Denise Cruz
1149 Vannstone Drive,Raleigh
Summary
Highly qualified Science Teacher with 15 years of sharing her love for teaching middle school Science, and after school advisor for the performing arts including drama club & dance. Generates student enthusiasm for learning through individual connections and motivators. Empowers students through interactive learning, offering fun and educational lessons and exciting science lab experiments will encourage them to discover their hidden skills and talents so students may gain self-confidence and perform at their optimal level. I plan to continue inviting businesses and professionals to work with students and provide real-world learning experiences that will enrich their education. My goal is to continue fostering an environment where kids feel safe, nurtured, and inspired to be who they are. In this place, they are free to learn, create, build self-confidence, and immerse themselves in a culture of success.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Science Teacher
WCPSS West Lake Middle School
Apex, NC
09.2013 - Current
- Serve as an 8th-grade science teacher. EVAAS- Significant evidence that 8th grade students exceeded more growth than expected. >80% proficient college and career ready.
- Collaboration with students to promote independent learning, leadership, and creativity during lesson plan development, Science Fair EXPO, Chemistry of Cooking labs, RRR (relay race review), and digital notebook technology.
- Diversified instruction by implementing Spanish immersion lessons in science, and encourage students to share experiences from all cultural backgrounds as it related to the lesson.Partnership with administrators regarding academic progress, student behavior and served as a translator to support the needs of Spanish speaking students and their families.
- Facilitate leadership by serving as Science Department Chair and Chemical Hygiene Liaison while I've performed duties in accordance with WCPSS standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Advisor for the following clubs: Latin Dance, Hispanic Heritage celebration, STEP Team during basketball season and Drama Club. The following are previous productions: Neverland Christmas Carol, Beauty & the Beast Jr., Moana Jr. West Lake's Got Talent Show, and raised almost $10,000 for the hurricane relief in Puerto Rico "Love Loss & Hope Dinner and Showcase.
Science Teacher
WCPSS River Oaks Middle School (Alternative)
Raleigh, NC
08.2008 - 06.2013
- Encouraged student interest in science with field trips to the Angus Barn restaurant for a day of chemistry and cooking.
- EVAAS- Significant evidence that 8th grade students exceeded more growth than expected. >80% proficient college and career ready.
- Leveraged diverse learning strategies to prepare students for higher-level education requirements.
- PBIS: Utilized positive reinforcement to maximize desired behavior and educational outcomes. Crafted Behavioral Intervention Plans for individual students.
Science Teacher
NYCDOE IS 192 Piagentini & Jones Middle School
The Bronx, NY
09.2000 - 06.2007
- Delivered Science instruction grades 6-9. Worked in team-based environment including teachers, specialists and administrators to provide best education for students of all skill levels.
- Led Latin Enchantment Dance composed of 20-30 middle school age dancers and performed in the National Puerto Rican Day Parade for five years.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing RN
College of Mount Saint Vincent
The Bronx, NY05.1999
Skills
- Classroom management
- Student Community Engagement
- STEM Project-based learning (PBL)
- Differentiated science instruction
- Spanish fluency
- Arts: Latin Dance and Drama
Accomplishments
2020-2021 West Lake Middle School Teacher of the Year
2019-2020 West Lake Middle School Teacher of the Year
2018-2019 Nominated TOY West Lake Middle School
2015-2016 Nominated TOY River Oaks Middle School
Personal Information
Title: Science Educator
Languages
Spanish
Professional
Certification
- WCPSS Middle School Science Grades 6-9
- WCPSS Middle School Theater
Timeline
Science Teacher
WCPSS West Lake Middle School
09.2013 - Current
Science Teacher
WCPSS River Oaks Middle School (Alternative)
08.2008 - 06.2013
Science Teacher
NYCDOE IS 192 Piagentini & Jones Middle School
09.2000 - 06.2007
Bachelor of Science - Nursing RN
College of Mount Saint Vincent
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