AMANDA SLUSSER
Richmond,TX
Summary
Dedicated and accomplished educator with a demonstrated history of delivering exceptional educational experiences. Responsibilities extend beyond traditional classroom instruction, encompassing budget oversight, event planning and execution, curriculum writing, and mentoring both new and seasoned teachers to unlock their full potential. Manages a program serving nearly 300 students with a proven ability to maintain effective classroom management and facilitate engaging learning environments that cultivate active and productive learners. Recognized as an effective leader adept at building positive, trustworthy relationships that foster student success.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Department Head, Fine Arts
Fort Bend Independent School District
08.2014 - Current
- Leadership: Oversee 8 teachers in Fine Arts departments, providing guidance and support to teachers in all areas
- Program Management: Organize and facilitate departmental events, including meetings, concerts, and theatrical performances for a program om almost 300 students
- Collaboration: Work with other department heads and school administration to integrate the arts across and promote interdisciplinary projects
- Professional Development: Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities for Fine Arts faculty, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
- Promoted a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and recognition of accomplishments among employees.
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance and support to foster professional growth and success.
- Maintained organized inventory with accurate records through proper ordering, tracking and auditing procedures.
- Managed department budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources for maximum impact on company goals.
- Improved department operations by capturing numerous opportunities to streamline processes and reduce waste.
- Led regular meetings with team leaders and front-line staff to convey important operational information.
- Cultivated collaborative, performance-oriented culture to keep team motivated and enthusiastic about achieving shared goals.
- Managed efficient workflows by creating effective schedules and delegating work based on personnel strengths and knowledge.
- Enforced organizational rules and incorporated policy changes into departments' day-to-day activities.
Independent Podcaster
Self-Employed
01.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: Link to Podcast: https://badteachertales.buzzsprout.com
- Develop, script, and produce 2-5 original podcast episodes per month on topics relevant to target audience
- Conducted research and interviews with industry experts, thought leaders, and guests to create engaging content
- Edited and mixed audio using digital tools to ensure high-quality sound production
- Managed all aspects of podcast production, including planning, recording, editing, and distribution
- Promoted episodes through social media and cross-platform marketing strategies to grow listener base
- Monitored and analyzed podcast performance metrics, using insights to improve content and audience engagement
- Published and distributed episodes on multiple platforms
- Maintained a consistent publishing schedule, ensuring timely release of episodes to maintain audience engagement
- Link to Podcast: https://badteachertales.buzzsprout.com
National Board Certified Teacher Candidate Mentor
Fort Bend Independent School District
08.2024 - Current
- Mentorship: Offer personalized coaching and feedback to teachers working toward National Board Certification, focusing on their teaching practices
- Professional Development: Lead workshops on effective teaching, assessment, and reflection to improve teacher performance
- Portfolio Review: Help candidates develop and polish their certification portfolios, advising on content and instructional strategies
- Observation and Feedback: Observe classrooms and provide feedback, emphasizing strengths and areas for growth to aid professional development
- Collaboration: Encourage peer support and facilitate discussions among candidates to share strategies and experiences
Design Contest Writer/Coordinator
Fort Bend Independent School District
- Current
- Contest Organization: Plan and manage the theatre design contest, including timelines, guidelines, and judging criteria
- Collaboration: Work with faculty, professionals, and students to create a framework that fosters creativity in theatre design
- Entry Management: Oversee the submission process, ensuring entries follow guidelines and deadlines, and maintain communication with participants
- Judging and Evaluation: Form a judging panel, manage evaluations, and provide feedback on participants' designs and presentations
- Event Execution: Handle logistics, venue setup, and scheduling for a smooth, professional contest experience
- Awards and Recognition: Organize the award presentation, celebrating winners' achievements
- Post-Event Review: Gather feedback and assess the event for improvements in future contests
Theatre Teacher and Director
Fort Bend Independent School District
08.2014 - Current
- Curriculum Development: Create lesson plans for four levels of theatre, including acting, directing, stagecraft, and play analysis
- Instruction: Teach 160-180 students of all ages and skill levels, adjusting methods for different learning styles
- Budget Management: Manage department’s budget of up to $30,000 and allocate resources to meet program needs
- Manage three ancillary budgets allocated by the school and district
- Performance Direction: Direct up to four school productions a year, including auditions, rehearsals, and performances
- Collaboration: Incorporate theatre arts into the wider curriculum and involve school community in events
- Student Engagement: Create inclusive environment that promotes participation and growth in performing arts
- Assessment: Continuously monitor progress and give feedback for improvement
- Community Outreach: Organize workshops and events that highlight the arts in the school and community
- Implemented effective classroom management techniques to provide safe, calm learning environment
- Planned lessons to reflect group and individual student needs utilizing creative instruction
- Exposed students to diverse content to build perspective in drama pedagogy
- Facilitated learning with aids, technology and equipment to stimulate higher-level thinking using Bloom's Taxonomy
- Managed Thespian society operations with elected students to promote individual thought and creativity
- Coached students on stage presence, vocal projection, and physical movement techniques for more dynamic performances.
