Debra's Resume

Debra Cota

East Campus * K Block Apartment 6 * Bilkent, Ankara, Turkey

debracota@yahoo.com

Profile

Resourceful and innovative teacher who has taught in numerous educational settings for many years. Dedicated to the well being of individual growth with each child. Encourages community and parental involvement within the evolution of courses taught. Exceptional communicator with students and parents through an intuitive and ambassadorial approach.

Objective

To obtain a preschool or kindergarten teaching position in an international school.

Education

B.S., Elementary Education, May 1991, Saint Cloud State University,

St. Cloud, MN

Council of International School Accreditation Workshop (Team Visit) Training, September 2009

PYP Level 3, Early Years Program, July 2009.

PYP Level 2, Assessment in The PYP, November 2008.

PYP Waking Up to The PYP Level 1, February-May 2008

KRI Yoga Certification, (Kundalini Research Institute), January-August 2006, (Center for Happiness), Minneapolis, MN

Yoga For Youth At Risk, October 2004, with Krishna Kaur Khalsa, (Y.O.G.A. For Youth), Minneapolis, MN

Radiant Child Yoga Program Level 3, September 2004, with Shakta Kaur Khalsa, (Children’s Yoga), Chicago, IL

Radiant Child Yoga Program Levels 1 and 2, September 2003 with Shakta Kaur Khalsa, (Children’s Yoga), Chicago, IL

Waldorf: Teaching Your Preschooler, January-May 2002 (Waldorf teacher trainer program), Minneapolis, MN

Minnesota Literacy Council, September-October 1994, certificate to teach English as a Second Language, Minneapolis, MN

Study Abroad Program, Alnwick, England, September 1988 to March 1989.

International Experience

Lived and Worked, Tel Aviv, Israel

Sketching Course, Prague, Czech Republic

Himalayan Trek, Annapurna Range, Nepal

Global Exploration, May 1995 to July 1996, studied world cultures and religions.

(Traveled numerous countries within Europe, Near East, Northern Africa, Asia, and North America).

Work Experience/Skills

Preschool Teacher, Bilkent International Preparatory School, Ankara, Turkey, 2007 to present.

Home School Educator, Interdisciplinary and direct instruction to my two boys, in addition to other home-schooled children, September 2004 to 2007.

Founder and Co-Director of LAF (Language and Arts Fun) Preschool, Montessori/Spanish/ASL program, September 2001 to May 2004.

Yoga Instructor, Seward Montessori School K-6, Minneapolis Community Education, Minneapolis After School Programs, Minneapolis Yoga Workshop, Center for Happiness, Movement Arts Center, Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center, 2003 to present.

Writer, children’s stories, Honorable Mention, Shabo Award at The Loft, Minneapolis, MN.

Substitute Teacher, taught grades 1-5, September 1996 to April 1997, Hudson, WI.

Community Involvement Programs, Counselor/Life Coach to developmentally disabled adults, Minneapolis, MN., August 1992 to April 1995

Elementary Education Teacher, taught 6^th grade, Ysleta Independent School District, El Paso, TX., September 1991 to May 1992

PeaceJam Program, Adult Chaperone for PeaceJam Conference (Guest of Honor, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Wangari Maathai). March 2006

Activities/Hobbies

Yoga instructor to colleagues at Bilkent, volunteer work at homeless shelters, block club leader in Minneapolis neighborhood, numerous artistic endeavors, writer, community activities organizer, avid reader, outdoor recreation: biking, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, camping, hiking.

References on file with:

International School Services (ISS)

The International Educator (TIE online)