Jessica St Clair
Carlisle,PA
Summary
Dynamic educator with extensive experience at Harrisburg Area Community College, excelling in student performance evaluation and mentoring. Proven ability to enhance classroom engagement through innovative instructional design and technology integration. Recognized for fostering inclusive learning environments and building strong relationships, driving student success and participation in diverse educational settings.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Part Time Biology Professor
Harrisburg Area Community College
Harrisburg, PA
01.2016 - Current
- Manage the course load of Human Biology, Anatomy and Physiology, Microbiology, and General Biology.
- Develop course materials and assessments aligned with learning outcomes.
- Mentor new adjunct faculty in the Biology Department to enhance instructional effectiveness.
- Integrated technology into regular classroom use for student engagement and learning.
- Maintained students' attendance records, grades and reports in strict confidence.
- Formulated well-structured syllabus of course content to detail learning goals and expected outcomes.
- Designed collaborative learning exercises to capitalize on students' resources and skills.
- Administered and graded tests and assignments to evaluate student performance and monitor progress.
- Contributed expertise to assist with departmental expansions and course changes.
- Built strong student rapport by driving classroom and remote discussions.
- Served as Faculty Senate Cabinet Adjunct Officer during 2020-2021 term.
- Contributed as Operations House and Faculty Senate Member from 2021-2022.
- Mentored and motivated students to increase class participation.
- Advised students in personal matters, driving academics, attendance and behaviors.
- Helped students make optimal educational and career choices to maximize learning and long-term vocational benefits.
- Adapted instruction methods to address individual student needs.
- Used exams, quizzes, and projects to assess how well students grasped learning material and concepts.
- Collaborated with fellow staff members to promote positive and welcoming learning environment.
- Improved classroom teaching methods by observing fellow educators and learning new techniques.
- Encouraged students to actively participate in class through positive reinforcement and engagement techniques.
- Identified valuable online resources to use in conjunction with lectures and coursework.
- Provided letters of recommendation and other referrals to students pursuing further education programs or postgraduate employment.
- Collaborated with professors to manage education projects from start to finish.
- Cultivated collaborative and innovative learning environment to meet each student's unique educational needs.
- Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
- Tutored students requiring additional assistance in mastering concepts.
Chemistry and Biology Teacher
West Perry School District
Elliottsburg, PA
10.2014 - 10.2015
- Regular course load included Chemistry, Biology, Honors Anatomy & Physiology, and Keystone Remediation
- Helped realign curriculum to meet PA Keystone Biology standards including designing a new course
- Managed consistent, learning-focused classroom environments by establishing and communicating clear objectives for students.
- Coordinated materials and instructional plans for immersive activities exploring concepts.
- Conferred with specialists to support needs of students with individualized educational plans.
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional strategies to promote learning in students of differing skill levels.
- Explored different avenues of learning with students to help each prepare for later educational environments.
- Demonstrated scientific concepts through use of laboratory experiment, charts, sketches, and other instructional aids.
- Provided individual and small group instruction in order to adapt curriculum to needs of each pupil.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss student progress and areas for improvement.
- Delivered clear, informative lectures on subject matter framed to meet state standards.
- Graded tests and papers and uploaded grading information to district system.
- Explained proper lab techniques to students.
- Maintained accurate attendance records and report cards for many students.
- Identified students' needs and cooperated with other professional staff members to develop solutions for health, behavioral and learning challenges.
Chemistry Teacher
Susquehanna Township School District
Harrisburg, PA
10.2013 - 10.2014
- Taught Advanced Placement Chemistry and Academic Chemistry to diverse student groups.
- Developed and implemented curriculum tailored to various learning styles.
- Coordinated with committees for comprehensive planning, professional development, and scheduling.
- Conducted after-school Keystone Biology Remediation course for additional student support.
- Established weekly assessments using anecdotal records and student portfolios.
- Held engaging lab demonstrations to reinforce chemistry principles and coursework.
- Maintained inventory of chemistry lab stock and equipment for efficient operations.
- Participated in conferences to stay updated on latest scientific research.
Site Coordinator
Knowledge Points Tutoring
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Coordinated math tutoring program at John Harris High School to improve student performance.
- Assessed students' skills to create customized lesson plans for enhanced learning outcomes.
- Motivated students to overcome challenges, resulting in improved mathematical comprehension.
- Trained tutors in technical and interpersonal skills to foster student trust and engagement.
