Thomas Pratz, Ed.D.
Spanish Adjunct Professor & HS Teacher

Curriculum Vitae
Education
Graduate
Rowan University
Doctor of Education: Educational Leadership
September 2020 - December 2024
GPA: 3.95
Rowan University’s Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) program focuses on developing leaders capable of reflective decision-making, working collaboratively, initiating or responding to innovative change, and having management and administrative ability. The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program integrates academic instruction with opportunities to apply leadership theory to workplace problems.
Doctoral Dissertation
Research Interests
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Educational Leadership, Curriculum, WL Programming, Coherence/Vertical Alignment, WL Assessment
Universidad de Salamanca
Master of Arts: Spanish Language & Cultures
June 2018 - July 2019
GPA: 3.9
A Master's Degree in Spanish Language & Cultures offers Spanish teachers in the United States and Canada an opportunity to further their linguistic and cultural knowledge of Spain and Latin America. In conjunction with the Embassy of Spain and the Universidad de Salamanca, this program is oriented towards teachers and instructors of Spanish who are willing to obtain a qualification in teaching Spanish as a second language. It is constructed in two modules: Summer 2018 and Summer 2019. Some courses included are: Spanish Grammar I & II, History of the Spanish Language, Resources for the Teaching of Spanish as a Foreign Language, Spanish/Latin American Literature, and Spanish/Latin American History.
Master’s Thesis
Pratz, T. D. (2019). El campo y orden de programas de español como lengua extranjera (Curriculum Scope and Sequence of Spanish Programs) (thesis). Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca. (View Thesis)
Master's degree programs in Spain require an end-of-program essay, such as a thesis in an American Master's degree program. I wrote my thesis on the Scope and Sequence of a Spanish as a Foreign Language Program. It received a Sobresaliente (A) as a final grade in June 2019 from a panel of professors at the University of Salamanca.
Undergraduate & Study Abroad
Rowan University
Bachelor of Arts: Spanish
Bachelor of Arts: Subject Matter Education (K-12)
Bachelor of Arts: Modern Languages & Linguistics
September 2013 - December 2017
GPA: 3.95 Summa Cum Laude
Universidad de Salamanca
Cursos Internacionales
September 2015 - May 2016
Teaching Experience
Adjunct Spanish Professor
Part-time (in-person/online), Rowan College at Burlington County, Mount Laurel, NJ
January 2025 - present
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Teach introductory Spanish courses (Spanish 101–201, Conversational Spanish) in hybrid and in-person formats, using communicative, task-based proficiency targets. Implement performance-based assessments and real-world applications to enhance language proficiency.
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Enhance student engagement through hybrid instruction, using Blackboard, Canvas, and EdTech tools.
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Provide tailored instruction for Spanish-speakers and traditional learners, ensuring proficiency growth.
Spanish Teacher
Full-time (in-person/online), Eastern Regional High School, Voorhees, NJ
Aug. 2018 – present
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Led curriculum development, creating proficiency-based curricula and IPA assessments.
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Designed and implemented a Spanish and French I & II Honors course to support program retention. Created a Spanish Conversation & Culture course for struggling and life skills students.
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Revitalized the Spanish Honor Society, increasing membership by 50% (2021–2025) through structured applications, leadership development initiatives, and community engagement projects.
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Integrated cross-cultural projects (mural projects, cultural events, and community outreach) to deepen students’ competency with Hispanic culture.
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Mentored struggling students as an Academic Coach (2019–2022), focusing on time management and executive functioning skills.
Spanish Instructor & Academic Coach
Part-time (in-person/online), Self-Employed
Sept. 2013 – present
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Experienced in teaching heritage Spanish speakers and developing curricula that integrate dialectal variation, sociolinguistic identity, and cultural perspectives.
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Implemented student-centered learning strategies such as project-based assessments, discussion-based activities, and real-world applications to enhance language development.
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Developed and adapted course materials to reinforce grammar, writing, and conversation skills.
Spanish Teacher
Full-time (in-person), Northern Burlington Middle and High School, Columbus, NJ
Dec. 2017 - Jun. 2018
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Taught Spanish using proficiency-based strategies, fostering communication skills and student progress in real-world language use.
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Implemented data-driven instruction, achieving 90% proficiency growth in interpretive reading and writing (Novice-Low to Novice-Mid).
English Instructor
Part-time (in-person), Hello! Salamanca School, Salamanca, Spain
Oct. 2015 – May 2016
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Taught advanced English to adult learners, focusing on language acquisition and cultural awareness.
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Prepared students for the Cambridge English Assessment while collaborating with educators to enhance curriculum and instructional methodologies.
Additional Work Experience
Board of Directors Member
Volunteer, The Fellowship of Language Educators of New Jersey (FLENJ)
Jan. 2025 – present
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Appointed to the FLENJ Board of Directors (2025–2028) to support statewide World Language education and advocacy initiatives.
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Serves as Acting Assistant Social Media Coordinator (2025), promoting professional development events and educator resources through targeted digital outreach.
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Newly appointed Annual Conference Vice-Chair (2025–2026), collaborating on all aspects of conference planning and logistics, managing key projects, and preparing to assume the role of Co-Chair in the following cycle.
