Heather Blanks
Rochester Hills,MI
Summary
Professional educator skilled in creating dynamic, inclusive classroom experiences that drive student success. Adept at leveraging diverse instructional strategies to meet varied learning needs, ensuring comprehensive understanding of material. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability in ever-evolving educational settings, with focus on critical thinking and communication.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher
L’Anse Creuse High School North
Macomb, MI
08.2010 - Current
- Engaged in co-teaching with general and special education students
- Developed engaging NGSS and Common Core lessons
- Developed differentiated instruction/lessons for diverse students
- Promoted cooperative learning through laboratory activities
- Piloted and developed AP Environmental Science for L’Anse Creuse High School North starting in 2014
- Co-started Salmon in Classroom Project through Michigan DNR with another teacher
- Participated in meetings on school improvement and content-related
- Trained in Classroom Instruction That Works, Marzano and Model-Based Biology
- Wrote Biology and Environmental Science Fall and Spring Common Assessment for district
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
- Mentored new teachers, sharing best practices and providing guidance to help them adapt to their new roles successfully.
- Developed engaging lesson plans aligned with curriculum standards to enhance student learning outcomes.
- Utilized data-driven assessments to evaluate student progress and tailor instruction accordingly.
- Organized and led educational field trips that complemented classroom learning, broadening students' real-world understanding.
Substitute Teacher
Clarkston, Lake Orion and Romeo Community Schools
02.2010 - 06.2010
- Implemented lesson plans to maintain educational continuity in absence of regular teachers.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Sashabaw Middle School, Clarkston Community Schools
Clarkston, MI
11.2009 - 02.2010
- Held 6th science position
- Implemented lesson plans to maintain educational continuity in absence of regular teachers.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Dryden Jr/Sr High School, Dryden Community Schools
Dryden, MI
09.2009 - 11.2009
- Held 7th/8th mathematics and science position
- Implemented lesson plans to maintain educational continuity in absence of regular teachers.
Teacher
Dryden Jr/Sr High School
Dryden, MI
08.2007 - 06.2009
- Developed engaging HSCE lessons
- Developed curriculum for Forensic Science and ACT prep course
- Designed curriculum for switch from traditional to trimester schedule
- Promoted cooperative learning through group projects
- Administered the Michigan Merit Examination to a special education student
- Participated in professional development on professional learning communities
Education
Masters of Art - Teaching and Curriculum
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI05-2012
Integrated Science Endorsement - Integrated Science Courses: Astronomy And Geology
Oakland University
Rochester, MI04-2010
Bachelor of Science - Education, Major: Biology, Minor: Mathematics
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI04-2007
Skills
- Classroom management
- Classroom technology
- Project-based learning
- Data-driven instruction
- Relationship building
- Critical thinking
- Lesson planning
- Technology integration
Timeline
Teacher
L’Anse Creuse High School North
08.2010 - Current
Substitute Teacher
Clarkston, Lake Orion and Romeo Community Schools
02.2010 - 06.2010
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Sashabaw Middle School, Clarkston Community Schools
11.2009 - 02.2010
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Dryden Jr/Sr High School, Dryden Community Schools
09.2009 - 11.2009
Teacher
Dryden Jr/Sr High School
08.2007 - 06.2009
Bachelor of Science - Education, Major: Biology, Minor: Mathematics
Western Michigan University
Masters of Art - Teaching and Curriculum
Michigan State University
Integrated Science Endorsement - Integrated Science Courses: Astronomy And Geology
Oakland University
Professional Development
- Salmon in Classroom with DNR, 2024-current
- Classroom Instruction That Works, Macomb Intermediate School District, 2016
- Project Based Learning AP Summer Institute-virtual, 2021
- Michigan Nature Association: Vernal Pool Mapping and Monitoring Program Training, Michigan State University Extension, 2016
- The Indiana Academy: AP Summer Institute-AP Environmental Science, Ball State University, 2015
- Clinton River Watershed Council Stream Monitoring and Macroinvertebrate Identification Training, 2014
- Clinton River Watershed Council Stream Monitoring Volunteer, 2014-current
- Lapeer East High School AP Summer Institute-AP Environmental Science, Zimmer Middle School, 2014
- CSI Workshop, Lawrence Technological University, 2009
- HS-Mass 1: MME Reading Graphs and Charts, Lapeer Intermediate School District, 2009
- HS-Mass 2: Companion Documents/Assessments, Genesee Intermediate School District, 2009
- MCTM Annual Conference, Holt High School, 2008
- Western Michigan University Focus Group, Kalamazoo, MI, 2008
Technology Skills
- Microsoft Word
- PowerPoint
- Excel
- Canva
- Movie Maker
- PhotoStory
- Schoology
- PowerSchool
- Prezi
- Google Classroom
- Web Design
- EduBlogs
- Wiki
- Nearpod