Jamal Bruce
Romeoville
Summary
Accomplished professional devoted to student and community needs. Focused on helping clients and community members manage and overcome personal, social, and behavioral problems that negatively impact well-being or academic, social, and professional success. Goes above and beyond to enhance the experiences of clients and community members, helping each reach their full potential.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Academic Advisor
Adtalem Global Education/Chamberlain University
Chicago
01.2025 - Current
- Assist students with appropriate course registration and ensure students understand degree and practicum application requirements (as applicable per program).
- Advocate for the advising needs of students that contribute to their successful enrollment, engagement, and completion of their educational goals.
- Advise students on university policies and procedures, program requirements, and related academic matters.
- Closely monitor students to proactively identify at-risk scenarios and identify opportunities to develop, implement, measure, and improve academic success strategies.
- Utilize appropriate systems and student data to confirm and track accurate enrollment, persistence, and graduation information for students in their assigned program/campus locations and/or by assisting multiple program/campus locations based on enrollment needs. Documents all interactions in the appropriate institutional systems.
- Coach students to explore alternatives to overcome barriers to persistence or graduation and makes appropriate resource referrals when necessary.
- Maintain a thorough understanding of all academic programs, policies and procedures including institutional policies, federal, and state regulations. Complies with applicable federal and state.
- Promote student self-service tools during advising interactions.
- Assist and engage students through a variety of communication This may include virtual/ video advising, inbound student calls, and proactive outreach to students to deliver a positive resolution.
- Identify opportunities and solutions that improve current methods and actively participate in the change of a constantly evolving organization.
- Collaborate with other departments and functional areas to deliver an optimal student
4th Grade Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
Chicago
06.2024 - 01.2025
- Teaching and encouraging foundational literacy skills through the planning of guided reading groups and close reading lessons
- Utilized ESL strategies to support and enhance language acquisition.
- Administered WIDA screeners to identify EL newcomers and students that require ESL services
- Planning and facilitating engaging lessons in science inquiry.
- Designed and conducted cross curricular culturally relevant language arts and social studies lessons with an inquiry-based approach.
- Implemented technology in daily lessons through programs such as Epic!, Flip Grid, Zearn, Freckle, Seesaw, and Imagine Learning
- Analyzed Fastbridge and ACCESS assessment scores to create individualized action plans for student success
- Administered Fountas and Pinnell assessments to track student growth and development in reading
- Implemented FUNdations into daily activities to support English learners in phonics, fluency, vocabulary and early literacy.
- Represented the ESL team at monthly subcommittee meetings, reporting information, celebrations and addressing team concerns
- Implemented positive behavior systems to encourage desired school behaviors
- Implemented digital manipulatives to assist students in mastery of math concepts
- Differentiate for students with IEPs and 504 plans based on data collection and observation, combined with the latest education research
- Monitored and tracked student progress through the data team process
- Participated in instructional coaching cycles to improve classroom instruction and student achievement
Substitute Teacher
Oswego SD 308
Oswego
02.2024 - 03.2024
- Teaching and encouraging foundational literacy skills through the planning of guided reading groups and close reading lessons
- Teaching across grade levels
- Utilized ESL strategies to support and enhance language acquisition.
- Administered WIDA screeners to identify EL newcomers and students that require ESL services
- Implemented FUNdations into daily activities to support learners in phonics, fluency, vocabulary and early literacy.
- Implemented positive behavior systems to encourage desired school behaviors
- Implemented digital manipulatives to assist students in mastery of math concepts
- Differentiate for students with IEPs and 504 plans based on data collection and observation, combined with the latest education research
ESL Teacher
Lincoln Elementary School
Brookfield
08.2023 - 01.2024
- Teaching and encouraging foundational literacy skills through the planning of guided reading groups and close reading lessons
- Utilized ESL strategies to support and enhance language acquisition.
- Administered WIDA screeners to identify EL newcomers and students that require ESL services
- Planning and facilitating engaging lessons in science inquiry.
- Designed and conducted cross curricular culturally relevant language arts and social studies lessons with an inquiry-based approach.
- Implemented technology in daily lessons through programs such as Epic!, Flip Grid, Zearn, Freckle, Seesaw, and Imagine Learning
- Analyzed Fastbridge and ACCESS assessment scores to create individualized action plans for student success
- Administered Fountas and Pinnell assessments to track student growth and development in reading
- Implemented FUNdations into daily activities to support English learners in phonics, fluency, vocabulary and early literacy.
- Represented the ESL team at monthly subcommittee meetings, reporting information, celebrations and addressing team concerns
- Implemented positive behavior systems to encourage desired school behaviors
- Implemented digital manipulatives to assist students in mastery of math concepts
- Differentiate for students with IEPs and 504 plans based on data collection and observation, combined with the latest education research
- Monitored and tracked student progress through the data team process
- Participated in instructional coaching cycles to improve classroom instruction and student achievement
Teacher
Independence Elementary School
Bolingbrook
08.2022 - 02.2023
- Teaching and encouraging foundational literacy skills through the planning of guided reading groups and close reading lessons
- Planning and facilitating engaging lessons in science inquiry.
- Designed and conducted cross curricular culturally relevant language arts and social studies lessons with an inquiry-based approach.
- Implemented technology in daily lessons through programs such as Epic!, Flip Grid, Zearn, Freckle, Seesaw, and SmartyAnts
- Analyzed STAR 360 and ACCESS scores to create individualized action plans for student success
- Administered Fountas and Pinnell assessments to track student growth and development in reading
- Implemented positive behavior systems to encourage desired school behaviors
- Facilitated professional development regarding cultural proficiency and the importance of culturally responsive educators.
