Amanda Santilli (Garza)

Experience

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  JPMorgan Chase & Co.

  Jan 2007 - Jan 2011

  Risk Analyst II

  I reviewed transactions from $750,000-$3.5 million to mitigate bank exposure to risk of loss, granting approvals to release funds when appropriate.

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  US Department of Commerce, NTIA

  Jan 2008 - Jan 2008

  International Trade Intern

  I helped organize international procurement meetings between Malaysian business delegates and US suppliers during the annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC), as well as solicited over 150 domestic companies about international sales opportunities with Colombia’s national oil supplier.

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  Rincón Inglés

  May 2012 - Jul 2012

  International English Teacher

  I taught a 2-month TOEFL preparatory course to Chilean university students applying to study at universities in the United States.

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  Houston ISD

  Jan 2013 - Jun 2013

  World Cultures Teacher (Sugar Grove Academy)

  I independently instructed the entire sixth grade in social studies, modifying materials to accommodate 215 students (including 32 Special Education students and a large LEP population). During this time, the campus's reported rate of students at risk for dropping out was 79%.

• 

  YES Prep Public Schools

  Jun 2013 - Jun 2014

  Math Teacher (East End Campus)

  I consistently earned higher than average evaluations for quality of instructional techniques. I was also available until 9pm for tutoring, and I participated in weekend and evening student functions. This campus was ranked the 73rd most challenging high school in the United States by the Washington Post in 2014.

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  Pasadena Independent School District

  Aug 2014 - Jul 2016

  US History Teacher (Bondy Intermediate)

  I was part of a very effective team of social studies teachers that collaborated to create rigorous teaching materials and common assessments. In addition to teaching general education and special education students, I also taught a section of gifted students. This campus was ranked as a Top 25 Percent in Closing Performance Gaps campus; a Top 25 Percent in Post Secondary Readiness campus; and received a state distinction in social studies.

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  Fort Worth ISD

  Dec 2017 - Jun 2018

  World Cultures Teacher (J. Martin Jacquet Middle School)

  After entering mid-year into a five section course that had lacked a certified teacher for an entire semester, I collaborated with team members to create a streamlined pacing calendar and teaching materials. The campus's reported rate of students at risk for dropping out was 84%, as reported by the Texas Tribune.

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  Fort Worth ISD

  May 2019 - May 2020

  Legal Intern - Office of Legal Services

  I researched and made recommendations for legal questions arising out of the District's scope of operations, including questions related to employment law, legislative amendments, and local policy; collaborated with team members to create ADA training materials; and summarized legislative enactments for departmental distribution. I first interned with the District from May 2019-August 2019, and I returned to work with the District from January 2020-May 2020.

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  Texas A&M University School of Law

  Aug 2019 - Dec 2019

  Legal Intern - Family and Veterans Advocacy Clinic

  Under the direction of a professor, I independently interviewed clients; drafted and filed pleadings and motions; researched family law issues; and researched choice of law issues for a multi-state case.

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  Adams, Lynch & Loftin, P.C.

  May 2020 - Jul 2020

  Law Clerk

  I researched case law and agency materials related to education law, governmental immunity, employment law, and bankruptcy law; drafted memorandums of research and recommendations; assisted in drafting a major court pleading; and assisted in editing a final investigative report for a large school district.

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  State Senator Beverly Powell

  Jan 2021 - Apr 2021

  Legislative Intern, Education

  I analyzed education bills, prepared reference materials for the Senator and office staff, and participated in meetings for the creation of bills, among other assignments.

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  Lewisville ISD

  Feb 2022 - Jul 2023

  US History Teacher

  Increased STAAR 'meets' scores 14 percent and 'passing' scores 13 percent for the STAAR History Test, in collaboration with a data-driven team of seasoned teachers.

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  Denton Independent School District

  Aug 2023 - now

  US History Teacher & Team Lead

  Increased STAAR 'meets' scores 24 percent and 'passing' scores 17 percent for the STAAR History Test, in collaboration with a team of newer teachers. Serve as grade-level team lead, representing the eighth-grade teachers in campus leadership meetings, collaborating with leadership to seek creative solutions for campus concerns; communicating administration updates with the team; and leading team initiatives to address student concerns and organize student appreciation events.