IB Spanish Examiner
Contractual (Remote), International Baccalaureate Organization
Jan. 2025 – present
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Evaluate and grade IB Spanish A: Language & Literature assessments, ensuring adherence to IB mark schemes, standardized criteria, and global grading consistency while contributing to assessment integrity and quality control in the IB Diploma Program.
International Travel Group Leader
Seasonal, EF Educational Tours, WorldStrides Travel
Feb. 2018 – Present
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Reestablished and expanded the Eastern High School international travel program in Spain, France, Costa Rica, and beyond, increasing participation by 50% (2021–2024) and leading the first Spanish department trip in 20 years.
Spanish Assessment Specialist
Contractual (Remote), Universidad de Salamanca, Spain
Jul. 2024 – Nov. 2024
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Validated Spanish proficiency assessments and grading rubrics for Writing and Speaking tests, ensuring alignment with ACTFL standards and evaluation consistency.
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Contributed to HACU’s Spanish Training Platform by refining assessment materials and scoring procedures to enhance reliability.
Student Coordinator for Employer & Faculty Relations
Part-time (in-person/online), CHSS Internship Program, Rowan University, Glassboro, NJ
September 2014 - May 2015 / September 2016 - May 2017
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Assisted students with resume critiques, interview prep, and securing internships.
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Served as liaison between employers, CHSS faculty, and students, strengthening partnerships.
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Advocated for humanities and social sciences students in career development efforts.
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Organized career fairs, networking events, and faculty-employer collaborations.
Municipal Administrative Assistant
Full-time (in-person), Township of Franklin Municipal Administration, Franklinville, NJ
Jun. 2014 - Aug. 2015
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Managed administrative responsibilities across multiple departments, including Administration, Clerk, Finance, and Building & Zoning offices.
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Streamlined operations, improving interdepartmental communication and efficiency.
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Maintained confidential records, ensuring security clearance and regulatory compliance in municipal operations.
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Processed financial transactions, using Edmunds financial software to generate purchase orders and track expenditures.
Certifications & Training
Certificates
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NJ Spanish Teacher Certificate: (#1128594)
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Spanish Grammar & Writing Proficiency (C2, 2025)
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International Business Management Institute (IBMI)
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STAMP Spanish Proficiency (Advanced, 2017)
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Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Spanish (Advanced-Mid, 2016)
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American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
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ISA Spanish Language Proficiency (C1, 2016)
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International Studies Abroad (ISA)
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Spanish Proficiency (Superior, 2015-16)
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Universidad de Salamanca Cursos Internacionales
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Language Proficiency & Assessment Training
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IB Spanish A: Language & Literature Assessment (Examiner) (2025)
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AAPPL & STAMP Proficiency Testing
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AP Spanish Language & Culture Exam & Curriculum (2022)
Proficiency-Based Instruction Training
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Aligning Performance to Proficiency (2024)
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Teaching Grammar in Proficiency-Based Classrooms (2025)
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Teaching Proficiency through Reading & Storytelling (TPRS) (2019)
Online & Hybrid Teaching Strategies Training
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Flipped World Language Classrooms (2018)
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AI Literacy for Educators (2024)
Intercultural Competence Training
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Core Practices in Intercultural Teaching (2019)
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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Education (2022, 2025)
Awards
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Rowan CHSS Center of Professional Success Alumni Distinction (2024)
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Recognized as an outstanding alumnus for professional contributions to language education.
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Alpha Epsilon Lambda Graduate Students Honor Society (2021)
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Rowan University World Languages Medallion Award (2018)
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Awarded for academic excellence and leadership in world language education.
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Sigma Alpha Lambda National Leadership and Honors Society (2017)
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Rowan University President's Scholars of Excellence (2017)
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Merit-based recognition for top academic achievers.
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Josefina and Enrique Pujals Scholarship (2014)
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Merit-based scholarship awarded to support study abroad. Recognized for commitment to language proficiency and Hispanic cultural studies.
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Community & Volunteer Involvement
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Hispanic Culture & History Mural Project – Coordinator & Supervisor (Present)
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Humanitarian Aid & Community Outreach – Coordinated medical and home supply donations for communities in Cuba, Guatemala, Peru, and Syrian refugees in Spain (2016–2023)
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Spanish Studies Association (SSA) – President, Member (2014–2017)
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Association of Neighbors (ZOES), Spain – Outreach for domestic abuse prevention (2016)
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Spanish Ministry of Education, Spain – Elementary School English Instructor (2015–2016)
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Language Education Outreach – Provided English language instruction and academic support to Spanish-speaking learners through programs in Spain and the U.S., including work with the Spanish Ministry of Education and Unidos para la Familia (2015–2016)
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English Language Learner (ELL) Tutor & Mentor – Assisted multilingual students with language acquisition and academic success strategies (2012–2013)
Professional Organization Involvement
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The Fellowship of Language Educators of New Jersey (FLENJ) – Board of Directors, Member
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American Association for Applied Linguistics (AAAL), Member
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American Association of teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP), Member
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American Council on The Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), Member
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Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), Member
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New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), Member
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National Education Association (NEA), Member