Casandra Cruz

6th Grade Science & Life Education Teacher

Lakeview Middle School 2019-Present | Plaza Middle School 2010-2019

• Implemented inquiry-based STEMscopes science education program using the 5E (engage, explore, explain, elaborate, evaluate) lesson model
• Engaged students using diverse teaching strategies and clarified scientific misconceptions through hands-on discovery
• Used Missouri State standards to write distinct-wide science curriculum
• Encouraged positive student behavior using the PBIS (positive behavior intervention system) practices and the Character Strong program

Student Council Co-Sponsor | August 2020-May 2023

• Cultivated leadership skills with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade members
• Organized council administrative items (attendance, participation, communications with members, families, and community members)
• Assisted with building-wide fundraising events and service projects
• Planned, organized, and supervised student mixers and dances
• Served as emcee and mentored student emcees at spirit assemblies

District 6th Grade Science Department Leader | August 2012-May 2019

• Worked with leaders to ensure best practices in support of building and district academic goals
• Allocated budget fund distribution for department projects and individuals
• Planned and orchestrated building-wide field trips in collaboration with the Missouri Department of Conservation
• Executed a building-wide watch party for the 2017 solar eclipse

Academic Team Leader | August 2015-May 2017

• Managed daily team meeting agenda and collaboration time
• Assigned responsibilities to team members and conducted task follow-up
• Communicated team and building events with students and families
• Oversaw use of team funds for educational and incentive purposes

Teacher Mentor | August 2021-May 2023

• Actively listened to questions and concerns of teachers new to the district
• Provided guidance on best educational and professional practices in alignment with the district vision, mission, and values

Building Leadership Team | August 2012-May 2016 | August 2021-Present

• Collaborated with educators to provide input and make decisions about school-wide practices, events, and support systems
• Gathered and distributed feedback between staff and school leaders to ensure effective stakeholder input in the decision-making process

Administrative Intern | Summer School 2014

• Coordinated daily scheduling and managed supply distribution
• Planned and conducted weekly school-wide assemblies

Administrator Development Seminars I & II | September 2013- May 2015

• Participated in book studies with district leaders and seminar cohort
• Assisted with principal duties and toured district operations facilities

Residency Verification Representative | Summer 2016 & Summer 2017

• Communicated with families with unique circumstances to verify district residency for student educational eligibility
• Conducted in-person meetings with families and district personnel to ensure proper residential documentation

Spring Play Co-Director | January -April 2021 & January - April 2022

• Held auditions and communicated casting choices to students and families
• Scheduled performances and assisted with decisions and student coaching

Interim Intramural Director | January 2017-March 2017

• Oversaw student intramural advertisement and sign-up process and data
• Recruited staff sponsors and communicated unique student needs

Part-Time Front Desk Receptionist

• Greeted patients and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance
• Confirmed appointments, communicated with patients, and assisted with patient billing and account inquiries
• Promptly answered and directed phone calls to correct support people
• Organized, filed, and retrieved confidential patient medical records
• Kept reception area clean and neat to give visitors positive first impression
• Assisted with seasonal decorations and visual organization of spaces