Dara MacKay
Calgary,Canada
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in education and communications, including a leadership role at Bow Valley College. Proven expertise in curriculum development and innovation, effectively enhancing student engagement and classroom dynamics. Strong communicator and team leader, adept at fostering relationships and driving program success.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Chair
Bow Valley College
01.2023 - 01.2025
- Overseeing operations of 3 programs
- Managing student enrollment
- Leading teams of instructors
- Student advising on career and educational pathways
Vice President of Communications & Engagement
Bow Valley College Faculty Association
Calgary, Alberta
01.2021 - 04.2025
- Executed digital and social media marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility.
- Coordinated and hosted events to engage target audiences effectively.
- Prepared newsletters to communicate key updates and promotions.
- Researched emerging technologies in order to recommend appropriate solutions for improving communication efforts.
- Created, edited, and distributed press releases and other promotional materials to media outlets.
- Managed crisis communication efforts by developing response plans and communicating with stakeholders as needed.
- Coordinated with internal teams to develop content for digital channels including website updates and social media posts.
ELL Instructor
Bow Valley College
Calgary, AB
01.2013 - 01.2023
- Developed and implemented adult language and literacy programs to enhance skills.
- Created curriculum tailored for youth aged 18 to 24, addressing specific language needs.
- Researched new methods for teaching English as a second language.
- Developed and taught English language lessons to students of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
- Maintained accurate records of student performance including attendance information, grades, test scores.
- Assessed student progress in speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills.
Yoga Instructor
Self-Employed
Calgary, Alberta
01.2022 - Current
- Accessibility centered instruction
- Instructed private sessions for individuals looking for personalized attention or rehabilitation from injury and illness.
- Provided individualized yoga instruction to clients of all ages and skill levels.
- Encouraged students to challenge themselves while maintaining safe boundaries.
Private Tutor
Self-Employed
Calgary, Alberta
01.2005 - Current
- Provided K-12 private instruction for math, language arts, science, and social studies.
- Delivered effective math support to students up to 30 level.
- Facilitated language arts and English tutoring to students up to 30 level.
- Supported science education for students up to 20 level.
- Conducted social studies lessons tailored for elementary learners at 30 level.
- Assessed and evaluated student progress in order to adjust teaching methods accordingly.
- Communicated regularly with parents regarding the performance of their children.
- Counseled students on study skills, organizational techniques, time management strategies.
- Encouraged and motivated students to work hard towards achieving their educational goals.
- Developed customized lesson plans and teaching materials for each student.
Anytime Online High School English Instructor
Bow Valley College
Calgary, Alberta
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Developed curriculum for English 10-1, 10-2, 20-1, 20-2, and 30-2 courses.
- Facilitated GED preparation classes to enhance literacy and comprehension skills.
- Instructed college preparatory English course tailored for nursing students.
- Implemented diverse teaching strategies to cater to various learning styles.
Teacher’s Assistant TEFL Certificate Course
ESCWorks! International
Calgary, Alberta
01.2013 - 12.2013
- Online adult instruction in pedagogical techniques, curriculum design, assessment, and language education for English language learners
- Helped teachers with material generation, lesson plan development, class preparation, scheduling, exam distribution and student mentoring.
- Developed instructional materials and visual aids to supplement lesson plans.
- Provided one-on-one support to students requiring additional assistance.
Accredited Family Day Home
Hemel House Child Care Services
Lethbridge, Alberta
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Early Childhood & School Age
- Organized age-appropriate activities such as arts and crafts, games and educational lessons.
- Established positive relationships with parents and guardians to communicate daily updates on their child's progress.
- Provided a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment for children of all ages.
Teacher/Tutor
Sylvan Learning Center
Lethbridge, Canada
01.2008 - 01.2011
- Provided educational support for Grades 1 to 12, including mature and ELL students.
- Delivered instruction in reading, writing, and math subjects.
- Facilitated study skills development and homework assistance for diverse learners.
Public School Teacher
Lethbridge School District & Horizon School District
Lethbridge, Alberta
01.2004 - 01.2009
- K – 12 Substitute Educator
- Developed lesson plans and activities to ensure student engagement in learning.
- Promoted a positive attitude towards learning within the classroom setting.
- Implemented research-based instructional strategies designed to meet each student's individual needs and goals.
Education
Yoga & Social Emotional Learning Instructor Training (YTT 200) -
Breathe for Change
USA03.2022
Indigenous Canada Course -
University of Alberta
Edmonton, AB09.2021
Child Development Supervisor Certificate -
Alberta
Alberta05.2011
Bachelor of Education
University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge, AB04.2004
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Lethbridge
Lethbridge, AB04.2004
Some College (No Degree) -
ESCWorks! International
Mexico Skills
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Email communication
- Social media management
- Video creation
- Verbal and written communication
- Public speaking
- Team leadership
- Curriculum development
- Student assessment
- Program management
- Data analysis
- Crisis communication
- Digital marketing
- Event coordination
- Conflict resolution
Relevant Accomplishments
- Presenter - 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion, CanLearn Society 2025, Calgary, Alberta
- Presenter - Yoga and 2SLBGTQ+ Connections, Unifor Pride Conference 2024, Toronto, Ontario
- ADHD & LD Network Committee Member - Supports for Adults Group, Blog contributor
- Conference Volunteer
- 2SLGBTQ+ Issues Consultant, United States Consul General, US Consul General’s Residence, 2024, Calgary, Alberta
- TEDx Speaker, I Should be a Statistic, TEDx Bow Valley College, 2020
- Bow Valley College Pride Committee, Presenter & Event Organizer
- Participant and Panelist, Pride Without Prejudice Series, Global News Calgary, 2018
- Bow Valley College Professional Development Community of Practice, Session presenter & facilitator, Event organizer
- Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language (ATESL) Best Practices Consultant, 2SLGBTQ+ Inclusion Conference Presenter
- ATESL (Alberta Teachers of English as a Second Language) Conference
- ACIFA (Alberta Colleges and Institutes Faculties Association) Conference
- Metropolis Canada Conference
Classification
General
Accomplishments
- Bow Valley College Group Award of Excellence: Pride Committee
- 2SLGBTQ+ Consultant: US Consulate, Calgary
- TEDx Speaker: Bow Valley College, 2020
- Presenter: Unifor Canada, Pride Conference
Timeline
Program Chair
Bow Valley College
01.2023 - 01.2025
Yoga Instructor
Self-Employed
01.2022 - Current
Vice President of Communications & Engagement
Bow Valley College Faculty Association
01.2021 - 04.2025
ELL Instructor
Bow Valley College
01.2013 - 01.2023
Anytime Online High School English Instructor
Bow Valley College
01.2013 - 12.2013
Teacher’s Assistant TEFL Certificate Course
ESCWorks! International
01.2013 - 12.2013
Accredited Family Day Home
Hemel House Child Care Services
01.2009 - 01.2013
Teacher/Tutor
Sylvan Learning Center
01.2008 - 01.2011
Private Tutor
Self-Employed
01.2005 - Current
Public School Teacher
Lethbridge School District & Horizon School District
01.2004 - 01.2009
Yoga & Social Emotional Learning Instructor Training (YTT 200) -
Breathe for Change
Indigenous Canada Course -
University of Alberta
Child Development Supervisor Certificate -
Alberta
Bachelor of Education
University of Lethbridge
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Lethbridge
Some College (No Degree) -
ESCWorks! International
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