Nicole Vail
Chicago, IL
Summary
Educational leader and EdD candidate with extensive experience in international education program design and TEFL/TESOL curriculum development. Specialized in leveraging AI and EdTech to support limited English proficient individuals and non-native English-speaking teachers, effectively improving educational outcomes in diverse, complex environments.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
TEFL PROFESSOR & COURSE DESIGNER
International TEFL Academy (ITA)
Chicago
05.2019 - Current
- Design and update accredited TEFL curricula, integrating pedagogy, technology, and lesson design to enhance learning experiences for global candidates.
- Contributing author and instructor for Teaching English Online course; co-designed International Worker/Digital Nomad course, developing online assessment frameworks to support diverse learning needs.
- Supervise peer teaching practices, providing targeted feedback on methodology and practicum execution to prepare aspiring international educators for real-world challenges.
ESL/BILINGUAL TEACHER
Instituto Del Progresso Latino
Chicago, IL
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Instructed ELs in core content classes using bilingual (Spanish/English) approach to enhance comprehension
- Managed EL program to align with Illinois State Board of Education guidance, ensuring compliance and effective support for learners
- Developed and taught English language lessons to 30 English language learners
ELL COORDINATOR & ADVISOR
LEARN 6 Charter School
North Chicago
08.2016 - 08.2018
- Instructed 150 English language learners, enhancing their proficiency in core-content curriculum.
- Developed network-wide English language standards aligning WIDA with ELA benchmarks.
- Ensured compliance with charter school and state regulations and reporting requirements.
SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER (SWO)
United States Navy
Norfolk
01.2005 - 01.2009
- Qualified Officer of the Deck; managed safe navigation and mission execution, reporting directly to the Commanding Officer.
- Coordinated readiness and certification processes for over 600 crew members, enhancing operational preparedness while stationed overseas.
- Led briefings to articulate mission objectives and expectations, ensuring clear understanding and alignment among team members.
CRYPTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN – INTERPRETIVE (RUSSIAN)
United States Navy
NSGA Kunia
01.1997 - 01.2001
- Translated TS-SCI-level information, enhancing decision-making for national security consumers.
- Operated advanced cryptographic equipment, ensuring secure and reliable data transmission.
- Generated detailed reports on surveillance activities, providing critical insights for operational strategy.
Education
Doctor of Education (EdD) - International Educational Leadership
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA03-2027
Master of Arts - English (ESL)
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN12-2013
Master of Arts - Teaching (MAT)
University of Memphis
Memphis, TN12-2011
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science (Russian Policy)
Villanova University
Villanova, PA12-2004
Skills
- TEFL/TESOL curriculum design
- English teacher development and mentorship
- Artificial Intelligence and EdTech integration
- International educational leadership
- Cross-cultural competency
- Digital literacy integration
- Cybersecurity in education
- Personable and approachable
Languages And Certifications
- English, Native
- Russian, Advanced Low (ACTFL OPI), 08/01/25, Defense Language Institute Certified Interpreter.
- Portuguese, C1 Proficiency
- German, A2
- TEFL Certification, University of West Bohemia
Awards and Volunteerism
- Critical Language Scholar (CLS), Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, 06/01/25 - 08/01/25, US State Department scholarship recipient for intensive Russian language and cultural immersion.
- Business English Trainer, Warsaw, Poland, 11/01/23, Delivered intensive business communication training to adult professionals.
- Yoga Instructor, Chicago, IL, 01/01/17 - 12/01/18, Designed wellness programs for incarcerated populations.
- Adult EFL Teacher, San Juan, Costa Rica, 01/01/15, Volunteer instructor for community-based language programs.
Timeline
TEFL PROFESSOR & COURSE DESIGNER
International TEFL Academy (ITA)
05.2019 - Current
ESL/BILINGUAL TEACHER
Instituto Del Progresso Latino
08.2018 - 05.2019
ELL COORDINATOR & ADVISOR
LEARN 6 Charter School
08.2016 - 08.2018
SURFACE WARFARE OFFICER (SWO)
United States Navy
01.2005 - 01.2009
CRYPTOLOGIC TECHNICIAN – INTERPRETIVE (RUSSIAN)
United States Navy
01.1997 - 01.2001
Doctor of Education (EdD) - International Educational Leadership
Wilkes University
Master of Arts - English (ESL)
University of Memphis
Master of Arts - Teaching (MAT)
University of Memphis
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science (Russian Policy)
Villanova University