YOANA VILLARREAL POHLENZ
Monterrey,NLE
Summary
Dedicated educator with extensive expertise in the C3 Framework, Inquiry Design Model, Concepts-Based Training, Curriculum Design, and Backwards Design. Trained in Advanced Placement (AP) courses including AP Psychology, AP Seminar, and AP Research, with a diverse teaching background at an International School specializing in various Social Studies subjects. Proven leadership as High School Head of Academics for four years, overseeing academic standards, curriculum implementation, and fostering instructional excellence. Committed to creating engaging learning environments that inspire student success and promote critical thinking skills.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of High School Socials Studies Department
American School Foundation of Monterrey
08.2021 - Current
- Worked on Curriculum design and modification G6 to G10 implementing Concepts Based Teaching and Inquiry Design Model
- Supported departmental teacher training in Workshop Model techniques around feedback, mini lessons and small group instruction.
- Part of the Inquiry Leadership Academy headed by Dr Kathy Swan and Dr John Lee (contributors of the Social’s C3 Framework) with other inquiry leaders who are innovating professionals who are working towards building and strengthening dynamic communities of practicing inquiry and want to commit to the next level of inquiry-based Social Studies.
- Collaborated with the English Department to select power standards and create shared skill Micro Progressions across grade levels.
- Helped expand the Capstone Program in Socials Studies to start in 10th grade and had an increase in engagement from ten students to ninety students, still with overall scores above the global average.
- Initiated an end of course Exposition of Learning event for grade 10 and 11 where students were able to present their final product to an authentic audience
High School Social Studies Teacher
American School Foundation of Monterrey
01.2013 - Current
- Presently teaching AP Seminar, AP Research and G10 Social Studies-Global Sustainability and Economics
- Expanded the Capstone program from two sections to five. Exceeded both global averages for AP Seminar and AP Research with AP Seminar scores of 17% and Research 15% above in the last five years.
- Expanded the AP Psychology program from one section to three and during the past 5 years exceeded the global average by 10%.
- Supported on the Design of G10 Socials with the transition into Inquiry Design Model (IDM) using the C3 Standards.
- Created, designed and taught a Gender Studies class that targets the cultural Mexican sexism, designed action projects so students can make changes in our local community and implemented the program for six years.
- Created, designed and taught Psychology and Abnormal Psychology for nine years integrating Research Methods similarly to how College Board has redesigned the 2024 AP Psychology.
- Designed and taught World Religions, having students engage in thought provoking questions, inviting guest speakers of different religions in order to have students understand different perspectives.
- Redesigned Character Education targeting Social Emotional Learning best practices and integrating a culturally sensitive sexual education and college exploration programs.
Advisor
American School Foundation of Monterrey
2014 - Current
- Supported around 15 new students as the Advisor to the Ambassadors Program, facilitating the New Student Orientation, New Teacher Student Panel, Informative sessions for new students, and coordination with the Counselors focusing on student success.
- Aids the MUN school program in organizing of IMMUNS, an internationally renown Model United Nations Conference. Additionally re-designed the MUN class curriculum to support the club.
- Facilitated the Mental Health Club as the Advisor.
Undergraduate Researcher
Emory University
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Performed new Cross Cultural field Research in Chiapas, Mexico after working in the Child Development Psychology Department of Dr Philippe Rochat at Emory University.
Education
Teacher Certificate - HS Social Studies
08-2025
GPA: 4.0
Master of Science - Multidisciplinary Studies
07.2016
GPA: 4.00
Bachelor of Arts - Major: Psychology Minor: Women Studies
12.2012
GPA: 3.27
Skills
AP Psychology
AP Seminar
AP Research
C3 Framework
Inquiry Based Learning
Inquiry Design Model
Student centered pedagogy
Curriculum design
Vertical alignment
Professional development facilitation
Backwards design
Standard Based Grading
Project Based Learning
Courses and Certifications
- Inquiry Leadership Academy Kentucky, Lexington 2024
- The Workshop Model Monterrey, Mexico 2024
- AP Psychology Teacher Training Carleton College Summer Institute 2016
- AP Seminar Teacher Training Walton Summer Institute 2020
- AP Research Teacher Training Walton Summer Institute 2022
- Concepts Based Learning American School Foundation of Monterrey 2022
- Inquiry Design Model Training Washington D.C 2019
- Problem Based Learning SUNY University 2015
Timeline
Head of High School Socials Studies Department - American School Foundation of Monterrey
08.2021 - Current
High School Social Studies Teacher - American School Foundation of Monterrey
01.2013 - Current
Undergraduate Researcher - Emory University
01.2011 - 01.2013
Advisor - American School Foundation of Monterrey
2014 - Current
Moreland University - Teacher Certificate , HS Social Studies
SUNY University - Master of Science, Multidisciplinary Studies
Emory University - Bachelor of Arts, Major: Psychology Minor: Women Studies