Deborah Agrusa
Shelby Township
Summary
Innovative educator specializing in developing engaging lesson plans and facilitating critical thinking discussions. Recognized for effective mentorship of new instructors and commitment to enhancing student learning through tailored assessments and constructive feedback.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
Work History
Director
Deborah's Stage Door Center for the Performing Art
Rochester Hills
08.1984 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student learning experiences.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to promote critical thinking and collaboration.
- Assessed student performance through tests, projects, and presentations.
- Mentored new instructors to improve teaching effectiveness and classroom management.
- Collaborated with faculty on curriculum development and program improvements.
- Organized community outreach programs to enhance student engagement and involvement.
- Provided constructive feedback to students for academic growth and development.
- Evaluated performance of students and made provisions to meet learning needs.
- Encouraged students' critical thinking skills by facilitating classroom discussions.
- Prepared instruction through lesson plans to address student's assessed needs, goals and objectives.
- Kept up-to-date with advancements in subject area knowledge by attending conferences or workshops.
- Planned instruction to achieve objectives based upon student needs and established curriculum.
- Created a positive learning environment by establishing open communication with students, parents and colleagues.
- Monitored student behavior in order to maintain an effective teaching environment.
- Recorded daily attendance to maintain accurate and complete records.
- Maintained evening or weekend hours to provide students with additional support.
- Upheld cleaning protocols to maintain safe environment.
- Established rules for class management and discipline while implementing appropriate consequences for disruptive behavior.
- Organized field trips related to course topics in order to provide hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively using positive reinforcement strategies.
- Remained calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
- Tutored students requiring extra help and gave additional practice work to help improve concept understanding.
- Received recognition for contributions to innovative concepts in classroom instruction.
- Created and enforced child-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.
- Performed student background reviews to ascertain learning deficiencies and strengths to develop tailored lessons based on student needs.
Education
Master of Arts - Education With Concentration In Dance
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI12-1998
Skills
- Choreography creation
- Dance performance direction
- Movement sequence design
- Rehearsal organization
- Technique feedback
- Curriculum development
- Student engagement strategies
- Educational assessment
- Community outreach
- Creative collaboration
- Effective communication
- Critical thinking facilitation
- Mentorship and coaching
- Problem solving
- Project planning
- Dancer auditioning
- Interpretive expression
- Social media promotion
- Project management
- Creative vision
- Rehearsal direction
- Technique instruction
- Rhythm sensitivity
- Class instruction
- Student instruction
- Client relations
- Stage presence
- Fundraising
- Costume design
- Performance optimization
- Dance instruction
- Audition management
- Innovative choreography
- Emotional connection
- Competition-level routines
- Scene staging
- Technique practice
- Proficient in [genre]
- Teaching experience
- Performance planning
- Class leadership
- Music selection
- Dynamic storytelling
- Musical coordination
- Improvisational skills
- Performance direction
- Leadership qualities
- Movement vocabulary
- Artistic expression
- Dance technique
- Innovative thinking
- Dance background
- Choreography development
- Organizational skills
- Evaluate performers
- Multitasking Abilities
- Problem-solving
- Self motivation
Affiliations
I am a mother of three adult daughters who all have a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre. They are accomplished dancers, actresses and singers. When I am not teaching, I enjoy walks with my dog, Poppy,
downhill skiing, gardening and spending time at our cottage with my husband. My incredible daughters are my greatest achievement.
Accomplishments
I have had the great honor of taking my students to perform as dancers and singers at numerous events across our country. The Deborah's Stage Door Dancers and Singers have performed throughout the years for Variety, The Children's Charity including at the Worldwide Conference in Palm Springs, America's Thanksgiving Parade (including as a choreographer), A Children's Miracle Network, The Detroit Pistons Half-Time Shows, at The Detroit Tigers Comerica Park, Rochester Art and Apples, The Rainbow Connection Gala, Star Search with Ed McMahon and Arsenio Hall, The World of Dance, America's Got Talent, Disney World, Disneyland. I served as the choreographer, teacher, and as the costumer at each event.
The DSD Dancers will also chosen to be the Radio Disney Dancers and performed at numerous concerts as the opening show for the Jonas Brothers, The Cheetah Girls, Raven, Corbin Bleu and more.
I also taught at Michigan State University teaching Modern 1 and Jazz 1 during my junior and senior years.
I choreographed for the Michigan State University Marching Band and tap for the Theatre Department.
I taught ballet technique classes at Oakland University 1998-2001.
*I was chosen as one of the 25 Most Outstanding Graduates from the Michigan State University Faculty in 1983.
*Chosen the. Dance Educator Of The Year at the Groove National Dance Championships in 2021.
* Received the Copper Foot Choreography Award from Wayne State University Dance Department 1990.
* My students were chosen to be one of seven dance groups chosen from the country to perform at the "Arts for Autism" Gala and Fundraiser on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on June 16, 2022 with several Broadway performers. They performed "Motown" with the Wicked orchestra and Broadway singers and started off the show. Such an amazing experience!
Websites
I am an educator - my purpose!
I am a teacher/mentor and will always be a teacher/mentor. I love nothing more than to be in a classroom helping children and people to be the best people they can be. I want to help others believe in themselves and that their dream can come true if they have an amazing work ethic, an attitude that "all is possible", and be that leader! I have worked hard for my students to never say "No" - go through it, over it and get it done! Take risks! I am a true entrepreneur. I already have a new idea and my students have had to do so many amazing things at DSD and
throughout their adult lives in the arts and in every career field. I live what I believe and have worked so hard to be the best role model throughout my life. I live it. I don't just say it. I believe we can change the world and I know we can. I have been doing this for over 40 years and I am still on this road.
Timeline
Director
Deborah's Stage Door Center for the Performing Art
08.1984 - Current
Master of Arts - Education With Concentration In Dance
Wayne State University
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