Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
References
Certification
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Deborah Russo

Teacher & Fitness Instructor
Rocky Hill,CT
Deborah Russo

Summary

A. FITNESS: Certified Group Fitness Instructor widely appreciated as dedicated and engaging leader of Aqua Fit, Boot Camp, and Spin exercise classes. Innovative planner of progressive sessions, allowing participants to grow at a pace suited for their level. Highly skilled in building client rapport and offering a motivating source of accountability and knowledge. Committed, passionate, focused, hardworking, energetic, motivated and enthusiastic for fitness.


B. EDUCATION: Compassionate, creative and effective teacher with valuable experience in classroom management, professional development, and curriculum planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments. Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or as member of teaching team. Well-versed in classroom and online technologies.

Overview

36
years of professional experience
1
Certification

Work History

LA Fitness/Esporta
Newington, Farmington, And Bristol, Ct., CT

Certified Group Fitness Instructor
11.2018 - Current

Job overview

  • Cultivated positive relationships with class participants by teaching a variety of challenging and entertaining group fitness classes.
  • Supported individual journeys with one-on-one instruction to supplement group lessons for participants needing extra guidance.
  • Prepared and inspected course equipment to verify safety and cleanliness before classes.
  • Led classes of members in dynamic aqua/boot camp/spin classes, supporting an open and non-judgemental exercise environment.
  • Planned and successfully led fitness classes with groups at a popular community exercise destination.

Consolidated School District Of New Britain
New Britain, CT

Middle School Teacher Grades 6-8
08.2019 - 08.2022

Job overview

  • Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support needs of students.
  • Built learning and citizenship skills to help with personal growth in addition to increasing academic knowledge.
  • Kept classroom organized, clean, and safe for students and visitors.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.

Hartford Board Of Education
Hartford, CT

Elementary, Middle School, Bilingual, GED Teacher
03.1990 - 02.2019

Job overview

  • Worked with administrators on behavioral issues to support the needs of students.
  • Built learning and citizenship skills to help with personal growth in addition to increasing academic knowledge.
  • Kept classroom organized, clean, and safe for students and visitors.
  • Prepared and implemented lesson plans covering required course topics.
  • Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
  • Updated documentation for school and individual records.
  • Helped students develop lifelong skills to support vocational goals such as diligence, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Assisted students in finding jobs in the field by teaching job search techniques and imparting skills employers want to see in prospective candidates.
  • Stayed abreast of the latest changes in the field by completing training courses and attending conferences.
  • Prepared daily lesson plans for activities.
  • Assessed submitted class assignments, determining grades, and reviewed work with struggling students to boost success chances.
  • Taught subject matter based on information compiled from textbooks, online sites, and other educational materials.
  • Develop test-taking skills, provide practice for final exam, check understanding, build vocabulary (GED)
  • Used learning stations to incorporate colors, shapes and textures to help students develop communication skills and build relationships

Education

CCSU
New Britain, Ct.

Master of Science from Elementary Education
05.1992

University Overview

ECSU
Willimantic, Ct.

Bachelor of Science from PreK-6; 6-8
05.1985

University Overview

Concentrations in Mathematics and Spanish

Minor: Recreation Leisure and Studies

Skills

  • Stretching and Recovery
  • Detailed small/large group Instruction
  • Class Organization
  • Communication and Interpersonal Connection
  • Safety Compliance
  • Strength and Agility Training
  • Lifestyle and Nutrition Guidance
  • Behavioral Skills Development
  • Student-Centered Learning
  • Online Teaching
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • Learning Modalities
  • Student Motivation and Engagement
  • Instructional Strategies
  • Effective Discipline Measurement
  • Positive Reinforcement Methods
  • Positive Learning Environment
  • Classroom Management Techniques
  • Google Slides/docs
  • Parent and Student Communication
  • Smart Board

Accomplishments

Accomplishments
  • Student Progress Conferences - Conducted conferences with parents to discuss educational plans designed to promote students' educational/social development.
  • Team Leader
  • PBIS
  • ELL Literacy - Increased ELL students' reading levels by integrating online word games and altering lesson plans for students needing extra guidance.
  • Nominated "Teacher of the Year" at Quirk Middle School & Kennelly.
  • Technology Integration - Participated in technology training courses in new technology concepts and practices applicable for the classroom.
  • Curriculum Development - Tailored educational curriculum to students with range of learning styles, disabilities, strengths and weaknesses.
  • Targeted Development - Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and to determine priorities and resource needs.

References

References


Rosa Ortiz: Assistant Principal: Pulaski Middle School: (860) 225-7665

Johanna Robles: Principal: Pulaski Middle School: (860) 225-7665

Ashley Bonet: team teacher: Kennelly: (860) 620-2405

Julie Plaza: colleague at Pulaski Middle School: (203) 725-6297

Delany Quinn: colleague at Pulaski Middle School: (860) 450-6820

Certification

  • TEAM (Teacher Education and Mentoring Program), Connecticut State Department of Education - 2012-2013
  • Proctor State Test (SBAC)

Timeline

Middle School Teacher Grades 6-8
Consolidated School District Of New Britain
08.2019 - 08.2022
Certified Group Fitness Instructor
LA Fitness/Esporta
11.2018 - Current
Elementary, Middle School, Bilingual, GED Teacher
Hartford Board Of Education
03.1990 - 02.2019
CCSU
Master of Science from Elementary Education
ECSU
Bachelor of Science from PreK-6; 6-8
  • TEAM (Teacher Education and Mentoring Program), Connecticut State Department of Education - 2012-2013
  • Proctor State Test (SBAC)
Deborah RussoTeacher & Fitness Instructor