Dania Minor
EAL Program Coordinator & Specialist
Nairobi
Summary
International educator and EAL leader whose career reflects a purposeful shift from grassroots peace building and community service in the complex, multicultural context of Israel/Palestine to social justice–oriented work in international education. After years of facilitating reconciliation, supporting marginalized communities, and working across deep cultural and political divides, pursued a later-career transition into education with a particular focus on English language learning and Special Education. This trajectory has shaped a values-driven approach to education, including the refinement of an equitable, evidence-based EAL program across elementary, middle, and high school at Rosslyn Academy.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
8
8
Certifications
Work History
EAL Program Coordinator
Rosslyn Academy
07.2019 - Current
- Co-designed and led a comprehensive, equitable EAL program across elementary, middle, and high school.
- Built and managed EAL staffing structures, student placement, and scheduling to ensure effective language support.
- Provided departmental leadership through strategic planning, policy development, and ongoing program evaluation and refinement.
- Recruited, onboarded, and coached EAL teachers; facilitated PLCs and professional development on EAL, second language acquisition, neurodiversity, MTSS, UDL, and inclusive practice.
- Introduced and implemented Individualized Language Plans (ILPs) and co-authored the EAL Program Handbook to standardize practice and support sustainability.
- Collaborated closely with Learning Support and the Student Support Team to support multilingual learners with additional learning needs.
MS and HS EAL Specialist
Rosslyn Academy
07.2013 - Current
- Delivered EAL and English for Academic Purposes (EAP) instruction to students in Grades 5–12 across a wide range of proficiency levels.
- Designed and implemented targeted one-on-one interventions, including structured reading programs, for students with ILPs and IEPs.
- Collaborated with content-area teachers to modify, scaffold, and differentiate curriculum and assessments, including co-teaching high school English to ensure accessibility for students with support plans.
- Administered and analyzed WIDA MODEL and Screener assessments to determine placement, monitor progress, and inform instructional and exit decisions.
English Language Tutor
Private
09.2012 - 06.2013
- Provided individualized English instruction tailored to learners’ academic, personal, and communicative goals, adapting instruction to diverse cultural and educational backgrounds.
Editorial Assistant / Office Manager
Financial Times
01.2009 - 01.2011
- Conducted research on regional politics and Middle Eastern financial markets; supported press events, elections, and meetings with Israeli and Palestinian government officials.
- Translated Hebrew-language articles for publication and provided editorial support to the Jerusalem Bureau Chief.
- Managed bureau operations, including budgeting, bookkeeping, banking, financial reporting, and travel coordination.
Director of Charitable Programs
Jerusalem Cornerstone Foundation
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Led needs assessment and aid distribution for marginalized individuals and families across Israel and Palestine, working closely with social workers, community, and religious leaders.
- Managed ethical allocation of donor funds and prepared regular financial and impact reports, exercising discretion and cross-cultural sensitivity in complex contexts.
Hebrew Language Teacher
Anglican International School Jerusalem
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Taught beginner and intermediate Hebrew to high school students, providing individualized support to meet diverse learner needs.
Financial and Office Manager
Outfit Ltd. (Computer Network Servicing Company)
01.2004 - 01.2005
- Managed office finances, including bookkeeping, payroll, invoicing, and client billing, and coordinated procurement of hardware and software with technical staff.
Project Coordinator / Facilitator
Musalaha – Ministry of Reconciliation
01.1999 - 01.2004
- Designed and facilitated dialogue-based reconciliation and conflict transformation programs for Israeli and Palestinian communities, including educational programs, conferences, retreats, and joint service projects.
- Developed advanced facilitation, mediation, and intercultural communication skills while working in high-sensitivity, cross-cultural environments.
Consultant
Christian Mission Aid (CMA)
07.2002 - 10.2002
- Proposed integration of peacebuilding practices into medical and humanitarian initiatives.
- Consulted with local leaders, educators, health workers, and community stakeholders.
- Delivered findings and strategic recommendations to organizational leadership.
Translator and Editor
Israel College of the Bible
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Translated and edited academic material for Hebrew and English courses, as well as administrative documents and forms.
Language Tutor
Private Modern & Biblical Hebrew Language Tutor
01.1997 - 01.1998
- Provided one-on-one private instruction in Biblical and Modern Hebrew to doctoral-level biblical studies scholars.
Education
Master of Education - Special Education
Augustana University
Online01-2022
Graduate Certificate - English Language Learners
Augustana University
Online01-2019
Secondary Teacher’s Certification - ELL & Biblical Studies
ACSI
Online01-2013
TESOL Certificate - Teaching English as a Second Language
Oxford Seminars
Toronto, Canada01-2003
Bachelor of Arts - Biblical & Interdisciplinary Studies
Hebrew University
Jerusalem, Israel01-2002
Certificate - Classical and Colloquial Arabic Studies
Kelsey College of Arabic
Amman, Jordan01-1997
Skills
Team leadership
Collaborative communication skills
Problem-solving aptitude
Collaborative mindset
Strong organizational abilities
Certification
TESOL International Convention (Virtual), 2025
Timeline
EAL Program Coordinator
Rosslyn Academy
07.2019 - Current
MS and HS EAL Specialist
Rosslyn Academy
07.2013 - Current
English Language Tutor
Private
09.2012 - 06.2013
Editorial Assistant / Office Manager
Financial Times
01.2009 - 01.2011
Director of Charitable Programs
Jerusalem Cornerstone Foundation
01.2005 - 01.2011
Hebrew Language Teacher
Anglican International School Jerusalem
01.2005 - 01.2006
Financial and Office Manager
Outfit Ltd. (Computer Network Servicing Company)
01.2004 - 01.2005
Consultant
Christian Mission Aid (CMA)
07.2002 - 10.2002
Project Coordinator / Facilitator
Musalaha – Ministry of Reconciliation
01.1999 - 01.2004
Translator and Editor
Israel College of the Bible
01.1997 - 01.1998
Language Tutor
Private Modern & Biblical Hebrew Language Tutor
01.1997 - 01.1998
Master of Education - Special Education
Augustana University
Graduate Certificate - English Language Learners
Augustana University
Secondary Teacher’s Certification - ELL & Biblical Studies
ACSI
TESOL Certificate - Teaching English as a Second Language
Oxford Seminars
Bachelor of Arts - Biblical & Interdisciplinary Studies
Hebrew University
Certificate - Classical and Colloquial Arabic Studies
Kelsey College of Arabic
Trainings Provided
- Multi-Tiered System of Support / UDL Workshop, Nairobi, Kenya, 2025
- Shifting Paradigms (Addressing Teacher Mindsets) Workshop, Nairobi, Kenya, 2023
- Teaching Writing to English Learners, Nairobi, Kenya, 2023
- Second Language Acquisition Workshop, Nairobi, Kenya, 2022
- Universal Design for Learning PD sessions (full-day, 4 hr.), Nairobi, Kenya, 2019
- Neurodiversity in the Classroom PD sessions (6 hr.), Tigoni, Kenya, 2017
- Down Syndrome Educational Talks in High School, Nairobi, Kenya 2015-2025