Merlin Valdez
EDUCATION: Syracuse University; Syracuse, NY
Bachelors of Science in Communication and Rhetorical Studies
Minors in Global Enterprise Technology & Latin American Studies
Cumulative GPA: 3.63
Southern Methodist University; Dallas, TX.
Postgraduate Certification in Inclusive Elementary Education Grades K-6
Cumulative GPA: 3.85
RELEVANT COURSEWORK:
Public Speaking, Argumentation, and Advocacy
Global Community and International Relations
Intercultural Communication
EXPERIENCE:
Teach for America, Roger Q Mills Elementary School; Dallas, TX
June 2010 - May 2014
August 2014 – May 2015
Japanese Pop Culture and Social Practice
Foundations of Education
Cultural Asian Studies
4th Grade Bilingual Teacher
June 2014 - Present
Provide whole group and differentiated instruction in the subjects of reading, writing, and social studies to 30 students,
employing the Gomez-Gomez dual language instructional model.
Serve as an emotional and motivational counselor for all students in my school community to promote a growth-driven
attitude and a vision to attend college as a reality in our student’s communities.
Create and present culturally relevant content inside and outside of the classroom that not only entices the students to
seek to learn more about their cultural roots, but exposes them to cultures they might see as radically different from
their own.
My mission with Teach for America is to assist in closing the educational gap in our nation by not only serving as an
excellent teacher that is committed to achieving academic gains in the classroom; but also as a leader that can serve as
an advocate for the needs of my students outside of it.
The Experiment in International Living; Hokkaido, Japan
Travel Group Leader
June 2013 - August 2016
Responsible for the safety and well-being of 13 High School Students from all over the United States in an exploratory
trip to northern Japan designed to develop their cultural and societal understanding of the land, its people, and its
language
Served as an international ambassador for World Learning and the Experiment in International Living by translating,
planning, and facilitating all communication between the parent organization and the local support groups in Japan.
Planned and executed a one month long itinerary following the events outlined by the parent organization and their
support groups
Accurately Managed and tracked a programming budget of over US $10,000
Served as an example and an enforcer of cultural understanding, respect, and tolerance between the American high
school students and their Japanese interlocutors.
LEADERSHIP ROLES:
Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity
Active Alumni
April 2011 - Present
Active member of a brotherhood based on the values of Leadership, Scholarship and Fellowship
Formerly responsible for all branding and marketing endeavors of the organization including creation and execution of
campus wide events; marketing materials, and overall image and representation of the organization by its members
Kansai Gaidai University Asian Studies Program;
Exchange Student
August - December 2012
Participant of five month exchange program in Hirakata, Japan, taking intensive Japanese Language, Intercultural
Communication, and Popular Media and Culture courses in order to become immersed into Japanese society and
become knowledgeable of Asian affairs and their importance to the world
Co-created, drafted, and lead a new organization called Fiesta Latina, created with the purpose of enriching the cultural
exchange between Latino and Japanese Students in Kansai Gaidai
SKILLS:
Fluent in conversational and written Spanish, Intermediate conversational and written Japanese
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Experienced public speaker trained in mediation, negotiation, and persuasion
Experienced in the development and execution of social media campaigns
