Javier Alonso Ruiz Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

Chicago, Illinois, United States

Wise Llama spearheads innovative solutions aimed at enhancing educational outcomes for diverse student populations and supporting educators in their vital roles. Our consulting services encompass comprehensive support in content writing, program design, professional development, coaching, and inclusive instructional practices.Achievements:-Led the development of guiding principles for a Science of Reading professional development program, prioritizing Structured Literacy and language development to foster effective literacy instruction-Designed and implemented an intensive 8-week professional development course, alongside crafting training materials and establishing a coaching framework - this initiative empowered mentors to cultivate research-based literacy and language skills among educators, thereby enriching classroom instruction and student learning experiences

New York, United States

Oversee the translation of English digital content into Spanish for Spanish-speaking math learners using Zearn, aligning with Zearn’s mission to inspire every student to engage deeply with math. Prepare digital lessons for translation, ensuring high-quality math education for Multilingual Learners (MLLs). Maintain and update processes for video scripts and source files to ensure seamless translation. Review Spanish digital lessons at multiple development stages and lead quality assurance to uphold high standards in Spanish translations.

Remote

Built and developed strategic partnerships across teams to ensure the integration of culturally responsive and sustaining practices into the design of Lexia English content, instructional resources, and learning experiences. Additionally, led a team in managing, reviewing, and editing all educational collateral to guarantee alignment with the program's guiding principles and pedagogy.Achievements:-Developed and delivered comprehensive training sessions to support marketing and school-facing teams in understanding the pedagogy and structure of Lexia English, fostering alignment with educational objectives-Led a cross-functional product team in enhancing school-to-home connections and refining instructional materials, resulting in improved engagement and learning outcomes-Successfully spearheaded the onboarding and training of new personnel, overseeing content production for updated versions of online and offline resources

Remote

Contributed to the development of online, student-facing curricula and learning experiences for Lexia English, a blended learning program for Emergent Bilinguals. Designed learning experiences and resources to support educators in enhancing their learners' English language development. Engaged in full-cycle product design and development, including pre- and post-release field research. Established and maintained documentation and processes integrating inclusive design practices into product development.Achievements:-Awarded Rosetta Stone’s Rock Star Award for designing foundational professional learning materials and training guides supporting cross-product alignment-Formulated guiding principles for the program grounded in socio-cultural, asset-based approaches to teaching and learning-Established a DE&I review protocol, fostering team capacity through professional development and weekly discussions-Presented the review team’s findings in regular company-wide workshops and presentationsLed the DE&I Committee’s project on Inclusive Design, enhancing alignment across Rosetta Stone’s entire product portfolio-Recognized in Lexia English's 2021 Gold Stevie Award win in the ELL/World Language Acquisition Instructional Solution category

Tulsa, Oklahoma Area

Tulsa Remote is a joint effort between the City of Tulsa and George Kaiser Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through investments in early childhood education, community health, social services and civic enhancement. I was one of 80 remote workers accepted into the program's first year cohort. More than 10,000 applicants from a wide array of industries applied.

New York, Ny

Provided instructional coaching and support for mentors, fostering the development of new and developing teachers. Conducted comprehensive data collection and analysis to assess the effectiveness of instructional mentoring tools, offering strategic guidance to clients. Implemented a wide range of learning opportunities tailored to school-based and district leaders, with a focus on cultivating optimal learning environments, promoting equitable instruction, and ensuring enhanced access for all learners.Achievements:-Directed initiatives resulting in additional gains of 2-4 months in math and reading for students in NTC-trained classrooms, recognized with an i3 Validation Grant of $20M-Served as official Bronx District 9 Liaison, collaborating closely with the Program Director and Superintendent’s Team to expand the reach of teacher induction programs-Collaborated with the New Settlement Parent Action Committee to integrate community-led workshops into mentor/new teacher trainings, fostering a holistic approach to educator development

San Francisco Bay Area

Designed and delivered professional development sessions and materials that emphasized affirmative, sociocultural approaches to teaching within the Quality Teaching for English Learners (QTEL) Initiative. Established and nurtured collaborative coaching networks nationwide, supporting educators working with newcomers, Long-Term English Learners (LTELs), and Students with Interrupted Formal Education (SIFE).Achievements:-Collaborated on securing grants to support the implementation of Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core State Standards in major urban areas such as NYC ($200K award) and Boston ($1.5M award)-Developed storyboards for internal products and digital media, effectively promoting the QTEL Initiative-Led week-long institutes focusing on science and bilingual education, attracting participants from across the nation and internationally-Recognized for contributions and research by esteemed organizations such as AERA, the National Research Council Board on Science Education, and TESOL at their respective conferences

Berkeley, California

Contributed literacy and instructional expertise to the development and field-testing of a science curriculum tailored for grades 6-8 within the Learning Design Group at the University of California, Berkeley. Meticulously reviewed finished instructional units and simulations, ensuring their usability, functionality, and adherence to governmental standards, including ADA compliance.Achievements:-Partnered with the instructional design team at Amplify to construct a tablet-based learning platform featuring embedded content and language supports specifically designed for English Learners (ELs) and students with special needs-Developed foundational frameworks and templates instrumental in guiding the design process and establishing timelines for the team, enhancing overall efficiency and productivity

Greater New York City Area

Coordinated English Language Learner (ELL) programs within the New York City Department of Education in the Bronx and Manhattan regions, including Spanish Language Arts and science instruction for grades 6-8. Instrumental in the development of assessments, monitoring student progress, and fostering language development in both primary and secondary languages.Achievements:-Co-founded the Dual Language Program at M.S.223, recognized as a model initiative by NYC Chancellor Carmen Fariña-Spearheaded the design of Lexile-aligned Spanish reading assessments in collaboration with Columbia University, earning a prestigious $30K award-Named a national finalist for Dual Language "School of the Year" by the Spanish Embassy, highlighting dedication to bilingual education excellence-Achieved double-digit improvements in math and reading proficiency among ELs under supervision-Established a Spanish Regents course at Tompkins Square Middle School, resulting in 98% of students receiving high school and college credit

Master'S, Teaching English To Speakers Of Other Languages (Tesol)

Activities and Societies: NYU Dean's Circle

Bachelor'S, Philosophy, Creative Writing

Activities and Societies: Dean's Circle Member, President Service Award Recipient

Graduate Coursework, Education Policy And Social Analysis

Relevant Coursework: Data Analysis for Policy and Decision Making, Logic and Design of Research in Education Policy and Social Analysis.

Graduate Coursework, Bilingual/Esl Teacher Leadership Academy (Betla)

Relevant Coursework: Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction, Leadership in ELL Instruction and Assessment, Staff Development.