Sarah Aguilar Francis
Pittsburgh,PA
Summary
Dynamic curriculum development professional with 17 years of proven success in creating proficiency-based and communicative curricula. Committed to fostering a collaborative environment by engaging with diverse specialists to identify and employ the most effective methodologies. Strong advocate for continuous learning and innovation in educational practices.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Spanish Teacher
Winchester Thurston School
08.2023 - Current
- Teach Spanish I–AP with a focus on engaging, culturally relevant curriculum.
- Develop and implement Integrated Performance Assessments (IPAs) with a focus on proficiency and literacy skill development.
- Integrate EdTech and AI tools to support student engagement and skill development.
- Developed and wrote curricula in both Spanish and English, often sharing curriculum with other teachers.
Language & Culture Department Chair & Spanish Teacher
William Penn Charter School
08.2012 - 06.2023
- Led K–12 department of 16 educators; oversaw curriculum review and adoption of proficiency-based, literacy-aligned instruction.
- Provided coaching, observations, and professional development for faculty.
- Designed Spanish curricula across levels, from beginner to AP.
- Directed cultural programs, student associations, and international exchanges.
- Planned and executed professional development sessions for department faculty and staff.
- Engaged in iterative design cycles with feedback from colleagues and conferences.
Spanish Teacher (Elementary–High School)
Liberty Common School
08.2008 - 06.2011
- Created a school-wide Spanish curriculum across elementary, middle, and high school.
- Introduced strategies for emerging bilingual learners.
Education
M.A. - Applied Second Language Acquisition
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PAB.A. - Spanish Language & Culture
Juniata College
Huntingdon, PASkills
- Bilingual: Spanish/English (heritage speaker)
- Curriculum design and instructional planning (K–12)
- Teacher coaching & professional development
- Strong EdTech skills (Google Suite, Pear Deck, Canva, Formative, GimKit, Conjuguemos)
- Skilled collaborator with expertise in scaffolding for diverse learners
Affiliations
- Presenter at ACTFL, NECTFL, and PSMLA conferences.
- Active member: ACTFL, PSMLA.
Timeline
Spanish Teacher
Winchester Thurston School
08.2023 - Current
Language & Culture Department Chair & Spanish Teacher
William Penn Charter School
08.2012 - 06.2023
Spanish Teacher (Elementary–High School)
Liberty Common School
08.2008 - 06.2011
M.A. - Applied Second Language Acquisition
Carnegie Mellon University
B.A. - Spanish Language & Culture
Juniata College
Professional Development
Member of Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association (PSMLA)
Member of American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)
Making Language Stick: Strategies to Help Students Learn and Retain Language - Co- presented at Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association Conference in Fall of 2019
En busca del sueño americano: El viaje al Norte - Co-presented at Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association Conference in Fall of 2018
Best of PA: Achieving Proficiency Through the Three Modes of Communication - Co-presented at Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in Spring of 2017
Achieving proficiency through the three modes of communication - Co-presented at Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association Conference in Fall of 2015
Developing Communicative Proficiency through Task-based Instruction - Co-presented at Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association Conference in Fall of 2014
Integrated Performance Assessments: A Student-Centered Approach to Developing Proficiency - Co-presented at Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages in Spring of 2014