Kayla Kolean

1559 Blackbird Lane, Howell, Michigan 48371

Cell: (517) 599-1947 Email: kayla.kolean@gmail.com

Online Profile: misskolean.weebly.com

Targeting Japanese Teacher Positions

Knowledgeable, dependable, and enthusiastic educator committed to increasing students Japanese writing,
listening, speaking, and reading skills, as well as developing students cultural awareness.

Education and Certification

Achievement Award for Japanese Study: Yamasa Japanese Institute, Okazaki, Japan

November 2013

Dual Secondary Teaching Certificate-English and Japanese: Michigan State University, Michigan
Bachelor of Arts Degree, English: Michigan State University, Michigan GPA: 3.6/4.0

April 2012
May 2011

Teaching Experience
ESL and English Teacher: Eastern International Baccalaureate School in Lansing, MI

July 2014-Current

Created IB and common core based curriculums for two new English Language Learners English courses for
grades 7 and 8. Evaluated and placed students into leveled classes based on incoming refugee students English
levels. Differentiated instruction to engage different learner profiles; created summative and formative
assessment in speaking, listening, reading, and writing to show student growth throughout the year.
Coordinated with other teachers to provide cross curricular instruction. Showed significant growth in student
achievement (AIMS web test, >10% average). Member of the ESL steering committee.
Long Term Substitute Teacher: Novi Middle School, MI

April 2014-May 2014

Instructed four different classes: ESL, English Language Arts, Japanese and Spanish. Prepared engaging activities
to improve student participation and understanding. Coordinated with other teachers to create a final
summative assessment for each of the above four classes. Assessed students performance through listening,
speaking, reading, and writing tasks. Planned engaging cultural activities for the foreign language classes.
Private Tutor: Oakland County, MI

December 2013-Current

Practice ESL, Business English, Conversational English and Japanese with 17+ students of various ages and
proficiency levels. Individualize lessons to suit clients goals. Motivate low proficiency students to increase their
proficiently so that they can manage to communicate efficiently and effectively in a variety of situations.
ESL Teacher: Amity Language School in Osaka, Japan

May 2012- May 2013

Worked with student ages 2-18 years old in one-on-one, small group, and large group instructional settings.
Created language games, songs, and activities to make English fun and engaging. 90% of students passed English
proficiency test TOIC equal to, or above, their age level.
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English Teacher: Heritage Middle School, MI

August 2011 April 2012

Taught English to ESL, special education, and main stream students (ages 12-14). Created lessons to challenge
and engage students, which lead to students marked improvement in grammar, comprehension, writing, public
speaking, and high order thinking skills on their annual district-wide tests. Worked with staff to enrich student
learning, form school wide events, and set up extracurricular activities.
Student Athlete Tutor: Michigan State University, MI

August 2010 May 2011

Tutored 20 different students in various subjects: English, Chemistry, Biology, and Telecommunications.
Fostered students reading strategies, study skills, computer skills, and writing techniques to help them achieve
throughout their college academic experiences.

Study Abroad Experience

Okazaki, Japan

June 2013-November 2013

Attended the Summer Accelerated Course and Japanese Conversation Course at Yamasa Japanese Language
Institute. Studied the differences between American and Japanese culture. Actively contributed to a local
volunteer group to learn more about the daily life and customs of a variety of Japanese people.
Hikone, Japan

June 2009-August 2009

Participated in Japanese Language Intensive Summer Program at JCMU (Japanese Center for Michigan
Universities). Participated in a home stay in Hikone, Japan. Tutored two elementary students to improve their
oral English skills through visuals, interactive games, and technology. Conversed with Kyoto English Learning
Club members to encourage international relations, while also developing their English oral fluency.

Volunteer Experience
Teachers Aide: Novi High School, MI

January 2014-April 2014

Worked with Japanese level 1 through AP students in small groups and also one-on-one to improve students
comprehension. Participated in cultural events (such as calligraphy and tea making) after school.
Teachers Aide: Farmington Middle School, MI

January 2014-April 2014

Assisted in a second level Japanese class of 15 students. Taught various lessons on Japanese culture based on
personal knowledge and experiences from my time abroad. Worked with the teacher to help during oral
assessments of students.
Teachers Assistant: Grand Ledge High School, MI

October 2010- December 2010

Observed and assisted in an English grammar class of students (ages 14-16). Created activities and lessons for
improving students comprehension and application of grammar and literature topics.
Tutor: Lansing Refugee Development Center, MI

September 2009- December 2009

Tutored individuals of various ages (8-59) in English and Math, explained American culture, and various English
business documents. Facilitated English reading, writing, and oral communication development.
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