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Novi Community Schools Employment History
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Earned BA in English from U of M (with teaching cert)
Graduated from the University of Michigan School of LSA with a teaching certificate and degree in English. GPA: 3.74, including Honors College Courses. -
Hired as English Teacher at Novi High School
Taught Creative Writing, 9th Grade English, Science Fiction and 11th Grade English as well as IB Theory of Knowledge. Designed curriculum for: Creative Writing, 11th Grade English and Theory of Knowledge. -
Hired as JV Boys Soccer Coach
Coached the Boys JV team from 2001 to 2009, with a focus on development of the whole student-athlete emphasizing character development over win-loss records. -
Represented high school on district K-12 English Curriculum Committee (through 2008)
Worked to align and improve the English curriculum from Kindergarten through 12th grade in the district, including improved vertical and horizontal alignment of curriculum and alignment to ever-changing State Standards. I served on this committee until it was dissolved and replaced by CALs. -
Led Creative Writing Club as Sponsor through approx. 2009
Worked with groups of students to produce original works of prose and poetry. Organized various after-school field trips for students to experience poetry slams (on UM's campus) and take advantage of community resources (coordinated with the Novi Public Library to hear guest authors, etc). -
Hired as Girls JV Soccer Coach
Coached the JV Girls Soccer team from 2003 season to present with a focus on development of the whole student-athlete emphasizing character development over win-loss records. As an assistant coach in the program, I was a part of state championship wins in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011. -
Founded NHS Poetry Slam Team
Coordinated in-school poetry performances by students during Academic Seminar, organized after-school field trips for students to compete in local poetry slam competitions, including those organized by the Michigan Speech Coaches Association where several of my team's members placed in the top 3. -
Certified to Teach TOK in the IB Program
Received training in the IB Program and the porgram's flagship course "Theory of Knowledge." Designed the Novi curriculum for the course with Rob Baker between 2009/10. Taught course from 2010/11 school year to present. -
Earned Masters in K-12 Administration from MSU
Graduated from MSU's Ed. Admin program with a 4.0 GPA. -
Organized First Novi Invitational Poetry Slam
Invited two other schools to compete in an evening event at Novi High School where student poets from all three schools competed. A baked sale was organized to raise funds for the club, pizza was served for all the competitors, student bands performed during intermission and the event provided a cultural highlight for the district. -
Hosted MSU Student Teacher
Educated and mentored a student teacher of English from Michigan State University. Organized an "intervention" with his program's leaders at the University when he struggled to improve his teaching and eventually approved of his removal from the teaching program--a decision made in coordination with the leaders of his program and two other cooperating teachers at the high school. A difficult moment where I believe I upheld the integrity of our profession. -
Hired as Content Area Leader for English (HS)
Became a leader in the curriculum development, alignment, and management of the HS English department; trained in leadership including "Courageous Conversations" and social justice, competent in the use of Atlas Rubicon. -
Formative/Summative Assesssment
Pilot Formative/Summative grading structure with 11th Grade English PLC -
Curriculum Alignment
Began work with K-12 CALs to align curriculum and instruction vertically, with special attention to MS and HS continuity. -
Hosted Madonna University Pre-Student Teacher
Advised and mentored a pre-student teacher through two observations and a full lesson in my classroom. -
Advocacy for New Courses
Advocated for ESL 12 Course and the expansion and redesign of Essentials English, including sections for upperclassmen. The result of this leadership was the addition of said courses in their revamped forms. -
Common Practices and Procedures
Oversaw and finalized the adoption of common grading procedures, practices, and assessments in all common English courses, including strategic continuity from 9-12. -
Courageous Conversations Training
Began training (date is inexact) for "courageous conversations" with coworkers and other members of the district. Learned how to advocate for change and improvement from others through effective, well-planned and constructive dialogues. -
Coordinated Blueprinting Deadline
Oversaw the finalization of district blueprinting of assessments for each core English course, including a pre- and post-test designed for each grade-level course, which was an achievement exceeding the district requirements.