Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Timeline
Generic
Dawn Derkacz

Dawn Derkacz

New Baltimore,MI

Summary

Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Clintondale Community Schools, specializing in early literacy and child development. Proven ability to enhance student engagement through innovative curricula and emotional intelligence strategies. Certified Trainer for Mi Registry, skilled in compliance oversight and fostering positive relationships with children and families to support student success.

Overview

28
28
years of professional experience

Work History

GSRP Teacher

Clintondale Community Schools
08.2024 - Current
  • Filled class to max capacity, so that a second class could be added
  • Interacted with children one-on-one and in small groups to enhance and support learning activities.
  • Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
  • Organized activities to teach preschool children foundational learning skills such as letters and numbers.
  • Encouraged children to interact with each other and participate in group activities.
  • Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
  • Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
  • Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
  • Collaborated with teachers, parents and administrators to facilitate positive outcomes for students.
  • Created safe and nurturing learning environment for preschoolers.
  • Established positive relationships with students and families.
  • Supported children's social and emotional development by encouraging understanding of others and positive self-concepts.
  • Communicated with parents to inform about child's progress and classroom behavior.
  • Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.

Program Coordinator and GSRP Teacher

Clintondale Community Schools
11.2018 - 06.2024
  • Designated as a Certified Trainer for MiRegistry.
  • Developed and recommended policies and procedures for evaluating programs.
  • Maintained Licensing and GSRP Program requirements.
  • Submitted MiRegistry Program Evaluations.

Kinderconnect Summer School Teacher

MISD and Clintondale Community Schools
06.2017 - 08.2023
  • Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
  • Developed and implemented activities to reinforce learning concepts.
  • Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
  • Catered to needs of students with learning disabilities by providing extra assistance.
  • Developed and implemented classroom routines to address varying student needs.

Elementary School Teacher, Grades 2-5 and Multiage

Clintondale Community Schools
08.2004 - 11.2018
  • Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
  • Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
  • Taught core subjects of math, science, technology, and history.
  • Met with parents to review Individualized Education Plans for at-risk students.
  • Coached, mentored and evaluated student teachers for progress against program objectives.
  • Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
  • Assessed student progress by administering tests and evaluating results.
  • Integrated technology and multimedia tools into lessons to enhance student learning.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.

Teacher, Kindergarten and Third Grade

Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac
09.2002 - 08.2004
  • Worked on the Child Study Team, and was responsible for observing children in classrooms to make recommendations for further accommodations or testing.
  • Implemented reading and writing workshops to increase student literacy and support school reading programs.
  • Participated in department meetings to provide input to colleagues about student achievement and improvement.
  • Boosted cultural awareness by teaching "Paragon" and world cultures curriculum.

Long Term Sub for Special Education Classrooms

Anchor Bay School District
09.2001 - 04.2002
  • Followed IEPs and individualized instruction for elementary students with cognitive impairments and learning disabilities.
  • Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
  • Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.

Assistant Center Director

Children's World
05.2001 - 08.2001
  • Kept facility in compliance with all applicable standards and laws.
  • Recruited and developed solid team of professionals to care for children.
  • Cultivated and strengthened relationships with children and families.

Childcare Teacher

Children's World
05.1997 - 05.2001

Lead teacher for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and Private Kindergarten.

Education

Master of Science - Leadership

Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT
05-2026

Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education

Saginaw Valley State University
Bay City, MI
05-2008

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

Oakland University
Rochester, MI
05-2001

Skills

  • LETRS Trained in Early Literacy
  • Certified Trainer for Mi Registry
  • Child Development Assessment (GOLD)
  • Licensing Regulations Oversight
  • GSRP Program Mentoring
  • Enrollment Specialist
  • CPR and First Aid Trained
  • Model Teacher for MISD's GSRP Enrollment Fair
  • Trained in Emotional Intelligence Development
  • Trained in Effective Positive Reinforcement

Accomplishments

  • Was an active member of the Superintendent's Advisory Board. Worked on district goals and initiatives.
  • Was a member of McGlinnen's School Improvement Team.
  • Was part of McGlinnen's PBIS Team.
  • Is a Clintondale Guiding Coaltion Leader

Timeline

GSRP Teacher

Clintondale Community Schools
08.2024 - Current

Program Coordinator and GSRP Teacher

Clintondale Community Schools
11.2018 - 06.2024

Kinderconnect Summer School Teacher

MISD and Clintondale Community Schools
06.2017 - 08.2023

Elementary School Teacher, Grades 2-5 and Multiage

Clintondale Community Schools
08.2004 - 11.2018

Teacher, Kindergarten and Third Grade

Arts and Technology Academy of Pontiac
09.2002 - 08.2004

Long Term Sub for Special Education Classrooms

Anchor Bay School District
09.2001 - 04.2002

Assistant Center Director

Children's World
05.2001 - 08.2001

Childcare Teacher

Children's World
05.1997 - 05.2001

Master of Science - Leadership

Western Governors University

Master of Arts - Early Childhood Education

Saginaw Valley State University

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

Oakland University
Dawn Derkacz