Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic

Amy M. Deeb

Sandy Hook,CT

Summary

Highly motivated and results-driven Social Studies Department Chair and educator with over twenty one years of experience at Newtown High School, recognized for building strong, trusting relationships with students, colleagues, and administrators through effective instruction and collaborative leadership. Demonstrates a proven track record in leading successful academic initiatives, fostering a safe and inclusive school culture, managing teams, and supporting staff development. Known for being approachable, fair, and student-centered, with a consistent ability to navigate challenging situations with empathy and professionalism. Currently seeking an administrative role—such as Dean of Students at Newtown High School—where I can apply my instructional leadership, behavioral support strategies, restorative practices, and team-building skills to enhance the social-emotional and academic success of all students and contribute to a positive school climate.

Qualifications include:

  • Connecticut Certification: 026 (History, Grades 7–12)
  • Connecticut Certification: 092 (Intermediate Administration/Supervision)
  • Newtown Public Schools Teacher of the Year, 2022
  • Proven leadership as Social Studies Department Chair since 2016
  • Highly motivated, organized, and goal-oriented leader
  • Extensive knowledge of the NEASC accreditation process
  • Strong ability to support and engage students at all levels and learning profiles
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with students, staff, parents, and administration
  • Deep understanding of school-wide practices, curriculum standards, and district/state policies
  • Self-directed problem solver with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and student growth

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Social Studies Department Chair

Newtown High School
08.2016 - Current
  • Lead and manage a department of 15–18 Social Studies educators, fostering a collaborative and student-centered professional culture.
  • Oversee scheduling, curriculum planning, and instructional initiatives to ensure alignment with district goals and state standards.
  • Spearheaded the transition to a concept-based curriculum model across all courses, now used as a framework district-wide.
  • Conduct formal teacher evaluations, including observations, SLO meetings, mid-year check-ins, and end-of-year reviews, while mentoring and supporting teacher growth.
  • Resolve conflicts and facilitate professional dialogue to strengthen team dynamics and promote instructional coherence.
  • Serve as a key liaison between staff and administration, advocating for teacher needs while ensuring high academic standards.
  • Lead curriculum development aligned to the Connecticut Social Studies Frameworks, integrating inquiry-based and culturally responsive practices.
  • Remain active in the classroom, teaching a diverse range of courses to stay grounded in instructional practice and student experience.
  • Recognized for fostering academic excellence, innovation, and inclusive practices within the department and broader school community.

Social Studies Teacher

Newtown High School
08.2004 - Current
  • Instruct a diverse range of Social Studies courses, including American Government, Asian Studies, Sociology, Multicultural Perspectives, and Conversations on Race, fostering critical thinking, civic engagement, and cultural awareness.
  • Design and implement rigorous, standards-aligned curricula in accordance with the Connecticut Social Studies Framework and Common Core State Standards.
  • Integrate current instructional strategies, culturally responsive pedagogy, and emerging educational technologies to enhance student engagement and conceptual understanding.
  • Create differentiated lesson plans that reflect the educational, cultural, and linguistic diversity of all learners, ensuring accessibility and equity in the classroom.
  • Assess student progress using a balanced system of formative and summative evaluations, providing timely, constructive feedback to support growth.
  • Maintain proactive and ongoing communication with families through conferences, emails, and phone calls to ensure alignment between home and school.
  • Actively participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to collaborate with colleagues, analyze student data, and improve instructional practices across content areas.
  • Promote inclusive classroom discussions on complex topics such as race, equity, and global perspectives, equipping students with the skills to engage in respectful and informed dialogue.

