Izzete Encarnacion

Innovator, Learner, teacher, friend, Reader, and dancer

Personal Background

I am originally from Dominican Republic, a beautiful island in the Caribbean. I define myself as passionate and curious. I am very interested in learning and teaching, and I love to have conversations about those topics.

I love dancing and reading. My favorite rhythms to dance to are Merengue, Bachata and Salsa. For me, one day without dancing or listening to music feels empty and boring. So, if you see me singing a song just know that is how I spark and bring light to my days. My favorite salsa is Carta de Amor by Juan Luis Guerra, he narrates his love by singing the punctuation used in a letter, just brilliant! My favorite bachata is Medicina de Amor by Raulin Rodriguez, he describes how her love is medicine and cure for him.

Reading and writing are things that I love doing, too. Therefore, when inspiration comes I let it flow and end up writing poems, thoughts or stories. Click here to read one of my poems.

Professional Background

My journey as an educator started when I was 13 years old, and I was the TA of the Biblical Study teacher of my group. She would miss and leave me in charge for the class, I assumed that assignment with respect and love. So, I guess I knew from a very young age what my true call was.

After that, I became a dance teacher, a peer monitor in my school, and a private English Tutor. All those small, but challenging positions set up the base for my career as an English Teacher in the English by Immersion Program in 2012. I got to a point where I realized I did not want to do anything else, but teach.

Understanding my true call helped me pave the road for what has become a career in education. I first got an International Certification in Teaching English as a Second Language from Centro Espiral Mana that reframed the way I saw teaching and learning. In addition, I obtained the three module certifications of Cambridge Teaching Knowledge Test.

Additionally, I have a BA in Education with a minor in Teaching English as a Second Language from Universidad Dominico-Americana in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. I also have a MS in Educational Leadership and Management from University of Portsmouth in Portsmouth, England. I am currently pursuing a MA in Educational Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship in University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Fulbright student.

If you would like to get more details about my career in education, please read my Resume Page.

Personality

Assertive Campaigner
I never understood why people’s wellbeing was so important to me until I did the personality test. It was eye opening to see the reason of my decisions, frustrations and breakthroughs. I measure my success by the quality of my interactions and the impact on people around me. My hardwork pays off when other people are inspired and motivated to be and do better. Simply put: I am a “people’s person”. If you would like to see my profile and learn more about me please visit 16personalities.com

Happy Person
I am a very happy person. I love my life and the decisions I have made to be where I am at now. I have really big dreams, but I do my best to keep myself in the present moment (The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle). As anybody else I have low moments, however I have worked on ways to allow myself to live the emotions and choose learning. Journaling, reading, spending time in nature, and practicing mindfulness are some of the ways in which I accept my reality, learn from it and go through it with the most optimistic attitude possible.

Goal Oriented
I like to work with clear and feasible goals in mind. My actions, decisions and energy should conduct myself to accomplish something that is measurable. I get frustrated when I see that I have invested energy and resources without a clear goal or I am going in circles without producing sustainable changes.

Explorer
I love discovering and learning new things. I am always looking for ways to improve my practice and my relationships. Additionally, I spend time going through personal cycles of PSDA (Plan -Study-Do-Act). For instance, if I learn something new, I take time to put it into practice and master it whether it is a recipe or a piece of Technology.