Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Chicago Public Schools, specializing in multicultural education and student engagement. Proven track record of enhancing literacy through innovative project-based learning and data-driven strategies, resulting in improved standardized test performance. Skilled in relationship building and conflict resolution, fostering an inclusive environment for diverse learners.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
6th Grade Reading, Writing, Social Science Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Established positive rapport with students from diverse backgrounds, promoting an inclusive learning community that values cultural competency.
Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, adjusting instructional strategies as needed to address individual learning needs.
Supported diverse learners and English learners with tailored instruction methods, ensuring their full engagement in classroom activities.
Emphasized inquiry-based learning approaches in lesson delivery, helping students gain confidence in their ability to ask questions and seek answers independently.
Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing dynamic teaching methods and incorporating real-world examples into lessons.
Increased overall class participation by creating an inclusive learning environment that welcomed many perspectives and opinions.
Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
Implemented data-driven instructional strategies to address individual student needs, improving overall performance on standardized tests.
Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent routines.
Associate Professor
Illinois State University
08.2010 - 05.2022
Taught literacy methods courses to juniors and senior student teachers in Chicago, Master's students, and mentored doctoral students.
Conducted and published research related to a myriad of topics.
Served on academic committees, contributing insights and expertise to enhance institutional policies and practices.
Developed students' critical thinking skills through interactive classroom activities and discussions.
Advised student groups, assisting learners in educational programs both on and off campus.
Integrated real-world examples into curricula, making course content more relevant and engaging for students.
8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Wichita Public Schools USD 259
08.2008 - 05.2010
Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating various teaching methods, including group projects and hands-on activities.
Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary units, promoting connections between English Language Arts and other subject areas.
Assisted in the development of curriculum materials, aligning content with state standards for 8th Grade English Language Arts.
Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting instruction as needed to enhance achievement outcomes.
Incorporated diverse texts into the curriculum to expose students to different perspectives and cultures, promoting cultural competency.
Adapted lessons to accommodate diverse learners, ensuring all students were able to access the material successfully.
Implemented data-driven instructional strategies to address individual student needs, improving overall performance on standardized tests.
Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations and maintaining consistent routines.
Education
Ph.D. - Teacher Education
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
05-2010
M.Ed. - Administration, Planning, And Social Policy
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
06-2002
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
Emporia State University
Emporia, KS
12-1997
Skills
Collaborative learning
Educational technology
Project-based learning
Student engagement
Multicultural education
Relationship building
Diversity and inclusion
Conflict resolution
Timeline
6th Grade Reading, Writing, Social Science Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
08.2022 - Current
Associate Professor
Illinois State University
08.2010 - 05.2022
8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Wichita Public Schools USD 259
08.2008 - 05.2010
Ph.D. - Teacher Education
Michigan State University
M.Ed. - Administration, Planning, And Social Policy
Special Education Classroom Assistant at City of Chicago/Chicago Public SchoolsSpecial Education Classroom Assistant at City of Chicago/Chicago Public Schools
Physical Education Teacher Grades K-12 at Chicago Public Schools/Distinctive SchoolsPhysical Education Teacher Grades K-12 at Chicago Public Schools/Distinctive Schools