Academic Officer

Newtown High School
08.2015 - 06.2016
  • Designed and implemented the Academic Officer position to provide targeted support for academically at-risk 9th grade students, creating sustainable systems that remain in place today.
  • Collaborated with administrators and staff to identify struggling freshmen and placed them into Freshman Partnerships—teacher-led support teams aimed at fostering academic growth, connection, and accountability.
  • Led regular meetings with Freshman Partnership teachers to review student progress, analyze data, and develop individualized action plans addressing academic, behavioral, and socio-emotional challenges.
  • Created and taught the Critical Skills course, a needs-based intervention focused on building self-advocacy, executive functioning, time management, and study skills for identified students.
  • Monitored student performance using academic and behavioral data to measure effectiveness of interventions and adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
  • Provided one-on-one and small group support to students navigating academic and personal obstacles, ensuring consistent access to resources and adult mentorship during their transition to high school.

Chair, NEASC Steering Committee

Newtown High School
10.2011 - 09.2017
  • Chaired the NEASC Steering Committee and led Newtown High School through a successful full-site accreditation visit in October 2015.
  • Oversaw and coordinated all phases of the NEASC accreditation process, including the three-year self-study, ensuring broad-based input from faculty, students, parents, and community stakeholders.
  • Organized and facilitated committee work across all NEASC standards, ensuring alignment with accreditation requirements and promoting continuous school improvement.
  • Authored the comprehensive two-year Follow-Up Report and contributed significantly to the five-year Follow-Up Report, documenting measurable progress and strategic developments aligned with NEASC recommendations.
  • Reappointed as Steering Committee Chair in 2024, reflecting long-term leadership, deep institutional knowledge, and continued commitment to academic excellence and accountability.

Co-Director

TAP (The Afternoon Program)
08.2014 - 03.2015
  • Co-directed The Afternoon Program, an alternative education initiative designed to support students who struggled to succeed in the traditional school setting.
  • Provided individualized academic and social-emotional support through one-on-one instruction, mentoring, and goal-setting to promote student engagement and success.
  • Managed all operational aspects of TAP, including student scheduling, program design, staffing coordination, and daily logistics to ensure a structured and supportive learning environment.
  • Maintained consistent communication with students, families, teachers, school counselors, and administrators to set expectations, monitor progress, and resolve challenges.
  • Participated in student intake and transition meetings to evaluate candidates for the program and support reintegration of students returning from out-of-district placements.
  • Attended PPT and 504 meetings for TAP students, contributing to the development of individualized support plans and advocating for appropriate accommodations and services.
  • Collaborated closely with school administration and counseling staff to ensure each student received the academic, behavioral, and emotional support necessary for long-term success.

TAP Social Studies Teacher

Newtown High School
08.2022 - Current
  • Design and implement differentiated lesson plans tailored to student needs, making ongoing instructional adjustments based on class performance and individual progress throughout the academic year.
  • Administer formative and summative assessments to evaluate learning outcomes; provide timely, constructive feedback and collaborate regularly with students and TAP Co-Directors to review academic performance and support interventions.

TAP, Independent Studies Teacher

Newtown High School
08.2009 - 06.2015
  • Instructed Independent Study courses within The Afternoon Program at Newtown High School, designing and delivering personalized learning plans tailored to meet the diverse academic needs of students across various disciplines.
  • Developed customized educational strategies and assignments to support each student’s individual learning goals, fostering academic growth and self-directed learning.

TEAM Mentor and Scorer

Newtown Board of Education
01.2007 - Current
  • Mentored first and second-year teachers across various disciplines through the TEAM (Teacher Education and Mentoring) model, providing guidance and support to help them develop effective instructional practices and navigate the early stages of their teaching careers.
  • Supported and coached three student teachers (2009, 2012, and 2016), providing constructive feedback, modeling best practices, and facilitating their professional growth through observation, reflection, and hands-on experience.
  • Assisted a second-year teacher transitioning from Newtown Middle School to the high school setting, helping them adjust to the differences in curriculum, classroom management, and student engagement strategies.
  • Scored TEAM papers for the State of Connecticut for three years, contributing to the assessment and development of future educators in alignment with state standards and best practices.
  • Scored BEST portfolios for the State of Connecticut for two years, evaluating and providing feedback on performance-based portfolios for novice teachers as part of the state’s certification process.

