Alexis Rutherford
Brown Deer
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented educator & leader with a proven track record of excellence in middle school teaching and administration, specializing in the role of Dean. With over 5 years of experience, I have consistently demonstrated a commitment to fostering a positive learning environment while effectively managing administrative responsibilities. Recognized for my exceptional leadership skills, I excel in creating innovative programs to support student success and community engagement. I am committed to empowering students to reach their full potential and leading initiatives that promote academic excellence and personal growth. My unique blend of educational expertise, leadership abilities, and passion for student success sets me apart as a standout candidate for roles in teaching and administration.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
2
2
Languages
Work History
Dean of Students
Shorewood School District
Shorewood, WI
07.2022 - Current
- Innovative Program Development and Student Engagement: Implemented creative initiatives and activities to boost campus-wide student engagement, fostering a vibrant and inclusive school environment.
- Comprehensive Student Support Services: Enhanced student retention rates by establishing comprehensive support services and academic interventions tailored to meet diverse student needs.
- Fostering Positive Campus Culture: Promoted collaboration among faculty, staff, and students to cultivate a positive campus culture, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
- Efficient Administrative Processes: Streamlined administrative processes to efficiently handle student concerns and issues, ensuring prompt and effective resolution.
- Strategic Initiatives for Student Success: Developed strategic initiatives addressing crucial areas such as student success, diversity, and inclusion, driving continuous improvement efforts.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making and Crisis Management: Utilized data analysis to evaluate program effectiveness and inform decision-making processes, providing leadership in crisis management situations to ensure the safety and well-being of the school community.
- Communication and Conflict Resolution: Served as a liaison between students, parents, faculty, and administration, facilitating communication and resolving conflicts to promote a harmonious school environment.
8th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher
Shorewood School District
Shorewood, WI
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Fostering Critical Thinking and Writing Skills: Developed students' critical thinking abilities by integrating captivating literature selections and thought-provoking writing prompts into English language arts lessons, encouraging deeper analysis and creativity.
- Feedback-Driven Performance Enhancement: Enhanced student achievement by consistently providing constructive feedback on assignments and assessments, fostering continuous growth and improvement.
- Positive Classroom Management: Promoted a positive classroom environment through the implementation of clear expectations and boundaries, cultivating a supportive atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners: Supported diverse learners by employing differentiated instruction techniques tailored to individual needs and abilities, ensuring every student's success and engagement.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary projects bridging English language arts with other subject areas, fostering connections and enriching students' learning experiences.
- Parental Engagement and Communication: Established strong relationships with parents through open communication channels, empowering them to actively support their child's learning journey at home and in school.
- Promotion of Reading Culture and Cultural Appreciation: Championed a love for reading among students by promoting diverse literary genres and exploring various cultures and perspectives, sparking curiosity and empathy in students' minds.
8th Grade History & Social Studies Teacher
Shorewood School District
Shorewood, WI
08.2021 - 06.2022
- Tailored Teaching Methods for Enhanced Comprehension: Utilized diverse teaching methods and materials customized to individual learning styles, resulting in improved student comprehension of history and social studies concepts.
- Fostering Critical Thinking and Debate Skills: Enhanced critical thinking abilities through engaging debates and inquiry-based activities, empowering students to analyze historical events and develop informed perspectives.
- Positive Classroom Environment and Collaboration: Cultivated a positive classroom environment by promoting open communication, respect, and collaboration among students, fostering a supportive atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Assessment and Feedback for Student Success: Increased student success rates by administering regular assessments and providing timely feedback on assignments and performance, guiding students towards academic excellence.
- Interdisciplinary Lesson Planning and Real-World Connections: Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans connecting social studies content to other subject areas, while also organizing enriching experiences such as field trips and guest speakers to provide real-world context for course topics.
- Professional Development and Innovative Teaching Strategies: Engaged in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay abreast of best practices in social studies education, incorporating innovative teaching strategies and methodologies into lesson plans.
- Promotion of Cultural Awareness and Emotional Well-being: Promoted cultural awareness within the school community by organizing multicultural events and celebrations, while also creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that supported emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
8th Grade Honors Social Studies Teacher
Glendale-River Hills School District
Glendale, WI
08.2019 - 06.2021
- Utilized Diverse Teaching Methods: Employed a variety of teaching approaches and materials tailored to individual learning styles, resulting in improved comprehension among 8th-grade Honors social studies students.