- Maintained regular communication with stakeholders, providing updates on project status and milestones.
- Generated detailed reports for management as requested to track progress.
- Oversaw daily site operations, aligning all activities with project goals.
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher Service
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Delivered classroom instruction for International Baccalaureate Higher Level Biology and Honors Biology courses.
- Implemented lesson plans and policies as directed by primary teacher.
- Assisted students in achieving daily comprehension and long-term academic goals.
- Maintained an active learning environment through effective classroom management.
- Communicated relevant student information to teachers and parents regarding progress.
- Adapted instructional methods to accommodate diverse learning styles among students.
- Utilized educational technology to enhance overall learning experiences.
- Provided detailed notes on daily activities to ensure continuity of instruction with primary teacher.
Treatment Parent
Children's Home of Reading
Mechanicsburg, PA
01.2012 - 05.2012
- Delivered treatment for youth exhibiting emotional and behavioral issues.
- Maintained close supervision with fair limits and predictable rewards for rule adherence.
- Supported youth through mentoring, emphasizing school performance and engagement in activities.
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Saint Joseph Church
Mechanicsburg, PA
01.2011 - 01.2012
- Developed strong rapport with youth through consistent engagement and support.
- Identified community service areas to promote awareness of social issues.
- Collaborated with parish education personnel to enhance religious education and sacramental preparation.
- Recruited, trained, and supervised adult volunteers while ensuring compliance with clearance requirements.
- Managed youth ministry budget and created fundraising opportunities.
- Increased participation in religious education programs by promoting congregational awareness.
- Hired and trained primary and supplemental teaching staff to improve educational quality.
- Tailored instructional methods to foster inclusion for children with special learning needs.
Post-baccalaureate Teacher
School District of Lancaster
Lancaster, PA
08.2010 - 05.2011
- Millersville’s post-bacc program partners professionals seeking their teaching certification with a mentor teacher. Post-bacc candidates are introduced to their students on the first day of school as a co-teacher and many students cannot tell the difference. During the year, post-baccs share all teaching duties with their mentor as they gradually assume full responsibility for the remainder of the year.
- CIRQL Project focused on populations and ecosystems. Learned to adapt my objectives around schedule disruptions due to inclement weather to meet curricular standards and student needs.
- Collaborated with mentor teachers to share teaching responsibilities and promote student engagement.
- Adapted lesson objectives in response to schedule disruptions while maintaining curricular standards.
- Administered PSSA testing, providing translation and scribing support for diverse learners.
- Established Student of the Month award program to recognize academic achievements.
- Organized Earth Day Community Service project, fostering student volunteerism and environmental awareness.
- Created hands-on curriculum to enhance student interest and improve learning outcomes.
- Built positive relationships with students, parents, and staff to support a collaborative learning environment.
- Prepared students for PSSA testing. Administered the test to the general student population as well as providing translation and scribing services during the testing period.
- Attended professional development with a particular interest in meeting the needs of English Language Learners.
- Established a Student of the Month award program.
- Organized an Earth Day Community Service project with student volunteers to clean up their school.
- Scheduled and held parent-teacher conferences to keep parents up-to-date on children's academic performance.
- Created and enforced adolescent-based, hands-on curriculum to promote student interest and receptive learning.Volunteered after school coaching track and teaching dance and acting.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents, and teaching staff.
- Created lesson plans and chose supporting materials to promote positive learning experiences.
- Used videos, lectures and moderated discussions to engage students during class.
- Engaged students through lecture and discussion, increasing classroom interaction to build inclusive learning environment.
- Identified and documented learning achievements by reporting outcomes, performance information and program adjustments used to boost comprehension.
- Remained calm and patient in student interactions to support individual growth and development.
- Conquered challenges of working with highly diverse student population to attain exceptional student achievement.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss students' progress and areas requiring improvement.
- Planned and implemented lessons using various teaching strategies to meet diverse student needs.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
- Participated in workshops, trainings and conferences to improve educational skills.
- Performed student background reviews to ascertain learning deficiencies and strengths to develop tailored lessons based on student needs.
- Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
Quality Assurance
Fresh Express
Harrisburg, PA
01.2010 - 12.2010
- Ensured compliance of incoming ingredients, in-process materials, and finished products with company standards.
- Utilized various techniques to assess physical, chemical, and microbiological properties.
- Sought opportunities to enhance quality and safety programs within plant operations.
