Sports & athletics
Rachèle DeMeo
Educational Program Director
Montpellier
Summary
Dynamic and visionary education leader with over 20 years of multilingual teaching, curriculum development, and nonprofit management experience. Founder and Director of FLAM San Diego, an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to bilingual and multicultural education. Passionate about designing innovative, learner-centered programs that nurture language acquisition, cultural identity, and community engagement. Seeking a Director or Curriculum leadership role to leverage expertise in program design, team management, and educational outreach to drive impactful, inclusive learning environments and empower educators and families worldwide.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
2027
2027
years of post-secondary education
4
4
Languages
Work History
Founder / President / Director
FLAM San Diego
10.2019 - Current
- As the founder and director of FLAM San Diego, I have built and led an internationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to promoting French language and culture among bilingual and multilingual children. I oversee program design, pedagogical innovation, and team management, while coordinating family-friendly activities tailored to Francophone and Francophile communities.
- Developed and implemented French educational programs adapted to the age and needs of heritage language learners.
- Led pedagogical coordination, ensuring teaching excellence aligned with international FLAM standards.
- Supported bilingual families in preserving and nurturing their children's bilingualism.
- Organized cultural events, educational workshops, and extracurricular activities conducted in French.
- Recruited and trained certified teachers and activity leaders.
- Managed strategic, administrative, and community outreach efforts to expand FLAM San Diego's impact.
Founder / Instructor
Belle Terre Academy
02.2019 - Current
- Designed and developed self-paced online French courses tailored for English speakers eager to learn French. These interactive and flexible courses cater to beginners as well as language enthusiasts seeking a clear and engaging learning path.
Presenter / Trainer
01.2013 - Current
- Regular speaker and trainer for educators, academic coordinators, and education professionals. I design and deliver workshops and conferences focused on language teaching, innovative pedagogical approaches, bilingualism, and learner-centered education.
- Created and facilitated sessions on French language instruction, differentiated teaching, valuing multilingual families, and student engagement.
- Collaborated with diverse organizations including universities, schools, associations, businesses, and school districts.
- Delivered key presentations for institutions such as the San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego State University, USC, Alliance Française de San Diego, AATF, California Language Teachers Association, FLAM USA, and FLAM San Diego (amongst others)
Translator / Interpreter
01.1998 - 03.2022
- Provided professional translation and interpretation services to a wide range of clients and international organizations across diverse fields including sports, technology, NGOs, government agencies (Rayburn Building in Washington D.C. for instance), and corporate sectors.
President
American Association of Teachers of French - San Diego Chapter
05.2018 - 01.2022
- Led the chapter in organizing community events promoting French language and culture. Planned conferences and workshops for educators, managed a dedicated team, and created innovative teaching resources to enhance language instruction.
- Volunteer
French Instructor
01.2007 - 06.2019
- Provided private French instruction in individual and small group settings, specializing in tailored approaches to meet diverse learner needs.
Adjunct French Professor
MiraCosta College
07.2010 - 01.2019
- Taught beginner to advanced French courses on campus and online, earning strong student appreciation. Mentored students, developed instructional materials, organized cultural study trips, and led professional development workshops for faculty.
Adjunct French Professor
Palomar College
01.2017 - 06.2018
- Taught beginner French and pronunciation classes. Created course materials and organized an immersive study trip to France.
French & English Teacher
Cal Coast Academy
08.2008 - 08.2009
- Taught French to high school students with a focus on preparing them for the AP French exam (Advanced Placement).
- Provided personalized tutoring support to help students maximize their success in AP French.
- Also taught high school English literature classes.
Substitute Teacher
Tri-City Christian School
08.2007 - 08.2008
- Versatile substitute teacher covering all subjects from elementary through high school.
- Adapted and energized lessons to meet the diverse needs of students.
Substitute Teacher
New Venture Christian Schools
08.2007 - 08.2008
- Flexible substitute teacher working with students from elementary to high school across all subjects.
French Teacher & School Counselor
Temecula Preparatory School
01.2004 - 12.2005
- Taught French levels 6 through French II to middle and high school students, adapting instruction to meet diverse learner needs.
- Provided personalized student support for exam preparation, college admissions guidance, and wrote recommendation letters.
- Handled administrative duties as district representative and secretary, facilitating communication between school, families, and district leadership.
French Professor
Calvary Chapel Bible College
07.2004 - 07.2005
- Taught beginner-level French, creating curricula, lesson plans, and educational materials.
- Assisted in organizing cultural study trips to France.
Trilingual Educator (French, English, Italian) | Translator & Interpreter | Administrative Assistant
Berlitz Language Center & Northrop Grumman
08.2002 - 06.2004
- Language instructor for French, English, and Italian at all levels, delivering group classes, private lessons, and corporate training (including at Northrop Grumman and Sylvan Learning Center).
