Saira Xilonen

Background

About Saira Xilonen

Ms. Saira Xilonen is a Mexican and American Citizen who has nine years of professional experience. She has four teaching qualifications from the United States. Ms. Xilonen attended Montclair State University in New Jersey, earning her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. She completed a postgraduate teaching program from Jersey City University and became a certified Social Studies and a Bilingual teacher. Her career began as a secondary teacher for English Language Learners (E.L.L.s), delivering History lessons in English and Spanish. Although she loved teaching her subject for three years, where she learned to differentiate the content and English ability, she embarked on new challenges and career goals as an elementary teacher. Ms. Xilonen was intrigued by the foundations of reading and writing, so she obtained a teaching qualification as an Early Primary Teacher. She taught as a Grade 1 Homeroom Teacher at a Public School where data-driven instruction was at the center of student growth, achievement, and monitoring. She enjoyed working with E.L.L.s of this age group, but life had a different path for her outside of the U.S.A. She moved to Shanghai in 2016, where she was an E.A.L. teacher for students in Grades 1 to 5 at an American international school. As the Head of the E.A.L Primary Department, she implemented effective program policies, mentored new teachers, and facilitated Professional Development workshops. In 2018, she obtained a Master of Education degree focused on English as a Second Language from the College of New Jersey. After four years of leading a fascinating personal and professional life in Shanghai, she embraced moving to Hangzhou for a quieter lifestyle. She has enjoyed teaching second graders as a Homeroom Teacher for two years. Living in China has been a dream come true for Ms. Xilonen because she enjoys learning about the culture, food, and history. She hopes to embrace a similar experience in another country in the Middle East. Leading a healthy lifestyle is very important for her, so she stays active by hiking, dancing, and exercising. She is a traveler by heart who is in constant search of wonders worldwide. She describes herself as self-reflective, motivated, caring, and a fantastic teacher who views life with a growth mindset. With her appreciation of cultures, love for teaching, and nine years of experience, she is happy to embark on new professional and personal goals.