Laura Pitois

Student-centered professional: talented educational leader specializing in advising with a passion for facilitating student success for immigrant college students. Resourceful, organized, and skilled at working in a fast-paced environment.

Advisor III in the English for Speakers of Other Languages department at Florida State College at Jacksonville's Downtown Campus. • Academic Advisor and case manager for English for Speakers of Other Languages students. Advise more than 800 students in the ESOL program on class selection, high school completion, college credit, and workforce certificate programs. • Expert in transitioning students to postsecondary programs and advising students on the American educational system. Knowledgeable regarding foreign education credential evaluations. • Experienced presenter at ease communicating with diverse groups including second language learners, high school students, parents, guidance counselors, and community groups. • Skilled in event planning, including Open Houses with 20+ presenters and 400 student participants, graduations, International Education Week activities, and college tours. • Develop partnerships to improve access to educational programs for students. Collaborate with other college departments to ensure student success. • Maintain case files on individual students and provide advice and referrals on all aspects of the college experience.

• Provided individual and group instruction in French as a foreign language. • Created individualized lesson plans based on clients’ needs and abilities. • Infused lessons with music, games, and realia to engage students. • Served as French-English interpreter for an official visit to the city of Fernandina Beach, Florida by the mayor of Parcelles Assainies, Dakar, Senegal.

M.Ed in Higher Education