Sylvan Whitmore
Paris
Summary
Primary school teacher with diverse experience and dedicated to developing student agency. Strengths include adapting to new challenges, creating engaging environments that promote peer-to-peer learning, and fostering positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues. Committed to growing as an educator and contributing to school community.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Primary School Teacher
ICS Paris
Paris
2024.08 - Current
- Teach a diverse class of international students
- Develop differentiated, interdisciplinary lesson plans aligned with the IB PYP curriculum
- Integrate BML teaching strategies to empower students and promote intercultural learning
- Monitor student progress and coordinate with parents and subject teachers to create continuity between learning environments
Lead Instructor
Primitive Pursuits
Ithaca
2019.06 - 2019.08
- Led outdoor activities for campers (aged 3 to 14)
- Managed junior staff members, ensuring effective instruction delivery and facilitating team meetings
- Communicated camp activities and incidents with parents to maintain transparency
Staff Instructor
IslandWood
Bainbridge Island
2018.08 - 2019.06
- Designed and delivered engaging outdoor education programs for students (aged 8-11)
- Mentored student instructors enrolled in educational Masters program
- Collaborated and co-taught with colleagues to enhance curriculum delivery
Environmental Educator
Mount Rainier Institute
Pack Forest
2017.09 - 2018.06
- Guided student groups through project-based, open inquiry research projects
- Led outdoor field trips to promote environmental awareness and stewardship
Outdoor Leader
Bluff Lake Nature Center
Denver
2017.06 - 2017.08
- Led outdoor educational programs for children (aged 6-12) and mentored junior counselors
- Communicated camp activities and incidents with parents
Environmental Educator
Houston Independent School District Outdoor Education Center
Trinity
2016.08 - 2017.04
- Developed and delivered engaging outdoor lessons on various topics for students (aged 10-11)
- Managed students during meals, evening activities, and overnight in cabins
- Led workshops for colleagues on topics related to communication and entomology
Research Assistant
Harvard University
Kibale National Park
2015.09 - 2016.03
- Collected photographic data for the Kibale Chimpanzee Project
Research Assistant
Language Acquisition Lab, Cornell University
Ithaca
2012.01 - 2014.07
- Conducted research and science communication related to medical linguistics
English as a Second Language Tutor
Cornell University
Ithaca
2012.09 - 2013.05
- Tutored international students and assisted instructors in ESL classes
English Teacher
Wildlife Conservation Association
Nam Et - Phou Louey National Park
2012.06 - 2012.08
- Taught English as a second language to national park employees and their children
- Developed and adapted lesson plans according to student needs
Education
MA - Linguistics and Communication (research)
University of Amsterdam
Amsterdam, The Netherlands08.2024
BA - Linguistics, Cognitive Science and Entomology
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY05.2015
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Lesson planning
- Classroom management
- Culturally responsive teaching
- Student-led pedagogy
- Assessment strategies
- Differentiated instruction
- Project-based learning
- Conflict resolution
- Parent communication
Languages
- English, Native
- French, B2
- Turkish, B1
- Spanish, A2
- German, A1
- Dutch, A1
Languages
English
First Language
French
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Turkish
Elementary (A2)
A2
Spanish
Elementary (A2)
A2
German
Beginner (A1)
A1
Dutch
Beginner
A1
Certification
- Children's Mental Well Being for International School (TES certification)
- Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs (TES certification)
- Making the PYP Happen: Implementing agency (IB certification)
- Bilingual and Multilingual Learners from the Inside-Out (Centre for Educators of BML certification)
- Culturally Responsive Teaching Strategies (IslandWood training)
- Active Listening (IslandWood training)
- Wilderness First Responder (Outward Bound certification)
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Primary School Teacher
ICS Paris
2024.08 - Current
Lead Instructor
Primitive Pursuits
2019.06 - 2019.08
Staff Instructor
IslandWood
2018.08 - 2019.06
Environmental Educator
Mount Rainier Institute
2017.09 - 2018.06
Outdoor Leader
Bluff Lake Nature Center
2017.06 - 2017.08
Environmental Educator
Houston Independent School District Outdoor Education Center
2016.08 - 2017.04
Research Assistant
Harvard University
2015.09 - 2016.03
English as a Second Language Tutor
Cornell University
2012.09 - 2013.05
English Teacher
Wildlife Conservation Association
2012.06 - 2012.08
Research Assistant
Language Acquisition Lab, Cornell University
2012.01 - 2014.07
MA - Linguistics and Communication (research)
University of Amsterdam
BA - Linguistics, Cognitive Science and Entomology
Cornell University