Link Crew Coordinator

Newtown High School
03.2010 - 06.2016
  • Designed and coordinated the freshman orientation program, including Link Leader training and year-round Link Crew events, to ensure a smooth transition for incoming students.
  • Selected and trained 100-125 junior and senior students annually to serve as Link Crew leaders, empowering them to mentor and support 400-450 incoming freshmen each year.
  • Developed and implemented leadership development activities for Link Crew members, fostering strong peer relationships and promoting a positive school culture for new students.

Senior Class Advisor

Newtown High School
08.2010 - 06.2012
  • Designed and coordinated the freshman orientation program, including Link Leader training and year-round Link Crew events, to ensure a smooth transition for incoming students.
  • Selected and trained 100-125 junior and senior students annually to serve as Link Crew leaders, empowering them to mentor and support 400-450 incoming freshmen each year.
  • Developed and implemented leadership development activities for Link Crew members, fostering strong peer relationships and promoting a positive school culture for new students.

Japan Project Manager

Newtown International Center For Education
09.2006 - 09.2012
  • Attended Japan's Technology Conference in July 2011, gaining insights into global educational trends and innovations in technology integration.
  • Led a group of three students to the Ritsumeikan International Conference in February 2012, providing them with valuable exposure to international perspectives on education and fostering cross-cultural collaboration.
  • Selected as one of ten educators nationwide to participate in a 3.5-week tour of Japan, where I explored educational practices, cultural exchange, and technology integration, bringing these experiences back to enhance classroom instruction and enrich student learning.

Education

092 - Intermediate Administrator Certificate

Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT
06.2016

Master of Arts - American History

Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT
06.2010

Masters of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education

Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT
01.2008

Bachelor of Arts - History

Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT
06.2004

Accomplishments

  • Alpha Sigma Nu: Selected as one of only 38 students from Fairfield University’s senior class to join this prestigious Jesuit National Honor Society, recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and service.
  • Phi Alpha Theta: Inducted into the History Honor Society for outstanding academic achievement in the field of history.

Study Abroad and International Experience:

  • St. Petersburg, Russia (December 2003 – February 2004): Studied the history, culture, and art of St. Petersburg, gaining a deeper understanding of Russian history and its global impact.
  • European Tour: Traveled to Prague, Dresden (Germany), and Vienna (Austria), enriching my global perspective and integrating these experiences into the classroom to enhance student learning.

Professional Engagement and Contributions:

  • State Standards Revision (2009): Collaborated as a member of a 10-person team representing educators statewide to revise and rewrite the Social Studies state standards.
  • Educational Visit to China (April 2010): Represented Newtown High School in a cultural exchange with our sister school in Liaocheng, China, fostering international relationships and cross-cultural learning.
  • NEASC Visiting Committees: Served on two NEASC visiting committees, contributing to the accreditation processes in April 2013 and March 2015.

Timeline

TAP Social Studies Teacher

Newtown High School
08.2022 - Current

Social Studies Department Chair

Newtown High School
08.2016 - Current

Academic Officer

Newtown High School
08.2015 - 06.2016

Co-Director

TAP (The Afternoon Program)
08.2014 - 03.2015

Chair, NEASC Steering Committee

Newtown High School
10.2011 - 09.2017

Senior Class Advisor

Newtown High School
08.2010 - 06.2012

Link Crew Coordinator

Newtown High School
03.2010 - 06.2016

TAP, Independent Studies Teacher

Newtown High School
08.2009 - 06.2015

TEAM Mentor and Scorer

Newtown Board of Education
01.2007 - Current

Japan Project Manager

Newtown International Center For Education
09.2006 - 09.2012

Social Studies Teacher

Newtown High School
08.2004 - Current

092 - Intermediate Administrator Certificate

Sacred Heart University

Master of Arts - American History

Western Connecticut State University

Masters of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education

Sacred Heart University

Bachelor of Arts - History

Fairfield University
Amy M. Deeb