Cassandra rusie web version
- 1. "Children are the world's most valuable resource and its best hope for the future."-John F. Kennedy Cassandra Rusie
- 2. Through my numerous experiences in the classroom, I have developed a philosophy incorporating education and experience. I believe that if students enjoy being in the classroom, then their possibilities for success are endless. I also believe, as a teacher, I must be nurturing, understanding, and motivational in the classroom to obtain optimum results.Please explore my portfolio and look at some of the wonderful experiences I have had in the classroom. I am eager to discuss everything I have discovered about myself and my teaching style.Welcome to my portfolio!
- 3. About MeI am a Wayne State University graduateI earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education with grades 6-12 English and History Endorsements I have had the privilege to teach in a variety of settings.Middle and high school levelsSchool year and summer schoolWayne, Macomb, and Oakland countiesCharter, public, and private schoolsEnglish, history, and yearbook classesI am currently an Eastern Michigan University graduate studentI am expected to complete my Master of Arts degree in K-12 Educational Leadership in August 2011.
- 4. Experiences
- 5. Teaching ExperienceI have had three specific experiences so far in my career.University Preparatory Academy, Detroit, MICranbrookKingswood Schools, Bloomfield Hills, MIHorizons-Upward Bound programEast Detroit Public Schools, Eastpointe, MI
- 6. University Preparatory AcademyEnglish Language Arts Advisor, 2009-2010Taught 9th grade Language Arts, History of Technology, and Advisory, a career and test taking skill course.Selected as 9th grade English Language Arts lead teacherResponsible for the academic, mental, and social development of 17 studentsCoordinated their education and communicated with their parents regularlyInitiated Student Study Team (SST) process for struggling studentsUsed Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to reinforce desired conductArranged individualized, 10 week internships for each student with a mentor from the Metro Detroit area.
- 7. University Preparatory AcademyServed as part of several district groupsDigital Academy technology team Culture CommitteeCurriculum teamOffered ELA and ACT tutoring before and after schoolProctored standardized testingParticipated in a Professional Learning Community (PLC) with 7 other 9th grade educatorsThe group used benchmarking to determine needs and develop a plan for developing college readinessLink to University Preparatory Academy website
- 8. University Prep - Dateline NBCUniversity Preparatory Academy was featured on the national news program, “Dateline NBC” as part of their “What Works” segment. The school was highlighted for its high achievement and student success rate. My students, my classroom, and my teaching are featured prominently in the segment.Please click image above to view segment.
- 9. University Prep – Community OutreachOne of the key components of University Prep’s “Big Picture” model is the Learning Through Internship (LTI) program. Each teacher assists each student in securing a mentor from a job field he or she is interested in.Every one of my 17 students had an internship, a rare feat at University Prep.I planned and organized a large group outing to see how a city operates. See pictures from that LTI experience HERE.
- 10. University Prep – ELA Team LeadMy administrator selected me to serve as team leadI was put in charge of coordinating those on my team and compiling testing data.During the year, I facilitated meetings relating to grade wide benchmark testing.Early planning meeting notes for benchmarking testMeeting minutes from testing planning sessionResults of 9th grade reading benchmarking testing
- 11. University Prep – Curriculum TeamAs part of University Prep’s Curriculum Team, I evaluated the current 9th grade ELA curriculum, revised it to align with state standards, and created a collection of support documents and assessments for the future of the department.9th Grade ELA Units 1, 2, 3, 4Sample syllabus To Kill A Mockingbird review PowerPointFinal examInvitation to join Curriculum Team
- 12. Horizons-Upward BoundStudent Teacher, 2008Chosen as one of two English Language Arts interns for the summer of 2008Planned curriculum for 10th grade African American Literature courseTaught gifted Detroit Public School studentsActed as mentor and counselor for 45 studentsConducted after hours tutoring twice per weekParticipated in the planning and execution of several extracurricular events, including career night, talent show, college visits, and end of term award ceremony
- 13. Horizons-Upward BoundEnglish Instructor, 2008-2009Hired as contract teacher after successful completion of internship.Only intern retained from summer sessionContinued work with 45 10th grade students, mentoring them in academic and social issues.Planned class field trip with mentor teacher’s class to the Museum of African American HistoryParticipated in graduation ceremoniesConducted interviews with prospective students for the programLink to Horizons-Upward Bound website
- 14. HUB – Drama UnitI devoted two of the six weeks in the term to a drama unit. Students acted out August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson.Unit PlanGuided Reading QuestionsAct Quiz
- 15. HUB – Theme PaperEach student in the program was responsible for completing a project about the theme of the term.The theme this term was the HUB Code of Honor that all students are expected to followProject rubricProject guidelinesExample of completed project
- 16. HUB – Teacher of the SummerAt the end of my first term with Horizons-Upward Bound, I earned the “Teacher of the Summer” award, due to my hard work and dedication to my students.