- Promoted the importance of collaboration and teamwork within the theatre environment by assigning group projects and fostering positive communication among students.
Choreographer
Independent Contractor
01.2007 - 12.2022
Teacher, 1st Grade, Title I
Houston Independent School District
01.2010 - 12.2013
Education
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Houston
Houston, TX05.2010
Minor in Business Communication -
University of Houston
Houston, TX05.2010
Associate of Arts - Broadcast Communication
Diablo Valley College
Concord, CA05.2006
Skills
- AUDIO EDITING
- AUDIO RECORDING
- BUDGET MANAGEMENT
- BUDGETING
- CLASSROOM FACILITATION
- CONTENT DEVELOPMENT
- CURRICULUM WRITING
- DECISION MAKING
- DIGITAL EDITING WITH CANVA
- EVENT PLANNING
- GRANT WRITING
- INTERVIEWING
- LEADERSHIP
- LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS)
- MENTORSHIP
- MICROSOFT SUITE
- MOTIVATIONAL COMMUNICATION
- PODCASTING
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
- PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL DESIGN
- PUBLIC SPEAKING/ PRESENTATIONS
- RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
- SCHEDULING
- SCRIPT WRITING
- TEAM LEADERSHIP
- TIME MANAGEMENT
- TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
- VIRTUAL AND LIVE INSTRUCTION LED TRAINING
Educationcertifications
- Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, Cum Laude, University of Houston, TX
- Associate of Arts, Broadcast Communication, Diablo Valley College, CA
- National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT), K-12 Career and Technical Education (CTE), National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)
- Texas Educator Certificates, Theatre EC-12, Generalist EC-6, English Language Arts and Reading 8-12, English as a Second Language EC-12
Volunteer Experience
Board of Directors Secretary, Points North Theatre (formerly UpStage), Houston, TX
References
- Diedra Lyons-Lewis, Executive Director of Secondary Schools, Fort Bend ISD, 832.788.7928, deidra.lyonslewis@fortbendisd.gov
- Nadia Riggs, Associate Principal, Fort Bend ISD, 281.838.9233, nadiamriggs@gmail.com
- Travis Springfield, Retired Asst. Fine Arts Director, Fort Bend ISD, 713.249.5516, travis818S@sbcglobal.net
- Sean Thompson, Artistic Director, Points North Theatre, 281.785.2811, sean_k_thompson@yahoo.com
- Alexi Jacobs, Contract Educational Diagnostician, Austin ISD, 903.413.0169, alexijacobs@icloud.com
- Alexandra Burnett, Author, 512.925.2125, alex@alexandra-burnett.com
Timeline
National Board Certified Teacher Candidate Mentor
Fort Bend Independent School District
08.2024 - Current
Independent Podcaster
Self-Employed
01.2023 - Current
Department Head, Fine Arts
Fort Bend Independent School District
08.2014 - Current
Theatre Teacher and Director
Fort Bend Independent School District
08.2014 - Current
Teacher, 1st Grade, Title I
Houston Independent School District
01.2010 - 12.2013
Choreographer
Independent Contractor
01.2007 - 12.2022
Design Contest Writer/Coordinator
Fort Bend Independent School District
- Current
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
University of Houston
Minor in Business Communication -
University of Houston
Associate of Arts - Broadcast Communication
Diablo Valley College
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