Experienced in academic instruction and curriculum development, I bring a strong educational and professional background to the table. Expertise in creating impactful lesson plans and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Known for adaptability and dedication to achieving student success through innovative teaching methods and effective team collaboration. Proven track record and commitment to making a positive impact in the field of education.
Hi, I’m
Cara M. Ruzila
Lake Forest
Summary
Overview
20
years of professional experience
Work History
National Louis University
Senior Director of Academic Support
11.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Developed a comprehensive preparation program designed to assist students in their studies for the ECE, ELE, and LBS1 State Licensure Exam, specifically targeting the Content Exam
- Managed a faculty of 5-7 members along with student workers in a virtual setting
- Provide individual or group tutoring sessions focused on the specific content areas covered in the licensure exam
- Identify and address knowledge gaps for individual students
- Develop and distribute study guides, practice questions, and other resources relevant to the licensure exam
- Teach effective test-taking techniques like time management, question analysis, and eliminating incorrect answers
- Conduct practice exams and simulations to familiarize students with the exam format and pressure
- Offer guidance on how to handle test anxiety and maintain focus
- Work with students on improving study habits, note-taking, and content retention
- Help students develop personalized study plans and schedules tailored to their learning styles
- Assist students with understanding the licensure exam requirements, deadlines, and registration procedures
- Coordinate with the state licensing board for information and updates
- Help students troubleshoot any issues they may encounter during the exam process
- Work with professors to align support services with coursework and identify students who may need extra help, as well as embed support within methods courses
- Develop workshops, online modules, or other resources on exam preparation topics
- Monitor student progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed
- Provide encouragement, motivation, and guidance to students throughout their preparation process
- Designed engaging workshops related specifically to unique challenges faced within each subject area so that more learners could achieve success.
- Evaluated program effectiveness through ongoing assessment efforts, adjusting strategies as needed to maximize results.
- Offered flexibility to students with scheduling conflicts by meeting them remotely or outside of typical business hours to ensure they had timely support.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by addressing individual student needs and fostering collaborative relationships among stakeholders.
- Partnered with specialized departments like disability services or career counseling centers when necessary to provide comprehensive support.
- Used appropriate assessment and diagnostic procedures for determining and structuring individual and group counseling services.
- Implemented innovative instructional techniques to better engage diverse learners in course material during tutoring sessions.
- Tracked student progress during weekly meetings and shared this feedback with faculty, resulting in a more comprehensive understanding of each individual''s strengths and weaknesses.
- Maintained confidentiality while managing sensitive information pertaining to student performance, accommodations requests, or disciplinary actions.
- Collaborated with faculty to develop targeted intervention strategies for struggling students.
- Provided guidance on effective study habits, time management techniques, and test-taking strategies to improve overall student success.
- Helped students and facutly understand student standardized test performance and results.
- Contributed to the development of new academic programs by researching best practices in the field of academic support services.
- Streamlined communication between students, faculty, and parents by maintaining accurate records and facilitating regular meetings.
- Served as liaison between Academic Support Services staff members and faculty members for seamless collaboration on student interventions.
- Assisted in the planning and execution of workshops, seminars, and other events aimed at enhancing the academic experience for all students.
- Assisted students and parents in academic, college and career planning and in social and emotional development.
- Improved retention rates by identifying at-risk students and implementing tailored support plans.
- Developed relationships with community partners to explore potential opportunities for supplemental educational experiences outside of the classroom setting.
- Monitored and advised students, parents and administration of each student's graduation requirements and progress.
- Coordinated tutoring services for various subjects, ensuring that students received targeted assistance based on their specific needs.
- Enhanced student performance by providing personalized academic support and mentoring.
- Identified at-risk students to provide appropriate interventions.
- Boosted graduation rates through consistent monitoring of student progress and timely intervention.
- Supported student social, emotional, and academic development.
- Provided information and coordinated referrals for available programs.
- Implemented retention strategies to improve outcomes.