- Fostered Critical Thinking: Enhanced critical thinking skills through engaging debates and inquiry-based activities, encouraging students to analyze and evaluate information independently.
- Cultivated Positive Classroom Environment: Developed a positive classroom atmosphere by promoting open communication, respect, and collaboration among students, contributing to a supportive learning environment.
- Enhanced Student Success: Increased student success rates by implementing regular assessments and providing timely feedback on assignments and performance, ensuring continuous improvement.
- Strengthened Parental Engagement: Cultivated strong relationships with parents, maintaining open lines of communication to support student progress at home and foster a collaborative approach to education.
- Continuous Professional Development: Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in social studies education and incorporate innovative strategies into lessons, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
- Implemented Project-Based Learning: Designed and implemented project-based learning activities that encouraged students to apply their knowledge to real-life situations, enhancing problem-solving skills and deepening their understanding of course concepts.
7th Grade Spanish Teacher
Glendale-River Hills School District
Glendale, WI
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Creative Teaching Methods: Enhanced student comprehension by employing creative teaching methods and incorporating visual aids, making Spanish learning engaging and accessible for 7th-grade students.
- Cultural Integration: Fostered cultural awareness by integrating Spanish customs, traditions, and history into lessons, enriching students' understanding and appreciation of Hispanic culture.
- Individualized Learning: Elevated student proficiency levels through the implementation of individualized learning strategies tailored to each learner's unique strengths and weaknesses, facilitating personalized growth.
- Positive Classroom Environment: Promoted a positive classroom environment by fostering open communication and promptly addressing conflicts or concerns, creating a supportive and inclusive space for learning.
- Interactive Engagement: Boosted student engagement with interactive activities utilizing authentic materials from Spanish-speaking countries, making language learning dynamic and immersive.
- Professional Development: Actively participated in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of pedagogical trends and enhance teaching skills, ensuring high-quality instruction.
- Assessment and Feedback: Evaluated student performance using various assessment tools, provided constructive feedback, and worked closely with struggling learners to improve outcomes, fostering continuous growth and development.
Education
Master of Education in Educational Leadership - Educational Administration (Principalship And C&I)
Marquette University
Milwaukee, WI09.2024
Bachelor of Science - Elementary/Middle Education & Spanish
Marquette University
Milwaukee05.2017
High School Diploma -
Riverside University High School
06.2012
Skills
- Critical thinking, decision-making, and communication skills
- Collaborative team member
- Self-reflective for continuous improvement
- Very detail-oriented
- Significant knowledge in computer technology
- Ability to maintain a positive, growth mindset in different and difficult situations
- Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing in both English and Spanish
- Behavioral Management
- Database Administration
- Curriculum Development
Relevant Experience
- Shorewood School District, Professional Development Developer & Facilitator
- Shorewood School District Co-Equity Lead
- Glendale-River Hills School District, Curriculum & Instruction Committee Facilitator
- Glendale-River Hills School District, AVID Mentor for Middle School Students transitioning to High School
- Melinda Krei Foundation Fellow through the Milwaukee Film Organization
- Coaching for youth sports, girls' & boys' volleyball and basketball
- Marquette University, Literacy Instructor
- Hampton Elementary School, Student Teacher
- Milwaukee College Prep, Tutor
- Jeremiah Curtin Academy, Teaching Assistant
- Milwaukee Academy of Science, Teaching Assistant
- Bruce Guadalupe, Tutor
Languages
Spanish
Full Professional
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Dean of Students
Shorewood School District
07.2022 - Current
8th Grade English and Language Arts Teacher
Shorewood School District
08.2021 - 06.2022
8th Grade History & Social Studies Teacher
Shorewood School District
08.2021 - 06.2022
8th Grade Honors Social Studies Teacher
Glendale-River Hills School District
08.2019 - 06.2021
7th Grade Spanish Teacher
Glendale-River Hills School District
08.2018 - 06.2019
Master of Education in Educational Leadership - Educational Administration (Principalship And C&I)
Marquette University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary/Middle Education & Spanish
Marquette University
High School Diploma -
Riverside University High School