Heather McHugh
Lowell,MA
Summary
At Lowell Public Schools, I excelled in fostering academic growth and emotional well-being, enhancing student retention through innovative health and dance programs. Leveraging skills in classroom management and health promotion, I developed interdisciplinary lesson plans and increased dance program enrollment, demonstrating a commitment to multicultural sensitivity and differentiated instruction.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Dance and Health Teacher
Lowell Public Schools
08.2014 - 04.2024
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop interdisciplinary lesson plans that enriched students'' understanding of health topics within various contexts.
- Fostered strong relationships between schools and local healthcare providers, arranging guest speakers and field trips for students to gain real-world insights into the field of healthcare.
- Improved student retention rates by implementing engaging and interactive instructional techniques.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Developed and implemented health education programs to help individuals and communities improve health and well-being.
- Choreographed unique routines tailored to individual student abilities, enhancing each dancer''s strengths while improving areas of weakness.
- Planned routines for recitals and performances.
- Developed strong relationships with students, encouraging them to develop self-confidence through the art of dance.
- Enhanced student performance by implementing creative and engaging dance routines.
- Planned, prepared, and delivered lesson plans introducing students to dance techniques and ballet positions.
- Provided constructive corrections to encourage students to learn steps and improve dancing.
- Created healthy and safe learning environment for all students by implementing class rules and promoting mutual respect and gentle discipline.
- Cultivated a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering open communication between students, parents, and staff.
- Promoted creative expression to encourage students to explore dance as art and self expression through movement.
- Created a safe and inclusive environment where students felt comfortable expressing themselves through dance, regardless of their background or experience level.
- Taught and explained choreography by breaking down steps and demonstrating moves.
- Encouraged creativity through improvisation exercises and composition assignments, allowing students to express themselves artistically beyond traditional technique instruction.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance, performance evaluations, and lesson plans for effective classroom management.
- Monitored student behavior to identify potential issues and address problems appropriately.
- Motivated and encouraged students to practice dance routines to work toward set goals.
- Implemented injury-prevention techniques into daily warm-ups and stretches to promote healthy dancing habits among students.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to develop a comprehensive dance curriculum for various age groups and skill levels.
- Assessed students'' progress and provided constructive feedback, enabling continuous improvement in their dance abilities.
- Managed costume design and selection, ensuring appropriate attire for each performance and individual dancer''s needs.
- Adapted lesson plans to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities, ensuring each student''s needs were met within the classroom setting.
- Assessed student progress regularly to identify students needing individualized help, provide feedback and select suitable material for dancers.
- Increased enrollment in the school''s dance program through community outreach initiatives and public performances.
- Coordinated special events such as guest artist masterclasses or parent observation days to enhance overall student experience at the school.
- Designed workshops focused on specific dance styles or techniques such as ballet fundamentals or contemporary movement exploration.
- Monitored student progress and provided individualized instruction to meet student needs and goals.
- Organized activities to promote learning and increase student enjoyment.
- Created interactive activities to engage students and maximize learning.
- Implemented research-based curriculum and instructional strategies for self-enrichment topics.
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Lowell High School
Lowell, MA05.2023
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Mental health awareness
- Physical Fitness
- Lesson Plan Implementation
- Health Promotion
- Multicultural Sensitivity
- Instructional Strategies
- Differentiated Instruction
- Sexual Health Education
- Technology Integration
- Prevention strategies
- Class Instruction
- Health education classes
- Material Preparation
Timeline
Dance and Health Teacher
Lowell Public Schools
08.2014 - 04.2024
Master of Arts - Education
Lowell High School
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