Courtney Wessel
Austin
Summary
Dedicated high school English teacher with a strong foundation in relationship-centered instruction and a commitment to creating supportive, engaging learning environments. Currently teaching 9th Grade Honors and On-Level English at Westlake High School, where I design rigorous, student-centered curricula that develop critical thinking through meaningful reading and writing experiences. Skilled in crafting interactive lessons, integrating technology to enhance literacy, and differentiating instruction to ensure every learner succeeds. A collaborative and solutions-oriented educator who upholds high academic standards, I bring additional experience in technical assistance and outreach coordination, known for professionalism, adaptability, and a student-first mindset that empowers young readers and writers to grow in confidence and analytical skill.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
English Teacher
Eanes ISD
07.2024 - 12.2025
- Developed and implemented engaging lesson plans that aligned with curriculum standards.
- Facilitated student discussions to enhance critical thinking and communication skills.
- Assessed student performance through diverse evaluation methods, ensuring academic growth.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design units that fostered teamwork and creativity for both on-level 9th grade English classes and Honors 9th grade English classes.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies to enhance student understanding of literature and writing.
- Stayed current on educational research and best practices by attending professional development workshops and conferences regularly.
- Promoted critical thinking skills by challenging students to analyze literary texts and express their interpretations in written assignments.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, implementing consistent expectations and consequences for all students.
- Fostered a love of literature among students by introducing engaging texts from diverse genres, authors, time periods, and cultures.
Technical Assistant & Outreach Coordinator
Curis Functional Health and Wellness
07.2023 - 07.2024
- Responsible for onboarding and educating all new members.
- Educated patients on healthcare topics such as chiropractic care and neurological diagnostics.
- Proven track record of securing client retention and satisfaction.
- Maintained and organized accurate medical records through filing, charting, transcription and data entry into electronic health record system.
Middle School ELA Teacher
Madison Meadows Middle School
08.2020 - 07.2023
- Devised lesson plans aligned with curriculum and met varying student needs.
- Helped develop strong verbal and written communication skills by leading students through listening, speaking, reading and writing activities.
- Built strong classroom culture and environment through relationship building.
- Utilized CommonLit and NewsELA to aid and support in student learning.
- Differentiated instruction for students with wide range of skill and interest levels.
- Promoted student growth by encouraging independent thinking, judgment and thought expression.
- Urged students to choose books based on interests to boost reading frequency and engagement.
- Integrated technology into classroom settings to engage students and diversify instruction.
- Collaborated with team members to problem solve and facilitate a positive environment.
Summer Program Teacher
Phoenix Country Day School
06.2019 - 08.2019
- Created and implemented developmentally-appropriate curriculum which addressed individual learning styles.
- Engaged students and boosted understanding of material using focused instructional strategies and hands-on activities.
- Helped students master learning concepts through one-on-one and small group tutoring.
- Prepared lesson materials and visual aids to reinforce lesson concepts.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education
Arizona State University Mary Lou Fulton
Tempe, AZ05.2020
Skills
- Confident communicator
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Highly driven and competitive
- Detail oriented and highly organized
- Creative lesson plan/curriculum development
- Reliable & trustworthy
- Excels in problem solving and multitasking
- Team collaboration and motivator
- Flexible and adaptive
- Eager to grow and make an impact
- Writing instruction
- Classroom management
Accomplishments
- Received "The Golden Apple" Award during the 2024-2025 voted by my students as their most influential teacher at Westlake High School.
- Received "The Chap Champion" Award voted by my colleagues during the 2024-2025 school year at Westlake High School.
- Won "You Make a Difference" Award 3 years in a row while teaching at Madison Meadows Middle School.
- Elected as Vice President of Programming and Education in sorority during Freshman year of college.
Certification
- Arizona Teaching Certificate (Secondary English)
- ESL Certification
- Special Education
- Classroom leadership and ethics
Timeline
English Teacher
Eanes ISD
07.2024 - 12.2025
Technical Assistant & Outreach Coordinator
Curis Functional Health and Wellness
07.2023 - 07.2024
Middle School ELA Teacher
Madison Meadows Middle School
08.2020 - 07.2023
Summer Program Teacher
Phoenix Country Day School
06.2019 - 08.2019
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education
Arizona State University Mary Lou Fulton