School
08.2013 - 08.2017
  • taught French II, III, IV, and AP
  • implemented a proficiency-driven curriculum in a collaborative department
  • led and collaborated with a diverse language department (11 teachers, 4 languages)
  • standardized growth assessment across languages by implementing STAMP exams as a Level 3 and exiting year exam benchmark
  • led a Collaborative Friends Group (Quaker model, cross-divisional cohort) to self-identify areas of desired growth and inspire constructive conversation
  • served on multiple committes (wellness, curriculum, diversity, admissions)
  • advised the Winchester Community Leaders club

Senior School French Teacher

Sewickley Academy
09.2011 - 05.2013
  • long-term substitute position
  • taught French I, III, IV, V, and post-AP literature study
  • advised seniors in their college search
  • collaborated with a cohesive department across three divisions

High School French Teacher

Slippery Rock Area School District
08.2000 - 08.2011
  • taught French I, II, III, IV
  • traveled with students to France and England
  • advised the National Honor Society
  • coached the United States Academic Decathlon team (regional and state awards)
  • directed the High School Musical
  • advised Stage Crew / Stage director
  • served on multiple committees (administrative search, curriculum, technology)
  • Butler County Red Apple Teacher of the Year

High School French Teacher

Darlington County School District, SC
08.1999 - 08.2000
  • taught French I, II, and III
  • Darlington County Sallie Mae Teacher of the Year (1st year teachers)
  • co-sponsored the Senior Class 
  • collaborated with Language teachers across the multi-high school district
  • co-wrote a grant for cross-divisonal collaboration (high school / elementary school)

Education

Master of Arts - French

University of Northern Iowa
Angers, France
07-2010

Bachelor of Art - French and Secondary Education

Thiel College
Greenville, PA
05-1998

Interests

  • ACIS - organized and led student travel groups to France, England, Spain, and Italy since 2002, participated in multiple global teacher conferences
  • Landmark Educational Tours - organized and led student travel groups to Québec, Canada, since 2022, presenting at a teacher conference for Landmark in 2025
  • EF - co-led a 4 country tour as an emergency trip leader


Affiliations

  • ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages)
  • AATF (American Association of Teachers of French)
  • PSMLA (Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association)
  • PACIE (Pennsylvania Council for International Education)

Certification

Pennsylvania Department of Education, Level 2 Certified (French, Family and Consumer Science) May 1998


American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages - Oral Proficiency Interview trained July 2014


Google Certified Educator, Level 1 May 2020

Timeline

Adjunct Education Professor

Grove City College
08.2019 - Current

SAT Site Coordinator

Educational Testing Services
08.2019 - Current

High School French Teacher

Grove City Area School District
08.2017 - Current

World Languages Department Chair, Upper School French Teacher

Winchester Thurston School
08.2013 - 08.2017

Operations captain

P3R (Pittsburgh Three Rivers non-profit)
04.2012 - Current

Senior School French Teacher

Sewickley Academy
09.2011 - 05.2013

High School French Teacher

Slippery Rock Area School District
08.2000 - 08.2011

High School French Teacher

Darlington County School District, SC
08.1999 - 08.2000

Master of Arts - French

University of Northern Iowa

Bachelor of Art - French and Secondary Education

Thiel College

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Karyn Senita