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Work Background
Governors State UniversityCoordinator of Secondary Education and University Lecturer
Aug. 2022University Park, Illinois, United StatesAs Coordinator of Secondary Education and University Lecturer, I redefined educational frameworks at Governors State University, significantly improving curriculum alignment, teaching strategies, and policy advocacy efforts that affected faculty effectiveness and student outcomes. Curriculum Innovation and STEM Integration: I led the introduction of an experiential learning curriculum in STEM education, which significantly boosted student engagement and understanding. By incorporating real-world applications and hands-on learning opportunities, I facilitated notable improvements in standardized test performances and heightened interest in scientific subjects among students. Strategic Policy Advocacy and Faculty Support: I advocated for and successfully influenced policy changes to improve academic standards and faculty workload equity. My efforts not only secured fair allocation of teaching credits but also enhanced faculty satisfaction and operational efficiency. This proactive approach in policy advocacy fostered a supportive and equitable teaching environment.
While at Governors State University, I redesigned the biology curriculum for non-science majors, incorporating hands-on, experiential learning techniques that transformed the educational experience and significantly improved student comprehension and interest. Curriculum Innovation: I revitalized a 15-week biology course by embedding hands-on activities and interactive workshops, transforming it from a lecture-based format to an engaging, experiential learning environment. This approach not only improved student engagement but also led to increased comprehension and enthusiasm for the subject, showcasing the effectiveness of active learning strategies in higher education.
Lewis UniversityAdjunct Professor
Aug. 2021 - May. 2023Romeoville, Illinois, United StatesAt Lewis University, I significantly improved the preparedness of student teachers by designing comprehensive lesson plans that incorporated both traditional and innovative teaching methodologies, thus enhancing instructional effectiveness across various learning environments. Innovative Lesson Planning and Teacher Training: I developed a structured lesson plan template that was crucial in transforming the approach of future educators toward planning and delivering education. This template included various educational tools and strategies that allowed student teachers to engage more effectively with their students, particularly those with special needs, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment. Adapting Teaching Methods for Inclusive Education: Acknowledging the unique challenges faced by students with disabilities, I tailored teaching methodologies to enhance educational accessibility. This included adapting science instruction to be more inclusive by pre-assembling hands-on materials and designing activities that promoted engagement and accomplishment for all students, thereby ensuring that each student had the opportunity to succeed regardless of their physical or educational challenges. Lesson Plan Design, Inclusive Education Strategies, Special Education, Experiential Learning, Educational Methodology Adaptation
After the PeanutCEO
Mar. 2014Joliet, Illinois, United StatesIn my role as CEO of After the Peanut, I led the organization in creating impactful STEAM programs that bridge educational gaps for K-12 students, fostering significant growth in both learning opportunities and community involvement. Developing Comprehensive STEAM Education: I initiated and directed the 'Full Steam Ahead' program, focusing on training educators to effectively deliver STEAM curricula. This program enhanced the teaching capabilities in underserved communities and led to significant growth in student participation in STEM fields, reflecting our commitment to enhancing educational access and quality. Don’t Advocacy and Funding Acquisition for STEM Education: My strategic advocacy efforts were instrumental in securing a law that increased the science graduation requirements, ensuring students are better prepared for college. Additionally, I successfully secured $460,000 in grants, which supported the sustainability of our programs and provided scholarships, significantly reducing barriers to STEM education for underserved students.
University of St. FrancisAdjunct Professor of Chemistry
Jan. 2013 - May. 2021JolietDuring my tenure at the University of St. Francis, I revamped the chemistry lab curriculum by introducing iterative experiment processes and discussions that linked course content to students' personal and cultural experiences, significantly enhancing student engagement and comprehension. Revitalizing Education: I transformed the chemistry lab learning environment by encouraging active participation and resilience. This involved teaching students the importance of iterative experimentation, which is crucial in healthcare settings. By fostering an inquiry-based learning atmosphere, I helped students build confidence and critical thinking skills necessary for their future careers in healthcare. Bridging Academic Content with Real-World Applications: I tailored biology lessons to include discussions on prevalent health issues such as cardiovascular health and diabetes, making these lessons relatable to the students' personal lives. Additionally, I enriched the curriculum by bringing in medical professionals to discuss real-life applications of science in healthcare, which greatly enhanced students' understanding and interest in the subject matter.
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