- Monitored curricula and course sequencing.
- Developed tutoring program to help students excel in studies.
- Helped teacher prepare instructional material and displays.
- Enforced rules and instructions to maintain discipline.
- Assisted students in developing deeper understanding of course concepts by providing one-on-one support.
- Facilitated access to resources such as textbooks, technology tools, and additional learning materials for enhanced academic support.
- Conducted weekly review sessions to help students prepare for exams.
- Utilized answer sheets and electronic marking devices to grade homework and tests, accurately computing and recording results.
- Prepared reports and maintained administrative records.
Lake Forest College
Lecturer in Education
08.2024 - Current
Job overview
- Cultivated critical thinking skills through challenging assignments that required analysis, synthesis, and evaluation of information from various sources.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues, collaborating on curriculum development and sharing best practices in teaching strategies.
- Evaluated student progress through regular assessments, providing detailed feedback for improvement and growth.
- Selected and designed lesson plans and curriculum to meet academic objectives.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to create meaningful learning experiences.
- Increased student interest by incorporating real-world examples into lessons and connecting material to relevant experiences.
- Arranged syllabus, developed schedule, and determined reading list for varied courses simultaneously, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.
- Used PowerPoint and Google Classroom technology to give presentations to student classrooms.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methodologies and techniques.
- Adapted quickly to shifting educational landscapes during remote learning periods, leveraging digital tools to engage students via virtual platforms while maintaining a high level of academic rigor.
National Louis University
Adjunct Instructor
08.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Manages syllabus materials
- Transfers classes from in person curriculum to E-Learning
- Facilitates class instruction in accordance with learning objectives
- Evaluates student performance on D2L (Desire to Learn)
- Participates in face-to-face and virtual meetings and professional development
- Observes and Coaches Pre Clinical and Student Teaching Practicum Students
- Classes Taught: ESL Foundations, Assessment in ESL, Methods of Literacy, Methods of Math, Practicum III, Student Teaching Seminar
- Supervises students throughout their Practicum and Student Teaching Experiences
- Supports students through the development of their teaching portfolio
- Promoted academic integrity by implementing strict plagiarism policies and educating students on proper citation techniques.
- Fostered a supportive learning environment by addressing diverse student needs through accommodations or additional support services referrals when necessary.
- Established strong rapport with students by demonstrating genuine interest in their academic progress and personal growth as scholars.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current with industry trends and emerging pedagogical approaches.
Cara Ruzila Consulting
03.2012 - Current
Job overview
- Founder of a unique online consulting group that coaches teachers to effectively implement the Common Core State Standards into their literacy teaching
- Creates video based courses to train teachers with a wide range of literacy materials in order to monitor and promote student achievement
- Blog design
- Published ebook: TheCommonCoreMasterplan:HowToEffectivelyUnloadTheCommonCoreStandardsIntoYourLiteracyBlock
Cara Ruzila Tutoring
08.2005 - Current
Job overview
- Conducts formal and informal assessments to determine student reading levels
- Collects, analyzes, and prepares data (reports) for the purpose of interpretation and reporting to parents, district, state, and federal agencies
- Monitors student progress for the purpose of providing student feedback on a regular basis to students, teachers, and parents, and determining interventions for those students who are diagnosed as 'at risk' readers
- Creates reading plans for to match students abilities and learning styles
- Guides students through reading and writing activities to help them overcome obstacles in literacy
- Consults with parents and teachers to recommend at-home strategies to improve reading skills
- Works with language and vocabulary needs to increase comprehension of literature and informational text as well as language needs
Northeastern Illinois University
Professor
08.2019 - 06.2022
