Skip to main content Accessibility Policy

Maria Petkovic Caperton

SCAD Language Studio professor

Education

  • M.S., TESOL, The City College of New York
  • B.A., English language and literature, University of Nis

Credentials

  • Professor of SCAD language studio, Winter 2022—present, Savannah College of Art and Design, Savannah, GA
  • ESL teacher, 2017–22
    Developed and implemented an engaging curriculum for standalone ESL classes based on targeted language development needs of the student population. Increased student engagement by 70% by incorporating engaging and culturally relevant texts. Participated in collaborative curriculum development for integrated ELA-ESL classes to meet educational goals aligned to Common Core Standards. Ensured that lessons delivered in integrated ELA-ESL classes promote the development of students' Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP). Fostered working in small groups to promote collaboration and development of productive communication skills. Supported more than 140 students of all 5 ESL levels through targeted differentiation, scaffolding and delivering of lessons. Conducted monthly inquiry of ESL progress data to inform instruction. Established a paperless classroom and increased student computer literacy by 100%. Engaged in coaching cycles to implement researched strategies aimed to improve student performance. Hosted more than 30 visits as a model of ESL, technology and collaborative teaching classroom. Collaborated with Programming Dept to determine optimal student programs to meet ESL students' graduation needs.

    ESL program coordinator, 2017–22
    Conducted compliance monitoring to ensure that the school provided ELL students with necessary services. Developed newcomer student schoolwide intake plan. Tracked newcomer students to ensure school integration.

    Educational technologies lead teacher, 2017–22, Progress High School for Professional Careers
    Organized and delivered weekly staff PD sessions on educational technologies. Organized and developed lessons for targeted teacher inter-visitations. Provided 1-on-1 or 1-on-2 educational technologies PD sessions for teachers.

  • NYC teaching fellow, 2017, Teaching Fellows, New York
    Completed a rigorous training program that focused on continuous feedback and practice-based learning. Received initial training specialized in serving English Language Learners. Certified for English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL/ESL) grades K–12.
  • Tutor, 2004–10, Tutor Time, Nis, Siberia
    Provided private tutoring English Language lessons to elementary and high school students. Supported more than 40 students in reaching grade-level language proficiency. Tailored mini lessons for each student to improve skills based on their school results and individual needs.
  • Student teacher, May 9 High School, Nis, Siberia
    Developed and prepared lesson plans for English as a Foreign Language for high school language learners. Maintained and promoted positive principles of language acquisition related but not limited to literacy, grammar and vocabulary skills. Executed planned lessons in an 11th grade classroom setting with 25 students under the supervision of a Certified Teaching Instructor.