Leah Doherty
Scituate
Summary
Transracial adoptee and educator ("edu-activist") with over 5 years of teaching experience in public schools, focused on creating engaging and equitable learning environments. Successfully designed and implemented hands-on STEM programs and targeted reading interventions, resulting in increased student engagement and literacy rates. Expertise in grant writing and committed to fostering inclusive classrooms that support all students.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Teacher
Bridge Boston Charter School
Boston
08.2025 - 03.2026
- Identified and supported first-grade students needing reading intervention through tailored instruction, enhancing literacy skills.
- Developed innovative curricula for elementary science, launching inaugural Project Lead The Way program to engage students in hands-on learning.
- Collaborated with lead teachers to design engaging lesson plans.
- Assisted students in understanding and completing classroom assignments.
- Supported classroom management by implementing behavior strategies.
English Teaching Assistant
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program
Hwacheon
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Developed lesson plans and EFL materials for over 200 students in grades 3 to 6, enhancing engagement and language skills.
- Spearheaded after-school program integrating soccer and American games with English practice, promoting language use in a fun environment.
- Directed selection of 9 students for prestigious English studies program in New Zealand, showcasing strong evaluative skills.
Volunteer Counselor
Hwacheon Community Center
Hwacheon
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Provided tailored counseling to empower students in achieving educational and career goals.
- Conducted one-on-one meetings with students to guide career planning and enhance college readiness.
- Facilitated targeted literacy workshops for English language learners (A0-C1) to improve reading skills using evidence-based practices.
- Enhanced access to English education for students aged 10 to 16 in rural South Korea through personalized tutoring.
Volunteer Grant Writer
Korean Kids & Orphanage Outreach Mission
01.2023 - 12.2024
- Collaborated with team of 5 volunteers to secure two grants totaling $460,500 for at-risk youth initiatives in Korean children's homes.
- Contributed as inaugural member of Kkoom's grant writing team, strengthening pre-school scholarships and educational outreach initiatives.
- Edited grant proposals, supporting expansion of programming efforts for girls' empowerment and art therapy activities.
AmeriCorps Coach and Service Member
Playworks New England
Boston
08.2019 - 04.2020
- Launched a junior coach leadership program empowering fourth and fifth graders to mediate peer conflicts.
- Managed after-school sports league for marginalized youth, enhancing engagement and teamwork skills.
- Developed culturally sustaining social and emotional learning model within schools to enhance student well-being.
- Led recess coaching at John F. Kennedy School, fostering safe, inclusive play for children ages six to 14 in Boston's Jamaica Plain.
Education
AB Honors - Social Studies
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA, USA01-2019
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Reading intervention techniques
- Explicit phonics instruction
- Science instruction methodologies
- Student assessment practices
- Classroom management strategies
- Classroom collaboration
- Remote facilitation
- TESOL/TEFL certification
- English language teaching proficiency
- Social-emotional support
- Cultural competence
- Peer mentoring
- Educational program evaluation
- Outreach initiatives
Additional Info
Transracial Adoptee, Educator
Community Work
- NKD Tutoring, Fulbright Korea, 05/24, 12/24, Seoul, South Korea
- Harvard Alumni Interviewer, 11/24, Present, Seoul, MA, 02138, United States
- Paraprofessional, Hatherly School, 02/25, 07/25
Professional Development
- Contributing Writer, Fulbright Korea Infusion (Vol. 16), 08/23
- Language Arts Instructor, Art of Problem Solving, 09/20, 04/22
- Tay's Teaching Toolkit, Game Maker's Starter Course, 12/22
Timeline
Associate Teacher
Bridge Boston Charter School
08.2025 - 03.2026
English Teaching Assistant
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program
01.2023 - 12.2024
Volunteer Counselor
Hwacheon Community Center
01.2023 - 12.2024
Volunteer Grant Writer
Korean Kids & Orphanage Outreach Mission
01.2023 - 12.2024
AmeriCorps Coach and Service Member
Playworks New England
08.2019 - 04.2020
AB Honors - Social Studies
Harvard University