Alicia Cazares
Columbus
Summary
Adult education professional with 5+ years of experience supporting and instructing diverse learners in ESL and GED programs. Recognized for strong student relationship building, retention strategies, and individualized support that promote learner success. Skilled in workforce coaching, employment placement, and program administration, with a commitment to creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative & Student Services - Teacher's Aide
Central Community College / Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA)
Columbus, NE
01.2021 - 02.2026
- Managed daily operations of Adult Education office serving students in multiple locations (Columbus, Schuyler, CPS - Emerson Elementary)
- Greeted students upon arrival, managed front desk operations, answered the main phone line, and returned messages in a timely and professional manner
- Led enrollment appointments including orientation, assessments, and documentation
- Conducted pre- and post-testing to evaluate student placement and progress
- Maintained confidential student records and program data in compliance with state guidelines
- Prepared reports and monitored ESL/GED student performance metrics
- Supported lead teachers in GED core subjects including math, reading/language arts, science, and social studies for students 16 years or older
- Administered and scheduled official GED exams, readiness tests, and intake assessments
- Built strong rapport with students and served as a primary point of contact for academic and personal support
- Assisted students and staff with computer and distance-learning resources
- Guided students through academic advising and transition planning to college or careers
- Implemented retention strategies through proactive check-ins and follow-up communication with absent or struggling students
- Created and maintained a welcoming, inclusive, and safe learning environment
- Assisted students in navigating internal resources and external community services to reduce educational barriers
- Observed student engagement and reported progress or concerns to instructors and program coordinator
- Ensured student understanding and adherence to program policies related to safety, conduct, and attendance
- Conducted NDE mandated follow-up surveys at 6- and 12-month intervals
Employment Specialist
Central Community College / Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA)
01.2021 - 02.2026
- Provided one-on-one career coaching by assessing student skills, interests, and employment barriers
- Assisted students with resume and cover letter development, job applications, and interview preparation
- Conducted mock interviews and coached students on professional communication and workplace expectations
- Identified job opportunities and matched students with suitable employment openings
- Developed relationships with local employers and conducted job site outreach
- Guided students in understanding employment systems, hiring processes, and workplace success strategies
Facility & Operations Support (Custodian)
Central Community College / Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA)
01.2021 - 05.2025
- Maintained clean and sanitary classrooms, offices, and shared spaces using approved disinfecting procedures
- Managed waste collection and recycling to support a safe learning environment
- Set up and broke down furniture for classes, meetings, and events, ensuring spaces were organized and functional afterward
- Reported maintenance issues and facility safety hazards following safety protocols
- Assisted with opening and closing procedures, contributing to building security and operational readiness
ESL Instructor
Central Community College / Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA)
06.2023 - 12.2024
- Designed and implemented ESL lesson plans focused on practical English skills for employment, daily life, and citizenship
- Customized instruction to accommodate diverse learning styles and individual student goals
- Monitored student performance using assessments and data-driven instruction strategies
- Fostered an inclusive learning environment that supported adult student engagement and retention
- Guided students in career readiness and connected them with community and workforce resources
- Managed student records and progress reports in compliance with adult education requirements
Corporate Outreach ESL Instructor
Camaco, LLC Manufacturing
01.2024 - 07.2024
- Delivered workplace ESL instruction for employees and Spanish instruction for management
- Developed curriculum tailored to industry communication needs
Corporate Outreach ESL Instructor
Becton Dickinson (BD, East and West)
03.2022 - 09.2022
- Delivered workplace ESL instruction for employees at both manufacturing facilities
- Developed curriculum tailored to industry communication needs
Education
GED -
High School Diploma
York, NE10-2017
Skills
- Bilingual Communication (English/Spanish)
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Testing and Assessment Administration (ESL and GED)
- Student Retention & Relationship Building
- Student Advising & Career Readiness Support
- Employment Coaching & Job Placement
- Program Administration (Front Desk Operations) & Record Management
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
Timeline
Corporate Outreach ESL Instructor
Camaco, LLC Manufacturing
01.2024 - 07.2024
ESL Instructor
Central Community College / Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA)
06.2023 - 12.2024
Corporate Outreach ESL Instructor
Becton Dickinson (BD, East and West)
03.2022 - 09.2022
Administrative & Student Services - Teacher's Aide
Central Community College / Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA)
01.2021 - 02.2026
Employment Specialist
Central Community College / Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA)
01.2021 - 02.2026
Facility & Operations Support (Custodian)
Central Community College / Platte Valley Literacy Association (PVLA)
01.2021 - 05.2025
GED -
High School Diploma