María Elena Guzmán Berazaluce
Early Childhood Head
Mexico City,CMX
Summary
Preschool Director with 8 years of leadership in early childhood education, specializing in curriculum development, staff management, and parent partnerships. Skilled in policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and fostering collaborative, child-centered learning communities. Recognized for a caring, results-driven leadership style with a strong focus on pastoral care, safeguarding, and student wellbeing.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Preschool Head
Lancaster School
Mexico City
08.2018 - 08.2025
- Led and supported the preschool team, overseen up to 180 students and 34 staff members (including homeroom teachers, assistants, extracurricular instructors, specialists, and learning support) ensuring alignment with the school's mission and values.
- Directed the implementation of preschool development goals as outlined in the Annual Plan and participated in key committees (scholarships, budget, academics, health, and school council), and co-managed recruitment efforts.
- Collaborated with teachers, academic staff, and wellness coordinators to address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students maintaining regular communication with families.
- Organized up to 10 school trips and an onsite camp a year, ensuring legal permissions, risk assessments, and leading the Civil Protection Committee to plan and execute safety drills for emergency preparedness.
- Monitored and enhanced teaching quality through observations, feedback, and peer observation, while also organized coaching sessions and initiatives to support teachers' professional development and well-being.
English Teacher
National Bar of Lawyers
Mexico City
11.2017 - 01.2020
- Taught English to law students (20–30 per group), emphasizing communication and legal vocabulary through interactive, engaging methods.
- Used educational technology to enhance instruction and support language proficiency development.
English Homeroom Teacher and House Program Coordination
Lancaster School
Mexico City
08.2011 - 07.2018
- Taught English in K2 and K3 through IB PYP units, using McMillan, Jolly Phonics and Writing Without Tears methodologies and resources to support early literacy through phonics and prewriting.
- Delivered inquiry-based math instruction using the Investigations program.
- Implemented the Olweus program to promote anti-bullying practices and social-emotional well-being.
- Coordinated the House System, planning school-wide events that engaged 400+ students and 45+ staff, fostering school spirit and collaboration.
- Introduced and led the cross-age Buddy System, now a core part of the House Program, enhancing inclusion, peer support, and student well-being.
English Teacher
Peterson Tlalpan School
Mexico City
08.2006 - 07.2011
- Taught English and core subjects including Mathematics, Science, Health, Grammar, and Writing to 2nd–4th grade students using a Canadian curriculum.
- Integrated the Caring School Community program to support social-emotional development and foster a positive, inclusive classroom environment.
External Collaborator of Educational Material
Fernández Editores Publisher S.A.
Mexico City
05.2008 - 02.2009
- Design and develop preschool activity books for Mexican ESL students, aligning content with the PYP framework and Multiple Intelligences theory.
- Creation of original stories for primary students to support early literacy and engagement.
- Composition of lyrics and music for educational songs in preschool English series, enhancing language acquisition through creative, multisensory resources.
English Teacher (Conversation)
Yashima Youchien (Kindergarten)
Takamatsu
07.2005 - 02.2006
- Taught English to Japanese children aged 3 to 6, as well as their parents, supporting early language acquisition in a family-centered environment.
- Implemented a constructivist-based curriculum with visual and auditory activities to enhance engagement and retention.
- Emphasized phonics instruction to promote meaningful and lasting English language learning.
English, Music and Computer Teacher
Technical and Cultural Institute
Mexico City
09.2001 - 07.2005
- Designed annual study plans for preschool, focusing on English conversation through science-based content.
- Taught introductory music classes in primary, including reading musical notation and playing instruments such as the flute, xylophone, and guitar.
- Delivered basic computing instruction to primary students, integrating technology to enhance the learning process.
Education
International Certification - Leadership, Coaching, and Strategic Development
UVM México City
Mexico City08-2025
Leadership and Followership Course -
Open University UK
Online01.2024
Leading Change Course Online -
Harvard Business School
Online08.2018
PGCE Postgraduate Certification of Education - undefined
Buckingham University / Anglo Institute of Higher Education
01.2016
Bachelor of Preschool Education - undefined
CENEVAL
02.2011
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
Intercontinental University
12.2000
Skills
Early Childhood Education & Child Development Expertise
Staff Management & Supervision
Teacher Training & Professional Development
Parent Communication & Relationship Building
Regulatory & Safety Compliance
Policy Implementation & Development
Classroom Observation & Performance Evaluation
Conflict Resolution & Interpersonal Communication
Special Education Knowledge
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Strategies for Managing ADHD in the Classroom, Proyecto DAH, Mexico Coty (Nov 2024)
- Leading Management PYP IBAMEX Mexico City (Oct 2024)
- Child Protection Mexico City (2022)
- Educational Inclusion Strategies Seminar, Familias Extraordinarias, CDMX (April 2017)
- Diploma of course Strategies for the classroom in cases of the Autistic Spectrum Monarch Institute (Jul 2015)
- Proof of the 1st International Congress "Towards a better understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorders" (May 2014)
- Moving Forward with the 21st Century Skills Diploma by ASOMEX, Panama (Jul 2010)
- English Language Methodology -Angloamerican Certification (Apr 2004 México, D.F)
- TOEIC 890 certification of the English language (Apr 2003, Japan.)
Music performance
I enjoy playing string instruments including guitar, ukulele, jarana, and sanshin, and I’m always eager to learn new ones whenever I discover a sound that enchants me. Passionate about sharing music through singing and performing with friends and students.
Timeline
Preschool Head
Lancaster School
08.2018 - 08.2025
English Teacher
National Bar of Lawyers
11.2017 - 01.2020
English Homeroom Teacher and House Program Coordination
Lancaster School
08.2011 - 07.2018
External Collaborator of Educational Material
Fernández Editores Publisher S.A.
05.2008 - 02.2009
English Teacher
Peterson Tlalpan School
08.2006 - 07.2011
English Teacher (Conversation)
Yashima Youchien (Kindergarten)
07.2005 - 02.2006
English, Music and Computer Teacher
Technical and Cultural Institute
09.2001 - 07.2005
PGCE Postgraduate Certification of Education - undefined
Buckingham University / Anglo Institute of Higher Education
Bachelor of Preschool Education - undefined
CENEVAL
Bachelor of Business Administration - undefined
Intercontinental University
International Certification - Leadership, Coaching, and Strategic Development
UVM México City
Leadership and Followership Course -
Open University UK
Leading Change Course Online -
Harvard Business School