Fred Cheng
Edina
Summary
Dynamic Program Coordinator and Teaching Specialist with a proven track record at Minneapolis Public Schools, excelling in educational innovation and diversity initiatives. Skilled in public speaking and program management, I have successfully enhanced inclusivity and engagement, driving impactful change in learning environments while fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Coordinator & Teaching Specialist
Minneapolis Public Schools
Minneapolis
01.2015 - Current
- Engineered and executed strategies to enhance program access and support for diverse learners.
- Guided program participants in navigating resources, services, and opportunities to enhance their educational experience.
- Implemented engagement strategies and restorative practices to build inclusivity and respect for diversity and equity.
- Led diversity and belonging efforts promoting equity and inclusion while driving engagement in student experience and community initiatives.
- Supported leadership in strategic planning and implementation of initiatives to enhance instruction, equity, and school climate.
- Managed day-to-day operations of college credit and advanced programming, ensuring compliance with applicable policies and regulations.
- Partnered with leadership team to shape and manage institutional diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives.
- Collaborated with all constituencies to provide consultative services for student support teams, classroom teachers, and parents and guardians, improving overall support.
- Directed professional development sessions on inclusivity, engagement, and effective teaching, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Actor, Comedian
Entertainment
Minneapolis
01.2012 - Current
- Hosted and performed in comedy shows, entertaining diverse audiences.
- Conducted training sessions on creativity, communication, team-building, and leadership for clients including 3M and University of Minnesota.
- Executed de-escalation and inclusiveness simulations for corporations and public institutions.
- Recapped professional conferences to distill key insights and highlights.
- Engaged fans of Minnesota Timberwolves and St. Paul Saints sports franchises through in-game interactions.
Writer, Director, Producer
TV, Film & Theater
Minneapolis
01.1994 - Current
- Created detailed treatments and proposals for TV pilots, effectively pitching concepts to stakeholders.
- Crafted engaging scripts for short and feature-length films and stage productions, enhancing narrative depth.
- Developed engaging scripts for various media projects and productions.
- Collaborated with producers to align content with creative vision and project goals.
- Conducted extensive research to ensure accuracy and authenticity in writing.
Story Analyst
01.1994 - Current
- Wrote development notes for feature films, enhancing story structure and character development for projects like Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind.
- Conducted story consultations, providing critical feedback that shaped the narratives of projects such as The Nutty Professor and Cinderella Man.
- Evaluated scripts for writing competitions to uphold industry standards.
- Assessed narratives for Ransom, Liar Liar, Rush, and The Graveyard Book, ensuring alignment with industry standards and audience expectations.
Research & Innovation Specialist, District Office
Edina Public Schools
Edina
01.2014 - 08.2014
- Authored comprehensive reports and delivered presentations to district administration, superintendent, and school board to communicate findings and recommendations.
- Analyzed educational trends to inform districtwide initiatives.
- Analyzed educational trends to inform districtwide initiatives.
- Compiled and analyzed feedback data from students, staff, and community stakeholders to inform decision-making.
Instructor, Language Arts
Edina High School
Edina
09.2008 - 01.2014
- Created and delivered engaging lessons in 10th grade language arts, creative writing, film, and American literature, enhancing student understanding and appreciation of literature.
- Contributed to IB committee for curriculum development and program enhancement.
- Contributed to IB committee for curriculum development and program enhancement.
- Directed one-act play, overseeing all aspects of production and performance.
- Coached boys soccer team, cultivating teamwork and athletic skills while building students' confidence and discipline.
Instructor, English Department
Cerritos College
Cerritos
01.2007 - 06.2007
- Developed and taught engaging lessons in literature, communication, and composition to enhance student understanding and appreciation of the subjects.
- Facilitated interactive classroom discussions to enhance student participation.
- Implemented assessment strategies to evaluate student understanding effectively.
- Developed engaging curriculum for diverse student populations.
Education
Master of Fine Arts - Film And Television
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA12-1994
Bachelor of Arts - English Language and Literature
Yale University
New Haven, CT05-1992
Skills
Program management
- Educational innovation
- Crisis management
- Diversity initiatives
- De-escalation, restorative practice, and conflict resolution
- Team collaboration
- Public speaking
- Professional coaching
- Improvisational performance
- Mandarin Chinese
Community Experience
- Taught outreach classes - Parenting the Gifted Child
- Volunteered at People Serving People shelter
Specialized Training
- Fellow, Institute for Teachers of Color Committed to Racial Justice
- De-escalation and Crisis Intervention, The De-escalation Team
- Art of Coaching, Elena Aguilera
Professional Development
- Racial Equity: Beyond Diversity
- Beyond Diversity II
- Toward Culturally Relevant Teaching
- Journey to Responsiveness
- Black Males: A Courageous Leadership Response
- Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS)
- Technology Integration: Illuminate, Screencasting, Online instruction, Flipped classroom, Google apps, LMS (MyMPS and Moodle)
- Advanced Differentiation: Focused Instruction, Tiering, Compacting, Socratic Seminar, Prompts for Depth and Complexity, Online Tools
Accomplishments
•iSquared Innovation Grant, Edina School District, 2014
•Minnesota Independent Film Fund, 2000
•Blockbuster/McKnight Feature Film Fund, 1997
•Academy Award, Student Category, 1997
•Minnesota Independent Film Fund, 2000
•Blockbuster/McKnight Feature Film Fund, 1997
•Academy Award, Student Category, 1997
Timeline
Program Coordinator & Teaching Specialist
Minneapolis Public Schools
01.2015 - Current
Research & Innovation Specialist, District Office
Edina Public Schools
01.2014 - 08.2014
Actor, Comedian
Entertainment
01.2012 - Current
Instructor, Language Arts
Edina High School
09.2008 - 01.2014
Instructor, English Department
Cerritos College
01.2007 - 06.2007
Writer, Director, Producer
TV, Film & Theater
01.1994 - Current
Story Analyst
01.1994 - Current
Master of Fine Arts - Film And Television
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Arts - English Language and Literature
Yale University