Amanda McMurray
Ypsilanti,MI
Summary
Enthusiastic educator with passion for helping students reach academic and personal goals. Creates engaging learning experiences tailored to meet individual student interests and skill levels. Organized, dependable, and successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
English 9, 10, 11, 12, ELA Academic Support, Speech and Communications
Ann Arbor Public Schools
08.2017 - Current
- Developed curriculum focused on student choice and self evaluation in-person and online
- Supported administration in piloting and revising common assessments at the state level (Michigan Performance Assessment Cadre) - invited to join as an assessment creator for the upcoming year of high school development
- Mentored Eastern Michigan University Student Teacher (Winter semester)
- Differentiated instruction and assessments based on student need
- Presented to board as a collaborative for adoption of book titles
- Collaborated on the development of common assessments across grade levels
- Created standards based grade level common assessments at the district level
- Implemented Conscious Discipline practices supporting student’s individual social emotional growth
- Encouraged students to communicate and participate effectively through the use of Restorative Practices
- Communicated to students/support teams key information about participation, behavior, and successes in class through email, student/parent conferences, and meetings
- Proctored SAT, PSAT, and WorkKeys assessments yearly.
English 9, 10, 11, 12
Ypsilanti Community Schools
01.2014 - 01.2017
- Strengthened the implementation of MAISA curriculum to all 9th- 12th grade students by developing unique activities which enhanced student engagement through discussion and projects
- Oversaw APEX credit recovery classes
- Assisted students in the use of Restorative Practices helping them to reflect and communicate effectively
- Informed parents of student participation, behavior, and successes in class as well as participated regularly in student/parent conferences and meetings
- Mentored Eastern Michigan University Pre-service teachers
- Contributed to the development of a place-based/project-based unit, activities, funding, and supervision of the first out of town, overnight field trip for the program
- Mentored students through senior project completion and evaluated student writing and projects
- Participated in Read 180 training (April 2016)
- Advised new teachers in use and administration of NWEA test (2015-2016)
- Coordinated the administration of M-Step (2014-2015)
- Collaborated on the development of common assessments across grade levels
- Invited to participate in ELA Leadership team
- Awarded MEEMIC Grant to build a classroom library
- Volunteered for Heritage Festival Booth, Ypsilanti Meet and Greet Committee, athletic events, dances, and graduation.
English 9, 11,12 Elective Courses
Ypsilanti Community Schools (Ypsilanti Public Schools)
01.2012 - 01.2014
- Transcended professional expectations during a transitional period for the district while teaching multiple subjects: English 9, 11, 12, Speech, Debate, Drama, Journalism, and Community Leadership
- Devised and implemented data driven curriculum utilizing NWEA test scores and Common Core Standards for core classes, emphasizing projects and researched based writing
- Coached new English Language Arts educators through use of curriculum
- Honored with Staffer of the Month Award (April 2014)
- Achieved certificates of completion for Excel (April 2014), Classroom Video Production (February 2014), Web Design (December 2013)
- Mentored students through senior project completion
- Evaluated student writing and projects in class and for senior projects
- Oversaw Yearbook Club as Yearbook Advisor
- Advised Yearbook teacher (Yearbook was turned into a class as opposed to a club)
- Headed and executed Community Cleanup Saturday, Fall 2012 for Make A Difference Day
- Created common assessments for English 9, 11, and 12
- Participated in the Global Leadership Design Committee to help build a positive environment that fosters the development of future educated global citizens
- Assisted in planning career days, and outstanding citizen recognition
- Volunteered for school activities such as chaperoning dances, and garden clean up
- Built and maintained positive relationships with students, parents, and staff
- Facilitated community involvement in and out of the classroom (college representative visits, local theater troupe visits, volunteer experience with the local elementary).
Title I Coordinator/At-Risk Writing Teacher
Ypsilanti Middle School
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Developed data-driven lessons, based on Common Core Standards (writing, reading and technology), and charts comparing classroom data to NWEA and MEAP data to identify students for the Title I reading program
- Analyzed growth of students using NWEA Language scores for writing
- Data indicated growth for a majority of students after one semester
- Worked to build behavioral plans for individual students and whole classrooms
- Participated in Title I meetings, IEPs, school assemblies, and chaperoned events
- Provided input to the development of the new STEMTECH middle school as a member of the “school within a school team.”
Independent Contractor- Lesson Writer
Write Steps: A Common Core Writing Program
07.2011 - 08.2011
- Helped create and rewrite the entire first unit for each grade (K, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5), aligning all lessons to the common core standards, utilizing Dropbox cloud storage
- Exceeded expectations of overseers by easily making deadlines and providing work with little correction needed.
Education
Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) -
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MIBachelor of Science in Education, Certified in English 6-12 (BA), Certified in History 6-12 (CC) -
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, MISkills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Adapting to Student's Learning Style
- Flexible
- Excellent Classroom Manager
- Patient
- Compassionate
- Extraordinary ability to teach reluctant students
Professional Development
- Van Andel Institute’s Network of Eccentric Educators: Zoom (2024): Artificial Intelligence, Responsible Risk-Taking, Gamification, Authentic Learning, Collaboration
- Responsive Teaching Institute: Ann Arbor, MI (2019-20): Racial Literacy and Culturally Responsive Teaching, Using Data to Support Culturally Responsive Teaching, Exploring Trauma through the Lens of Critical Consciousness, Building a Culturally Responsive Teaching Practice
- Advanced Placement Summer Institute: Novi, MI (2018): English Language and Composition
- Michigan Alternative Education Conference: Thompsonville, MI (2017)
- MACUL Professional Development Conferences, Grand Rapids, MI, Empowering Innovation (2012), Essentials for 21st Century Teaching and Learning (2011)
- MRA Professional Development Conference, Grand Rapids, MI: Pages of Tomorrow (2011)
- MAPSA Professional Development Conferences, Detroit, MI: Through the Eyes of a Child (2009), The Call for Greatness (2008)
- NCTE Professional Development Conference, East Lansing, MI: Bright Ideas (2007)
Timeline
English 9, 10, 11, 12, ELA Academic Support, Speech and Communications
Ann Arbor Public Schools
08.2017 - Current
English 9, 10, 11, 12
Ypsilanti Community Schools
01.2014 - 01.2017
English 9, 11,12 Elective Courses
Ypsilanti Community Schools (Ypsilanti Public Schools)
01.2012 - 01.2014
Independent Contractor- Lesson Writer
Write Steps: A Common Core Writing Program
07.2011 - 08.2011
Title I Coordinator/At-Risk Writing Teacher
Ypsilanti Middle School
01.2011 - 01.2012
Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) -
Eastern Michigan University
Bachelor of Science in Education, Certified in English 6-12 (BA), Certified in History 6-12 (CC) -
Eastern Michigan University
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