Jennifer Ridge Oliva
Boston
Summary
Dynamic World Language Department Head that excels in curriculum design and academic mentorship. Expert in instructional design, assessment, and performance evaluation. Fosters a collaborative environment that enhances student engagement and achievement. Committed to innovative teaching strategies that promote intercultural understanding and language proficiency.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
World Language Department Head, Spanish teacher, advisor
Buckingham Browne and Nichols School
Cambridge
09.2021 - Current
- Provides academic and instructional leadership for the World Languages department, overseeing curriculum development, assessment, and pedagogical best practices across all language programs.
- Evaluates and implements innovative instructional strategies, technologies, and assessment tools to enhance language acquisition.
- Supervises and supports a diverse team of language teachers, facilitating collaboration, mentorship, and professional growth.
- Creates a student-centered, communicative classroom that emphasizes proficiency, meaningful use of Spanish, and intercultural understanding.
- Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of students at varied proficiency levels, including heritage speakers.
- Actively supports students, providing mentorship and academic guidance, while fostering a classroom culture of respect, curiosity, and global awareness.
- Assesses and evaluate student performance through varied methods, including performance-based assessments, projects, essays, and exams.
- Provides timely and comprehensive written and oral feedback, including formal progress reports and end-of-term comments.
- Communicates effectively with students, parents, and colleagues regarding academic performance and student growth.
Speaking Examiner, Invigilator and Supervisor
Lenguas Vivas
Valencia
09.2014 - 07.2021
- Speaking Examiner Cambridge University English Exams (Levels A2-C1, YLE & Main Suite)
- Invigilator and Supervisor for written exam sessions (YLE-Main Suite)
English Language, Dir of International Orientation
New Castelar College
San Pedro del Pinatar
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Plan and deliver English Language and Literature courses (Grades 9, 11)
- Design and implementation of two year Public Speaking Program (Grades 11, 12)
- Prepare students for Cambridge University Exams, (FCE, CAE, CPE)
- Support students with alternate strategies and resources to develop ownership over their learning
- Research and selection of summer programs and study abroad opportunities for NCC students
- Inform and guide students on American & British college application process
Academy Director, Teacher
Fluency Idiomas
Murcia
10.2010 - 06.2015
- Taught teacher training modules: cognition, assessment, classroom management, growth mindset
- Perform Teacher observations and evaluations (team of 7 teachers)
- Monitor groups' progress and attend to any students in need to extra support
- Serve as nexus for communication between the administration and the teachers and staff in the center
- Assure day-to-day operations run smoothly: customer service, schedules, substitutions, et al.
- Prepare students for Trinity College Graded Examinations in Spoken English (Levels 1-12)
- Prepare students for Cambridge University Young Learners Exams, Main Suite Exams
- Carry-out level tests for all new students
Spanish Teacher- Maternity Cover
La Jolla Country Day School
La Jolla
01.2010 - 06.2010
- Taught Spanish language classes based on ACTFL standards and benchmarks: novice and intermediate
- Implemented diverse approaches to ensure both academic success and maintain student interest
- Analyzed student outcomes and planned and administered a variety of appropriate assessments to better track skill development
- Engaged in frequent positive parent communication
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers in developing and sharing curriculum strategies
Upper School Spanish Teacher
Chadwick School
Palos Verdes Peninsula
08.2004 - 06.2006
- Taught Spanish language classes ACTFL levels intermediate and advanced: (Spanish III, IV, IV H, V, V H)
- Provided high-quality language lesson development, delivery and assessment based on the principles of Grant Wiggins Understanding by Design
- Participated in ongoing planning, development, and evaluation of Spanish language curriculum
- Proposed, developed and taught Latin American History elective course
- Worked cooperatively with other teachers in curriculum development and alignment
- Head Advisor 11th Grade 2007-2009
- Round Square Trip Leader, Guatemala 2007
- Advisor, Hispanic Culture Club 2005-2007
- Mentor to new teachers 2006-2009
- Head Coach, Varsity Softball 2006-2009
- Board Member, Admissions Committee 2006-2009
Education
B.A. - Spanish, Latin American Studies Cum Laude with Departmental Honors
Tulane University
New Orleans, LAM.A. - Hispanic Language and Culture
New York University
New York, NYM.S. - International Commerce
ENAE
Murcia, SpainSkills
- Curriculum design expertise
- Cross-curricular engagement
- Academic mentorship
- Performance evaluation
- Differentiated instruction
- Assessment strategies
- Flexible lesson planning
- Collaborative relationship building
- Community involvement leadership
Affiliations
Round Square Trip Leader: Cambridge, England April 2025 (BB&N)
Committees
- Admissions Committee BB&N 2023-present
- Search Committees BB&N 2023-present
- AI Task Force BB&N 2025- present
Timeline
World Language Department Head, Spanish teacher, advisor
Buckingham Browne and Nichols School
09.2021 - Current
English Language, Dir of International Orientation
New Castelar College
01.2018 - 01.2021
Speaking Examiner, Invigilator and Supervisor
Lenguas Vivas
09.2014 - 07.2021
Academy Director, Teacher
Fluency Idiomas
10.2010 - 06.2015
Spanish Teacher- Maternity Cover
La Jolla Country Day School
01.2010 - 06.2010
Upper School Spanish Teacher
Chadwick School
08.2004 - 06.2006
B.A. - Spanish, Latin American Studies Cum Laude with Departmental Honors
Tulane University
M.A. - Hispanic Language and Culture
New York University
M.S. - International Commerce
ENAE