Monica Ragusa
Shorewood
Summary
Compassionate, versatile, and inspiring instructor with a strong background in curriculum development, instructional design, and student-centered learning. Skilled in delivering engaging, standards-based instruction that promotes health literacy, personal responsibility, decision-making skills, and overall well-being. Proficient in assessing student progress and adapting teaching strategies to diverse learning styles, incorporating technology to enhance student engagement, and collaborating with faculty, parents, and community organizations to support academic success. Experienced in facilitating discussions on societal and historical topics, fostering critical thinking, and guiding students through structured writing assignments and presentations. Committed to creating an inclusive, supportive classroom environment that empowers students to make informed health choices and develop lifelong wellness habits.
Overview
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
Troy School District
08.2025 - Current
- Developed curriculum and engaging lesson plans aligned with ISBE standards.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to enhance student behavior and learning outcomes.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects that foster critical thinking skills.
- Adapted teaching methodologies to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs of students.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
English Language Acquisition
Waubonsee Community College
05.2022 - Current
- Deliver instruction across multiple proficiency levels, from high beginner to advanced, to enhance language acquisition.
- Utilize technology-driven teaching methods to reinforce language skills and foster interactive learning experiences.
- Design and implement supplemental materials, worksheets, and resources to support curriculum objectives.
- Adapt instructional strategies to accommodate varying learning styles and optimize student comprehension.
- Developed customized lesson plans that incorporate industry-specific vocabulary based on students' professional interests.
- Instructed adult learners in English as a Second Language (ESL), tailoring lessons to diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
High School Equivalency Course
Waubonsee Community College
05.2022 - Current
- Guide students in applying Language Arts principles, including grammar, vocabulary, and essay composition, to Social Studies topics.
- Instruct GED preparation courses integrating social studies and English language arts to enhance students' critical thinking and communication skills.
- Implement diverse instructional strategies to accommodate varying learning styles and academic backgrounds.
- Facilitated engaging discussions on historical events, such as the Trail of Tears, to develop analytical and research skills.
- Oversaw creation of written essays and multimedia presentations, fostering clarity, organization, and effective communication.
- Delivered content-focused lessons on historical and societal topics to increase comprehension through structured writing assignments.
Task Force Substitute
Joliet Central High School
08.2023 - 06.2025
- Served as Substitute for educators during absences or scheduled meetings while adhering to provided lesson plans to ensure instructional continuity.
- Adapted teaching methods to accommodate diverse student needs and foster a productive learning environment.
- Maintained classroom order, uphold school policies, and support student engagement in daily lessons.
- Executed engaging classroom activities and facilitated learning experiences in alignment with established curricula.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to reinforce educational objectives and enhance student development.
English Language Acquisition
Joliet Junior College
05.2022 - 05.2024
- Delivered instruction across multiple proficiency levels, from high beginner to advanced, to enhance language acquisition.
- Utilized technology-driven teaching methods to reinforce language skills and foster interactive learning experiences.
- Designed and implemented supplemental materials, worksheets, and resources to support curriculum objectives.
- Adapted instructional strategies to accommodate varying learning styles and optimize student comprehension.
- Developed customized lesson plans that incorporate industry-specific vocabulary based on students' professional interests.
- Instructed adult learners in English as a Second Language (ESL), tailoring lessons to diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
English Language Acquisition
College of DuPage
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Deliver instruction across multiple proficiency levels, from high beginner to advanced, to enhance language acquisition.
- Utilize technology-driven teaching methods to reinforce language skills and foster interactive learning experiences.
- Design and implement supplemental materials, worksheets, and resources to support curriculum objectives.
- Adapt instructional strategies to accommodate varying learning styles and optimize student comprehension.
- Developed customized lesson plans that incorporate industry-specific vocabulary based on students' professional interests.
- Instructed adult learners in English as a Second Language (ESL), tailoring lessons to diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
English Language Arts/ELL
Oswego 308 School District
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Assisted in individualized education program (IEP) processes by providing input on student progress and instructional strategies.
- Collaborated with ELL and English departments to establish learning objectives and tailored goals for students.
- Aligned lesson plans with district curriculum and ISBE standards to maintain educational consistency and academic rigor.
- Administered ACCESS assessments in compliance with state requirements to evaluate English language proficiency.
- Guided students in crafting structured essays, developing original poetry, and delivering presentations to enhance communication skills.
- Coordinated with multiple co-teachers to implement differentiated instructional methods and foster an inclusive learning environment.
Education
Master of Arts in Education/Secondary Teacher Education -
University of Phoenix
AZ01-2020
Bachelor of Arts in English - undefined
University of Phoenix
AZ01-2018
Skills
- English Language Arts (ELA) Instruction
- Instructional Material Development
- Adaptive Teaching Methods
- Faculty & Staff Coordination
- Behavioral Intervention Techniques
- Curriculum development
- State & District Curriculum Alignment
- Student Engagement Enhancement
- Social-Emotional Competency Development
- Peer Mentoring & Team Collaboration
- Multicultural & Diversity Awareness
- ESL- english as second language
Accomplishments
- WCC ELL data reported: Achieved FY25 student level gain of 48.5% compared to overall program student level gain of 45.2%
- WCC ELL data reported: Achieved FY24 student level gain of 60.9% compared to overall program student level gain of 42.6%
Certification
- CPA/AED/First Aid, American Heart Association | 2026
- Google Certified Educator Level 1 Certification | 2021
- Professional Educator License (PEL), State of Illinois | April 2031
- Endorsements: English As a Second Language Endorsement for Pre-Kindergarten - Grade 12, English Language Arts for HS - Grade 9-12, Language Arts for Grade 5-8, English Language Arts for HS - Grade 9-12, Health Education for K-12
Timeline
Teacher
Troy School District
08.2025 - Current
Task Force Substitute
Joliet Central High School
08.2023 - 06.2025
English Language Acquisition
College of DuPage
08.2022 - 08.2023
English Language Arts/ELL
Oswego 308 School District
08.2022 - 05.2023
English Language Acquisition
Waubonsee Community College
05.2022 - Current
High School Equivalency Course
Waubonsee Community College
05.2022 - Current
English Language Acquisition
Joliet Junior College
05.2022 - 05.2024
Bachelor of Arts in English - undefined
University of Phoenix
Master of Arts in Education/Secondary Teacher Education -
University of Phoenix