- Provided interpretation and translation (English-French) both written and oral.
- Served as administrative assistant at Northrop Grumman.
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teacher
École Blaise Pascal
09.1999 - 07.2002
- Taught English to young learners from kindergarten to 2nd grade using age-appropriate, engaging methods for gradual language acquisition.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Organizational Leadership
Northwestern Christian University
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Teaching and Learning
Liberty University
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Christian Studies
Luther Rice College & Seminary
Certificate - Program for Online Teaching & Online Education
MiraCosta College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Christian Education
Maryland Bible College
One year of studies - Education
Institut Théologique de Nîmes
01.2001 - 01.2002
Baccalauréat - Languages (French, English, Italian), Philosophy, Literature
CNED (National Centre for Distance Education, France)
Skills
- Instructional leadership
- Curriculum design
- Organizational growth strategies
- Team leadership
- Multilingual team coordination
- Higher education instruction
- Event coordination
- Online course development
- Effective public speaking
- Effective communication
- Video content production
- Business development
Honors And Awards
- Certificate of Appreciation, 07/01/17, Recognition for valuable contributions to RI International's Countrywide Speak-Out and Learn program.
- Guest Speaker at RI International of San Diego, Presented on budgeting and money-saving tips.
- Certificate of Recognition, 12/01/16, Awarded by The American Association of Teachers of French - San Diego for merit in French education.
Publications
- How to Teach French through Community, Games, and Culture
KDP, 2021
A concise guide designed to help French teachers make their lessons lively and effective by using community involvement, fun games, and culture to boost learning.
- Teach French With a Sense of Humor (Chapter in book)
University of Canberra, 2021
A chapter in a larger academic work where Rachèle shares her strategies for teaching French with joy and engagement.
- How to Successfully Raise Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Children
KDP, 2020
A warm, practical guide for parents who want to raise children fluent in multiple languages and comfortable in diverse cultures, based on her personal experience and research.
- Fluent in French: How to Become Proficient in French for a Lifetime!
KDP, 2019
Tools and tips to maintain a living, vibrant French language skill, avoid language loss, and speak with confidence throughout life.
- Le Français for Everyone I
KDP, 2018
A complete French learning manual for English speakers including pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, culture, music, cinema, philosophy, and French literature, enhanced with online videos and interviews.
- Le Français for Everyone II
KDP, 2018
The follow-up manual deepening the learning experience with more resources and advice for learners of all ages and levels.
- “Practicing French Beyond the Classroom”
Journal: Le français dans le monde, No. 416, March-April 2018
An article on how to keep French practice active outside the classroom.
- “Maintaining and Progressing in a Learned Language”
International Journal of Language and Literature, March 2017
An academic article discussing strategies for sustainable progress in a learned language.
Citizenships / Nationalities
- American
- French
- Italian
Interests
Travel
Cooking
Timeline
Founder / President / Director
FLAM San Diego
10.2019 - Current
Founder / Instructor
Belle Terre Academy
02.2019 - Current
President
American Association of Teachers of French - San Diego Chapter
05.2018 - 01.2022
Adjunct French Professor
Palomar College
01.2017 - 06.2018
Presenter / Trainer
01.2013 - Current
Adjunct French Professor
MiraCosta College
07.2010 - 01.2019
French & English Teacher
Cal Coast Academy
08.2008 - 08.2009
Substitute Teacher
Tri-City Christian School
08.2007 - 08.2008
Substitute Teacher
New Venture Christian Schools
08.2007 - 08.2008
French Instructor
01.2007 - 06.2019
French Professor
Calvary Chapel Bible College
07.2004 - 07.2005
French Teacher & School Counselor
Temecula Preparatory School
01.2004 - 12.2005
Trilingual Educator (French, English, Italian) | Translator & Interpreter | Administrative Assistant
Berlitz Language Center & Northrop Grumman
08.2002 - 06.2004
One year of studies - Education
Institut Théologique de Nîmes
01.2001 - 01.2002
English as a Foreign Language (EFL) Teacher
École Blaise Pascal
09.1999 - 07.2002
Translator / Interpreter
01.1998 - 03.2022
Master of Education (M.Ed.) - Teaching and Learning
Liberty University
Master of Arts (M.A.) - Christian Studies
Luther Rice College & Seminary
Certificate - Program for Online Teaching & Online Education
MiraCosta College
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) - Christian Education
Maryland Bible College
Baccalauréat - Languages (French, English, Italian), Philosophy, Literature
CNED (National Centre for Distance Education, France)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Organizational Leadership
Northwestern Christian University