Catarina Gunn
Arlington,VA
Summary
Experienced European Portuguese Language Instructor and Language Assessment Specialist with expertise in curriculum development, language proficiency testing, and cross-cultural training for adult learners and government professionals. Extensive experience delivering customized Portuguese language and cultural instruction to Foreign Service personnel, diplomats, and international professionals using CEFR and ILR proficiency frameworks. Skilled in conducting language assessments, administering and rating proficiency tests, developing specialized instructional materials, and adapting training to diverse learner needs. Background in international relations and diplomatic environments, with experience supporting U.S. government and foreign affairs initiatives.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Tester
National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) – Former Foreign Service Institute (FSI), ICA Contractor
Arlington, VA
01.2025 - Current
- Conducted ILR-aligned speaking tests to assess the language proficiency of U.S. government personnel.
- Followed standardized testing protocols to elicit a valid and ratable sample of the examinee’s speech.
- Maintained professional conduct throughout the interview to ensure a secure, neutral, and consistent testing environment.
- Evaluated the examinee’s performance independently and then collaborated with a certified rater to reach a consensus score based on ILR criteria.
- Contributed language samples to support scoring rationale.
- Demonstrated currency in language use and awareness of regional and dialectal variation to ensure accurate and fair assessment of communicative ability.
Online Portuguese Culture and Language Instructor
Portuguese Language Institute (POLI)
New York City
01.2025 - Current
- Delivered weekly one-on-one online instruction via Zoom to an adult English language native learner in preparation for the CIPLE Exam, in alignment with the CEFR framework and Portuguese government proficiency standards.
- Designed a targeted curriculum addressing the four core competencies of the CIPLE Exam: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Created custom reading and listening comprehension materials using authentic level-appropriate texts, podcast and YouTube audio samples, and interactive Google Form quizzes.
- Developed personalized writing assignments that simulated real-life communicative tasks required by the exam, such as composing emails, writing text messages, and drafting letters.
- Structured speaking practice tasks around practical, real-world scenarios, including ordering at a restaurant, scheduling a doctor’s appointment, navigating a job interview, and handling emergency situations.
- Assessed learner performance regularly and provided actionable feedback to improve accuracy, fluency, and test readiness.
European Portuguese Language Instructor
ICA Language Services
Arlington, VA
09.2025 - 05.2026
- Delivered European Portuguese language and cultural instruction to Foreign Service Officers and Department of State personnel, supporting diplomatic readiness and professional development.
- Designed and implemented customized lesson plans tailored to individual learning objectives, proficiency levels, and operational needs.
- Developed specialized Portuguese Economic Tradecraft training focused on Lusophone economies and regional contexts, with emphasis on Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Portugal.
- Planned and facilitated language-centered cultural activities to strengthen fluency, cross-cultural communication, and cultural competency among Foreign Service professionals.
- Conducted ongoing progress assessments and prepared detailed performance reports to provide feedback and guide student improvement.
- Administered and evaluated LTA-based proficiency assessments in Continental Portuguese.
Rater/ Certified Examiner
National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) – Former Foreign Service Institute (FSI), ICA Contractor
05.2025 - 08.2025
- Led the preparation and administration of language proficiency tests for both familiar and unfamiliar languages in Full Speaking and BEX formats.
- Ensured test reliability by securing ratable samples and applying ILR standards to produce accurate scoring.
- Established examinee performance profiles, scored tests independently, and reached final consensus ratings with testers.
- Authored official score reports, justifying scoring decisions with clear, ILR-aligned rationale.
Portuguese Culture and Language Instructor
Portuguese Language Institute (POLI)
New York City
12.2023 - 01.2025
- Responsible for the European Portuguese Department, overseeing curriculum design and instruction for approximately 15 adult learners ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Delivered in-person, online, private, semi-private, and group classes. Students included diplomats, attorneys, business executives, healthcare professionals, heritage speakers, and native Spanish and French speakers.
- Developed weekly lesson plans using a communicative, student-centered approach to promote active use of Portuguese through discussions, debates, and real-world simulations.
- Facilitated classroom conversations entirely in Portuguese, encouraging spontaneous speech and peer-to-peer interaction.
- Designed and implemented authentic instructional listening materials (podcasts, radio, YouTube, and music) to complement textbook content and improve comprehension.
- Introduced task-based learning activities, including writing about routines, opinions, professional topics, and personal experiences.
- Integrated educational technologies and social media platforms to increase learner engagement and support diverse learning styles.
- Conducted research on students’ professional and personal interests to customize content, increase motivation, and ensure instruction relevance.
- Assessed student performance through weekly assignments and provided detailed, individualized feedback to support language development and self-correction.