Job overview
- Manages syllabus materials
- Facilitates class instruction in accordance with learning objectives
- Evaluates student performance on D2L (Desire to Learn)
- Participates in face-to-face and virtual meetings and professional development
- Observes and Coaches Pre-Clinical and Student Teaching Practicum Students
- EdTPA training for pre-service teachers
- Classes taught: Methods of Literacy, Children's Literature, Pre-Clinical Student Teaching Seminar
Aurora University
Adjunct Professor
08.2015 - 06.2017
Job overview
- Managed syllabus materials
- Facilitated class instruction in accordance with learning objectives
- Evaluated student performance on Moodle and LiveText
- Participated in face-to-face and virtual meetings and professional development
Rosen Publishing
Curriculum Writer
01.2012 - 06.2014
Job overview
- Developed reading/writing curriculum for educational publishing company correlated to the Common Core State Standards
Plainfield Elementary School
Reading Specialist
08.2009 - 06.2012
Job overview
- Conducted formal and informal assessments to determine student reading levels
- Collected, analyzed, and prepared data (reports) for the purpose of interpretation and reporting to district, state, and federal agencies
- Monitored student progress for the purpose of providing student feedback on a regular basis to students, teachers, and parents, and determining interventions for those students who are diagnosed as 'at risk' readers
- Created reading plans for to match students abilities and learning styles
- Guided students through reading and writing activities to help them overcome obstacles in literacy
- Consulted with parents and teachers to recommend at-home strategies to improve reading skills
- Worked with school librarians to include materials on literacy education
- Coordinated school-wide reading intervention and literacy programs
- Directed paraprofessionals, volunteers, and/or student aides, etc
- For the purpose of maximizing their efficiency and meeting work requirements, providing an effective school program, and addressing the individual needs of students
Plainfield Elementary School
First Grade Teacher
08.2007 - 06.2009
Job overview
- Planned and conducted activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provided students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate
- Organized and managed flexible groupings for math, reading and writing
- Collaborated with other teachers and administrators in the development, evaluation, and revision of first grade programs on an ongoing basis
Des Plaines School District 62
Comprehension Strategies Teacher (K-3)
08.2005 - 06.2007
Job overview
- Designed and implemented a pilot comprehension program utilizing Strategies That Work by Stephanie Harvey and Anne Goudvis
- Developed strategy assessments and monitored student progress
Education
National Louis UniversityChicago, IL
Ph.D. from Educational Leadership
12-2028
University Overview
American College of EducationChicago, IL
English Language Learner Endorsement
08.2011
University Overview
Northeastern UniversityChicago, IL
Master of Arts from Reading
12.2009
University Overview
Type 10
National Louis UniversityEvanston, IL
Bachelors of Arts from Elementary Education
06.2004
University Overview
Type 03
Arizona State UniversityTempe, Arizona
60 Semester Hours Undergraduate Work
05.2001
University Overview
Skills
- Implementation of the GAilT Framework
- Collaborative learning
- Research and analysis
- Student mentoring
- Team leadership
- Innovative teaching
Certifications And Associations
Certifications And Associations
- Orton Gillingham Certification, 2010
- International Reading Association, Member
- Illinois Reading Association, Member
Timeline
Lecturer in Education
Lake Forest College
08.2024 - Current
Senior Director of Academic Support
National Louis University
11.2019 - Current
Adjunct Instructor
National Louis University
08.2019 - Current
Professor
Northeastern Illinois University
08.2019 - 06.2022
Adjunct Professor
Aurora University
08.2015 - 06.2017
Cara Ruzila Consulting
03.2012 - Current
Curriculum Writer
Rosen Publishing
01.2012 - 06.2014
Reading Specialist
Plainfield Elementary School
08.2009 - 06.2012
First Grade Teacher
Plainfield Elementary School
08.2007 - 06.2009
Cara Ruzila Tutoring
08.2005 - Current
Comprehension Strategies Teacher (K-3)
Des Plaines School District 62
08.2005 - 06.2007
American College of Education
English Language Learner Endorsement
Northeastern University
Master of Arts from Reading
National Louis University
Bachelors of Arts from Elementary Education
Arizona State University
60 Semester Hours Undergraduate Work
National Louis University
Ph.D. from Educational Leadership
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