- Implemented digital manipulatives to assist students in mastery of math concepts
- Differentiate for students with IEPs and 504 plans based on data collection and observation, combined with the latest education research
- Monitored and tracked student progress through the data team process
- Participated in instructional coaching cycles to improve classroom instruction and student achievement
Teacher
A.O Marshall Elementary School
Joliet
08.2018 - 01.2022
- Teaching and encouraging foundational literacy skills through the planning of guided reading groups and close reading lessons
- Planning and facilitating engaging lessons in science inquiry.
- Designed and conducted cross curricular culturally-relevant language arts and social studies lessons with an inquiry-based approach.
- Implemented technology in daily lessons through programs such as Epic!, Flip Grid, Zearn, Freckle, Seesaw, and Google Classroom
- Analyzed STAR 360 and ACCESS scores to create individualized action plans for student success
- Administered Fountas and Pinnell assessments to track student growth and development in reading
- Implemented positive behavior systems to encourage desired school behaviors
- Facilitated professional development regarding cultural proficiency and the importance of culturally responsive educators.
- Organized and coached a youth cheerleading club
- Implemented digital manipulatives to assist students in mastery of math concepts
- Differentiate for students with IEPs and 504 plans based on data collection and observation, combined with the latest education research
- Monitored and tracked student progress through the use of school wide data team challenges
- Served as Lead Teacher for one year
Teacher
Boulder Hill Elementary School
Oswego
06.2021 - 07.2021
- Teaching and encouraging foundational literacy skills through the planning of guided reading groups and close reading lessons
- Designed and conducted cross curricular culturally relevant language arts and social studies lessons with an inquiry-based approach.
- Implemented positive behavior systems to encourage desired school behaviors
- Differentiate for students with IEPs and 504 plans based on data collection and observation, combined with the latest education research
Teacher Intern
Daniel J. Corkery Elementary School
Chicago
09.2017 - 04.2018
- Teaching and encouraging foundational literacy skills through the planning of guided reading groups and close reading lessons
- Planning and facilitating engaging lessons in science inquiry.
- Designed and conducted culturally-relevant social studies lessons with an inquiry-based approach.
- Implemented technology in daily lessons through programs such as Epic, Reading a-z, Zearn, IXL, Xtramath, and Google Classroom
- Analyzed NWEA and ACCESS scores to create individualized action plans for student success
- Administered Fountas and Pinnell assessments to track student growth and development in reading
- Implemented positive behavior systems to encourage desired school behaviors
Clinical Student
Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School
Normal
08.2015 - 12.2015
- Designed and conducted culturally-relevant English Language Arts activities
- Implemented cross-curricular lessons through writing and STEM
- Assessed reading skills such as fluency, comprehension, decoding, and vocabulary
Clinical Student
Northview Elementary School
Lasalle-Peru
02.2015 - 05.2015
- Developed balanced literacy lessons and implemented reading strategies in both whole group and small group settings
- Cooperated with colleagues to implement SEL and behavior interventions
- Implemented brain breaks and transition activities using Go Noodle
- Utilized technology to actively engage students in science and social studies content
Clinical Student
Alessandro Volta Elementary School
Chicago
02.2014 - 02.2014
- Observed cross-curricular social studies and literacy lessons
- Facilitated meaningful social studies discussions in small groups
Class of 2014
Golden Apple Scholar
- 700 hours of classroom experience and instruction across various school settings in IL St. Malachi/Near West Side, Chicago International Charter School Wrightwood/Evergreen Park, Quinn Community Center/Maywood
- Cooperated with colleagues to design balanced instruction
- Engaged students with diverse backgrounds in meaningful activities in science, reading, writing, and mathematics
- Engaged in intellectual discourse surrounding controversial topics in education such as School to Prison Pipeline, Race and Gender Inequities, and Classroom Management
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ05-2029
B.S. - Elementary Education
Illinois State University
Normal, IL05.2018
Skills
- Staff management
- Data analysis
- Lesson planning
- Cross-cultural design
- Student mentorship
- Education model development
- Strategic Decision-making
- Collaborative mindset
- Advisee communication
- Excellent oral and written communication
- Technological proficiency
- Advising expertise
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Multicultural competence
- Analytical thinking
- Adaptability
- Curriculum design
- Resource identification
- Academic counseling
- Student development
Certification
Professional Educator License in Elementary Education K-9, English as a Second Language
Activities
- College Mentors for Kids, 2014-2015
- Illinois State University Coed Cheerleading Team, 2015-2017
- National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2014-2015
- Plainfield East Cheerleading Coach; Varsity Assistant and Junior Varsity, 2014-2019, 2022-present
- Marshall Elementary Cheerleading Coach, 2018-2020
Affiliations
- Cheerleading Coach
- Community Volunteer
Languages
Spanish
Limited
Timeline
Academic Advisor
Adtalem Global Education/Chamberlain University
01.2025 - Current
4th Grade Teacher
Chicago Public Schools
06.2024 - 01.2025
Substitute Teacher
Oswego SD 308
02.2024 - 03.2024
ESL Teacher
Lincoln Elementary School
08.2023 - 01.2024
Teacher
Independence Elementary School
08.2022 - 02.2023
Teacher
Boulder Hill Elementary School
06.2021 - 07.2021
Teacher
A.O Marshall Elementary School
08.2018 - 01.2022
Teacher Intern
Daniel J. Corkery Elementary School
09.2017 - 04.2018
Clinical Student
Thomas Metcalf Laboratory School
08.2015 - 12.2015
Clinical Student
Northview Elementary School
02.2015 - 05.2015
Clinical Student
Alessandro Volta Elementary School
02.2014 - 02.2014
Class of 2014
Golden Apple Scholar
Master of Science - Social Work
Grand Canyon University
B.S. - Elementary Education
Illinois State University