Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Carrie A. Bedwell

Hobart,IN

Summary

Highly resourceful, well-connected, results-oriented, dynamic leader and motivator with a proven track record of creating innovative, inclusive, and collaborative environments. Demonstrated success in organization, technology, mentoring, development, community engagement, fund raising, event planning and marketing for large (500 +) and small scale events for 20 years with a commitment to excellence and a passion for business and community growth.


Lifetime Hobart resident and community supporter. Graduate of Hobart High School, Indiana University, and Ashford University. Small business owner of On the Bend and Rites & Rituals by Carrie for the past 10 years. Married to Rob, a Social Studies teacher. Mother of Thayer (10), a fifth grade student at Liberty Elementary and Huck, 14, his black Labrador fur sibling. Avid traveler and philanthropist. Passionate educator of 31 years seeking new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow personally and professionally in retirement.


Favorite Quote: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Mahatma Gandhi


Favorite Book: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Overview

30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

English Teacher

Merrillville High School
08.1996 - Current
  • Utilized technology to convey information in fresh and interesting ways virtually and in person.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment by modeling respect, empathy, and active listening skills during interactions with students, parents, staff, and community stakeholders.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop curriculum, resulting in enriched learning experiences for classroom clients.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need and implemented targeted strategies for improvement.
  • Served as an advisor for six extracurricular clubs or organizations including the Internationally lauded Key Club which boasted over 100 members for 14 years and head prom sponsor leading a team of five in the production attended by over 500 students, as member of the school improvement, reading, writing, and Positive Behavioral Intervention Systems committees for an enrollment of 2,500 while contributing to the overall development of well-rounded students.
  • Created inclusive classroom environment for thousands of students, fostering respect and mutual understanding among students of diverse backgrounds for over 30 years.
  • Mentored 10 practicum, five student, and six newly qualified teachers sharing best practices and strategies for effective English instruction.
  • Established and maintained enduring relationships with students, staff, parents, and community members.
  • Assisted in development of college and career readiness programs in business writing courses including business plans, job descriptions, marketing plans, resume and cover letter writing, interview skills, and business etiquette.

English Teacher

Edison High School
08.1995 - 06.1996
  • Assessed student progress and provided feedback to improve performance and establish academic success.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • Assisted struggling students through targeted interventions, leading to increased academic success.

Permanent Substitute Teacher

School City Of Hobart
08.1994 - 06.1995
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, maintaining a focused and productive learning atmosphere.
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Complimentary & Alternative Health

Ashford University
Chandler, AZ
12-2012

Bachelor of Science - English Education

Indiana University-Bloomington
Bloomington, IN
05-1994

Skills

  • Deep understanding of local businesses and community
  • Excellent knowledge of technology, social media, graphic design, Google Workspace , Canva, Poster My Wall, and Smore
  • Exceptional organizational, time management, fund raising, budgeting, and event planning skills
  • Superior written communication, public speaking, and presentation skills
  • Strong executive and supervisory skillset to manage expectations, outcomes, and problem-solving with flexibility
  • Detailed project management skills including ability to plan, lead, organize, delegate, and monitor
  • Passion for connecting, collaboration, networking, and teamwork
  • Adept at marketing, writing press releases, and collaborating with the Media including newspaper, radio, and online news outlets
  • Possesses a growth-mindset and deep love of the Hobart community with a desire to propel our Chamber from good to great
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Astute record keeping including grades, discipline, attendance, and accomodations

Accomplishments

    Northwest Indiana Influential Women's Association-Finalist 2024 Up and Coming Woman in the Arts-Listen to your Mother

    Listen to your Mother, a series of live readings by local artists about motherhood-Director and Producer 2018-present

    Raised over $20,000 for local charities including Meals on Wheels, St. Jude House, Hannah's Hope, Lauren's Lunchbox, the Brickie Lunchbox, Building Brickies, Sojourner Truth House, Alice's House, the Caring Place, and the American Cancer Society.

    Most Outstanding Faculty Advisor-Indiana District of Key Club 2007 Merrillville HS Key Club

    Teacher of the Month-Merrillville HS 2004 & 2006

    George F. Hixson Fellow-Indiana District of Kiwanis 2004

Certification

CPR

Licensed Teacher Mentor


Interests

  • Reading
  • Fundraising Events
  • Volunteering
  • Travel & Adventure-Group Tour Leader with Education First organizing and leading experiential learning experiences for students, family members, faculty, and community members to European destinations including Austria, Czech Republic, England, France, French Rivera, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Scotland, Slovakia, Spain, & Switzerland
  • Photography
  • Creative and Professional Writing
  • Involvement in community organizations, including Hobart Education Foundation as Director, Hobart Little League as Secretary, and Liberty Elementary as volunteer
  • Small business owner-On the Bend vacation rental and Rites & Rituals by Carrie, wedding and life celebrant

Timeline

English Teacher

Merrillville High School
08.1996 - Current

English Teacher

Edison High School
08.1995 - 06.1996

Permanent Substitute Teacher

School City Of Hobart
08.1994 - 06.1995

CPR

Licensed Teacher Mentor


Bachelor of Science - Complimentary & Alternative Health

Ashford University

Bachelor of Science - English Education

Indiana University-Bloomington
Carrie A. Bedwell