- 17. East Detroit Public SchoolsStudent Teacher, 2007Student taught under an 8th grade Language Arts teacherPrepared and executed lessons on The OutsidersMentored students in writing essays for statewide contest; one student became a finalistSubstitute Teacher, 2007-2009Taught all grade levels in all subjects at all 9 district schoolsServed as long term substitute in 8th grade US History class.
- 18. East Detroit Public SchoolsEnglish and Yearbook teacher, 2009Took over from outgoing teacher mid-yearTaught 12th grade Applied Writing, 11th grade Composition, 10th grade Literature, and 10th-12th grade YearbookOversaw final production and sales and distribution of yearbookMentored seniors in preparation of career portfolio project, a requirement for graduationAssisted in graduation ceremony Link to East Detroit Public Schools website
- 20. Teaching and Learning StatementStudents need to learn and experience.Experience and education need each other to thrive.Students take accountability for their education.It is my role as teacher to guide students as they take an active role in their learning.I will engage my students in discussion and encourage them to raise questions.I believe that students will benefit from a variety of assessments.These include written, oral, presentation, and formal testing, among others.Link to Full Teaching and Learning statement
- 21. Beliefs into ActionI will create an environment where students can question their knowledge and be active participants in their education. A student-centered classroom fosters the development of high-level intellectual skills.I believe that learning should be fun. Students should enjoy their lessons and want to learn. Learning to love to learn is the key to students’ success.I am the moderator of interactive lessons where students can make choices about how to complete their assignments.This creates accountability and the life skill of analyzing actions and consequences.I encourage communication among students. Learning is not a solitary activity and the various talents, and experiences of each student are the best educational tools a teacher can have.I think that students learn best when they can relate their lives to the lesson.This includes creating cross-curricular connections between subjects to create a sense of fluidity in their education. Our brains do not contain separate, divided portions, so education should not be either.
- 22. Beliefs into ActionI set high standards for academic achievement and personal conduct. If students have attainable goals to aspire to, then they will work hard to accomplish them. However, if standards are impossible, students will be discouraged and give up.I continuously evolve my teaching methods in order to enhance the quality of education I provide my students. A good teacher is a lifelong learner.I incorporate technology in the classroom. It is vital for me to keep up with the resources my students use daily. Using these tools will help to interest my students of the technology generation with conventional lessons.I take an interest into my students’ personal lives. Life does not stop when they enter the classroom and the baggage they bring with them is crucial to the success or failure of their academic performance.Above all else, I believe in teaching children. No matter what subject matter or grade level, I believe that when children are the focus, it is impossible to fail.Link to Beliefs into Action statements
- 23. Sample Lesson PlanThis lesson plan features one of my favorite strategies for learning vocabulary, linking tables.The lesson is centered around the text, “Cask of Amontillado,” by Edgar Allen Poe.Lesson PlanLinking tables explanationExample overheadStudent handoutWord to knowRemindingwordReminding storyReminding pictureDefinition
- 24. Credentials
- 25. CredentialsResumeTeaching certificateLetters of recommendationReferencesTranscript from Wayne State UniversityTranscript from Eastern Michigan University
- 26. If you have any questions, please contact me at: 586-945-8098 or CassandraRusie@aol.comThank you for viewing my portfolio!