Mary Amato

Higher Education Leader | Curriculum & Program Designer | Instructional Strategist

About

Accomplished higher education leader and program designer with extensive experience in developing and implementing inclusive curricula, enhancing student success, and driving program improvement. Proven ability to translate learning outcomes into engaging instruction across in-person, online, and hybrid modalities, leveraging data and technology to optimize educational experiences and foster continuous improvement. Adept at faculty development and cultivating environments that promote access, equity, and student persistence.

Work

Rider University
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Adjunct English Instructor (Composition & Communication)

Lawrenceville, NJ, US

Summary

Delivered engaging first-year composition and professional communication courses, fostering student writing and critical thinking skills across diverse learning environments.

Highlights

Taught first-year composition and executive/professional communication courses in online and in-person formats, reaching diverse student populations.

Designed and implemented courses aligned with stated learning outcomes, emphasizing scaffolded writing assignments, peer review, and revision-based assessment.

Utilized formative and summative assessments to monitor student learning effectively, providing timely and meaningful feedback to support student progress.

Employed active learning strategies, including discussion, collaborative analysis, and reflective writing, enhancing student engagement and critical thinking.

Maintained consistent, respectful communication and a strong instructor presence to support student engagement and persistence, contributing to positive learning outcomes.

Higher Education Settings
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Program Director / Academic Program Manager

Various, Northeast, US

Summary

Led comprehensive academic programs focused on language development and student readiness, driving curriculum design, assessment, and instructional training to enhance student learning and retention.

Highlights

Directed academic programs focused on language development and communication, significantly improving student readiness for higher education.

Designed and implemented robust curriculum, assessments, and instructional training programs, leading to improved student learning and retention rates.

Developed and launched bridge programming to facilitate seamless student transitions into credit-bearing coursework, enhancing academic pathways.

Achieved consistently strong student outcomes, including high program completion and successful matriculation rates into degree programs.

Raritan Valley Community College
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ESL Instructor (Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing)

Somerville, NJ, US

Summary

Instructed diverse ESL students in comprehensive language skills, facilitating their academic and professional development.

Highlights

Delivered engaging instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing to English as a Second Language (ESL) students.

Designed and adapted curriculum to meet the varied needs of learners, fostering language acquisition and cultural understanding.

Implemented student-centered teaching strategies to enhance participation and accelerate skill development.

Provided constructive feedback and support, enabling students to achieve proficiency in academic and professional communication.

Pace University
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ESL Instructor (Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing)

New York, NY, US

Summary

Taught essential English language skills to international students, preparing them for academic and professional success in an English-speaking environment.

Highlights

Instructed ESL students in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, adapting teaching methods to diverse learning styles.

Developed and delivered engaging lesson plans focused on practical language application and cultural integration.

Utilized various assessment tools to monitor student progress and provide targeted support for language proficiency improvement.

Fostered a supportive and interactive classroom environment that encouraged active participation and collaborative learning among students.

Nyack College
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Composition Instructor (Composition and Research Writing)

New York, NY, US

Summary

Guided students through foundational composition and research writing principles, developing their critical thinking and academic communication abilities.

Highlights

Taught composition and research writing courses, emphasizing foundational principles of academic writing and critical analysis.

Designed curriculum and assignments that developed students' ability to conduct research, synthesize information, and construct well-supported arguments.

Provided individualized feedback on essays and research papers, significantly improving students' writing clarity, coherence, and argumentative strength.

Implemented strategies to enhance information literacy and ethical research practices among students.

Education

Drew University
Madison, NJ, United States of America

M.A.

International Affairs

Saint Peter's University
Jersey City, NJ, United States of America

B.S.

Marketing

Languages

English

Certificates

CELTA – Certified English Language Teaching to Adults

Issued By

Cambridge Assessment English

North American English Accent Modification Certification

Issued By

Various

SEVIS Training (International Student Advising)

Issued By

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Project Management Principles & Practices

Issued By

Coursera

Search Engine Optimization Certification

Issued By

Various

Skills

Instructional Design & Curriculum Development

Composition & Academic Writing Instruction, Literature & Reading for Critical Analysis, Instructional Design & Learning Outcomes Alignment, Curriculum Development & Revision, Formative & Summative Assessment, Student-Centered & Active Learning Strategies, Culturally Responsive Teaching, Program Development, TESOL Best Practices, Learning Outcomes Assessment.

Teaching & Pedagogy

Online, Hybrid, & LMS-Based Instruction, Student Advising & Academic Support, Faculty Training & Mentoring, Active Learning Strategies, Discussion-Based Learning, Collaborative Activities, Instructional Technology Integration.

Program Management & Leadership

Academic Program Management, Student Success Initiatives, Early Intervention Strategies, Program-Level Reviews, Stakeholder Engagement, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Strategic Planning.

Assessment & Evaluation

Early-Term Assessments, Student Learning Data Analysis, Course Evaluations, Instructional Delivery Refinement, Program Effectiveness Monitoring, Data-Driven Improvement.

Technology & Tools

Canvas, LMS Platforms, Online & Hybrid Course Tools, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, Assessment & Survey Tools, Asana, Digital Texts.

Projects

English Language Institute (ELI): Curriculum & Student Success Initiative

Summary

Led the design and implementation of a comprehensive academic curriculum and student success initiatives for the English Language Institute, focusing on proficiency standards and student matriculation.