Portuguese Language and Culture Instructor
International Languages Institute (ILI)
Washington, DC
09.2024 - 12.2024
- Taught a semi-private online beginner-level Portuguese class via Zoom, focusing on the development of foundational speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
- Designed and delivered culturally informed lessons using a communicative and task-based approach to promote real-world language use and active learner engagement.
- Created customized digital materials to support grammar acquisition, vocabulary building, and everyday conversation topics, including greetings, personal information, daily routines, and travel.
- Facilitated interactive activities such as role plays, dialogues, and cultural comparisons to enhance oral fluency and cross-cultural competence.
Operations and Events Assistant Manager
Portugal-US Chamber of Commerce (PUSCC)
New York City
01.2024 - 12.2024
- Assisted with processing and recording invoices, ensuring accuracy and timely data entry.
- Supported drafting and scheduling newsletters, managed email lists, and analyzed campaign performance metrics.
- Coordinated logistics for Chamber events, including setup, registration, and communication with guests.
- Conducted research on member needs and market trends to inform organizational strategies.
- Provided support with various administrative tasks as assigned to facilitate smooth office operations.
Portuguese Language and Culture Instructor
Diplomatic Language Services (DLS)
Arlington, VA
06.2024 - 07.2024
- Designed and delivered a 75-hour intensive European Portuguese course for a Spanish-speaking adult learner, enabling the student to progress from no prior knowledge to ILR Level 2.
- Developed a curriculum specifically tailored to leverage the student’s Spanish language background, emphasizing contrastive grammar, cognates, and false friends.
- Taught daily one-on-one immersive sessions that incorporated speaking, listening, reading, and writing tasks aligned with ILR performance descriptors.
- Assessed the student’s progress continuously and adapted instruction accordingly, providing detailed, personalized feedback to accelerate acquisition and prepare for formal evaluation.
Foreign Affairs Intern at the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations
Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
New York City
05.2022 - 11.2022
- Drafted reports, background materials, and other key documents for senior diplomats, including translations between English and Portuguese.
- Provided logistical and administrative support during meetings, ensuring effective follow-up and coordination.
- Assisted the election officer by managing communications between missions, drafting mutual support agreements, note verbale, and official correspondence.
Portuguese Language and Culture Instructor
Project SPEAK Social
Lisbon, Portugal
11.2020 - 01.2021
- Taught Portuguese to students of diverse nationalities to support social integration of migrants and refugees.
- Focused classes on developing spoken fluency for daily communication and enhancing listening comprehension skills.
- Created tailored learning materials including PowerPoint presentations, exercises, Google Forms quizzes, and speaking activities simulating real-life tasks relevant to students’ professional and personal contexts.
Education
Master’s degree - teaching Portuguese as a Foreign Language
Universidade Aberta
Lisbon, PortugalMaster of Business Administration candidate - undefined
ISCTE Business School, University of Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal01-2024
Bachelor's degree - Politics and International Relations
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Lisbon, Portugal01-2018
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experience with Google Drive (Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms)
- Experienced with remote teaching platforms: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets
- Experience with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
- Skilled in instructional technology tools: Google Forms, Google Classroom, Kahoot, Quizlet
- Familiar with CEFR and ILR proficiency frameworks for language testing and curriculum design
- Experience with learning management systems (LMS) and file-sharing platforms (eg, Moodle, Google Drive, Dropbox)
Languages
English
Full Professional
Portuguese
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Professional Working
Timeline
European Portuguese Language Instructor
ICA Language Services
09.2025 - 05.2026
Rater/ Certified Examiner
National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) – Former Foreign Service Institute (FSI), ICA Contractor
05.2025 - 08.2025
Tester
National Foreign Affairs Training Center (NFATC) – Former Foreign Service Institute (FSI), ICA Contractor
01.2025 - Current
Online Portuguese Culture and Language Instructor
Portuguese Language Institute (POLI)
01.2025 - Current
Portuguese Language and Culture Instructor
International Languages Institute (ILI)
09.2024 - 12.2024
Portuguese Language and Culture Instructor
Diplomatic Language Services (DLS)
06.2024 - 07.2024
Operations and Events Assistant Manager
Portugal-US Chamber of Commerce (PUSCC)
01.2024 - 12.2024
Portuguese Culture and Language Instructor
Portuguese Language Institute (POLI)
12.2023 - 01.2025
Foreign Affairs Intern at the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations
Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations, Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
05.2022 - 11.2022
Portuguese Language and Culture Instructor
Project SPEAK Social
11.2020 - 01.2021
Master of Business Administration candidate - undefined
ISCTE Business School, University of Lisbon
Bachelor's degree - Politics and International Relations
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
Master’s degree - teaching Portuguese as a Foreign Language
Universidade Aberta