I’m a writer and educator with a passion for clear communication, education equity, and cross-cultural collaboration. My work spans teaching French, authoring research and policy pieces, and editorial support for NGOs and international organizations. I enjoy turning complex topics into accessible content and am fluent in English and French, with ongoing engagement in international development and education.

Kathryn Shepard

I’m a writer and educator with a passion for clear communication, education equity, and cross-cultural collaboration. My work spans teaching French, authoring research and policy pieces, and editorial support for NGOs and international organizations. I enjoy turning complex topics into accessible content and am fluent in English and French, with ongoing engagement in international development and education.

Available to hire

I’m a writer and educator with a passion for clear communication, education equity, and cross-cultural collaboration. My work spans teaching French, authoring research and policy pieces, and editorial support for NGOs and international organizations. I enjoy turning complex topics into accessible content and am fluent in English and French, with ongoing engagement in international development and education.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Language

French
Advanced
English
Fluent

Work Experience

French Teacher at Central High School
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2025
Designed and implemented project-based curriculum aligned with TN standards; engaged parents with progress feedback; delivered multi-modal instruction on language, culture, literature, history, geography, and customs; prepared course materials and wrote letters of recommendation.
Long-term Substitute French Teacher at Fairfax County Public Schools
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2018
Planned lessons, graded assignments, and conducted speaking/writing assessments; collaborated with teachers to ensure quality instruction.
French Teacher at Clinton High School
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2021
Collaborated to develop state-compliant lesson plans; built parent relationships; delivered engaging, multi-modal instruction; prepared materials and wrote letters of recommendation.
Front Desk Associate at Residence Inn by Marriott
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2014
Handled guest check-in/check-out and inquiries; received high guest satisfaction scores; Employee of the Month (May 2013).
Operations/Management at Backcountry Gardens and Vineyard
January 1, 2019 - Present
Managed monthly finances, led change management, coordinated schedules, ensured time management across a team, arranged transportation and travel, and oversaw daily operational planning.
QA Analyst / LLM Evaluator at xAI
January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Utilized rubrics to evaluate LLM responses; checked safety compliance; led workflow discussions; provided bilingual testing materials (English and French).
Freelance Writer at Self-Employed / Remote
January 1, 2025 - Present
Contributed freelance articles to online journals; authored articles such as 'Foreign Language Curriculum is the Worst' (The Educator’s Room, Jan 2026) and other pieces on education and governance.
Communications & Administrative Assistant at Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF)
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015
Provided communications and administrative support; helped develop M&E tools; assisted in meeting preparations and document editing for publication.
Researcher / Collaborator at ECPAT International
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Collaborated on combating sexual exploitation of children; authored a research report for the Human Rights Council; presented at university events; co-founded Working Group on child trafficking; edited advocacy materials.
Guest Services / Hospitality Assistant at Residence Inn by Marriott
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2014
Greeted guests and assisted with inquiries; contributed to guest experience.

Education

M.A. in Instruction and Curriculum at Carson-Newman University
August 1, 2021 - May 30, 2023
M.A. in Anthropology and Sociology of Development at The Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies
September 1, 2014 - June 1, 2016
B.A. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution; Anthropology at George Mason University
August 1, 2007 - December 30, 2010

Qualifications

Level B2 French Language Certification
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026
Certifications related to bloodborne pathogens, suicide awareness and prevention, assault and bullying, and human trafficking
January 11, 2030 - February 4, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Non-Profit Organization, Government, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services