- Devised improvements to quality assurance program, ensuring robust practices.
- Generated daily reports documenting work progress for quality assurance metrics.
- Reviewed quality assurance documents, adhering to established techniques and procedures.
Quality Assurance Administrator
On Assignment Lab Support-Linette Quality Chocolates
Womelsdorf, PA
01.2009 - 12.2009
- Performed QA manager’s duties in his absence
- Oversaw product quality to ensure compliance with company and regulatory standards.
- Directed preparation and execution of internal and external audits, achieving ISO compliance.
- Analyzed quality control data to identify trends and root causes of issues.
- Facilitated regular quality reviews with senior management, providing insights for improvement.
- Trained plant personnel on instrumentation, policies, and techniques to enhance performance.
- Established procedures and quality standards to streamline operations.
- Compiled data on quality issues, reporting findings with actionable suggestions.
- Supervised inspectors, technicians, and staff to maintain high-quality output.
Environmental Account Manager
American Westech
Harrisburg, PA
01.2009 - 06.2009
- Coordinated sampling for environmental clients using expertise in laboratory testing.
- Maintained knowledge of Federal and State environmental regulations to ensure compliance.
- Prepared environmental proposals and quotes to facilitate client engagement.
- Developed customer relationships that increased sales opportunities.
- Served as primary contact for addressing client concerns and needs.
- Monitored industry trends and competitors to offer strategic advice to clients.
- Renewed client accounts through relationship-building initiatives.
- Tracked sales performance metrics and reported findings to senior management.
Business Development Specialist
Lancaster Laboratories
New Holland, PA
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Maintained knowledge of Federal and State environmental regulations.
- Coordinated initiation of environmental projects for seamless transition to project management.
- Prepared cost quotes and environmental proposals to support project bids.
- Researched business opportunities in new and existing markets to drive growth.
- Developed relationships with potential clients to enhance account development efforts.
- Assisted prospective clients, ensuring high levels of customer service satisfaction.
- Facilitated communication between internal teams and external stakeholders for business alignment.
- Collaborated with sales team to formulate strategies for achieving revenue targets.
Laboratory Examiner
PA Department of Health
Exton, PA
01.2007 - 06.2007
- Conducted inspections of state and federally licensed facilities for regulatory compliance.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of Federal and State health regulations.
- Authored detailed reports and supporting documentation to record findings.
QA/QC
Kelly Scientific-Sigma Aldrich Bioscience
Denver, PA
01.2006 - 01.2007
- Executed Karl Fischer moisture tests and IR spectra analysis on incoming ingredients and outgoing products.
- Generated labels for liquid media products in accordance with SOPs.
- Maintained comprehensive records adhering to cGMP standards.
- Conducted system analyses and testing to identify and rectify technical issues.
- Collaborated within team environments to enhance workplace productivity.
Inspector
PA Department of Environmental Protection
Harrisburg, PA
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Maintained working knowledge of Federal and State environmental regulations.
- Conducted inspections of municipal, hazardous, and wastewater treatment facilities.
- Investigated citizen complaints and responded to environmental emergencies.
- Generated detailed reports outlining inspection findings and communicated results to stakeholders.
- Reported deviations from quality standards and recommended corrective actions.
- Updated and maintained inspection records and databases for compliance tracking.
- Participated in continuous education programs to stay current on laws and regulations.
- Engaged in training sessions to enhance inspector competencies.
Research Assistant/Undergraduate Assistant
Shippensburg University
Shippensburg, PA
01.2002 - 01.2003
- Investigated variations in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor across glial and normal cell lines.
- Executed molecular and biochemical techniques on glial cell lines to gather data.
- Designed and modified experiments to enhance research outcomes.
- Supplied biological growth media and experimental materials to Microbiology Lab and educational labs.
- Maintained pure bacterial cultures for ongoing experiments.
- Calibrated and maintained laboratory research equipment for optimal performance.
- Conducted literature reviews to inform and support research initiatives.
- Presented findings through graphs, charts, and visual aids to effectively communicate results.
QA Lab Technician
Ralston Purina Company
Mechanicsburg, PA
01.2001 - 01.2002
- Tested incoming ingredients and outgoing products for nutritional content and appearance.
- Formulated product recipes based on protein content of ingredients.
- Maintained records according to cGMP standards.
- Prepared test samples, obtaining and recording data per established protocols.
- Completed laboratory tests, communicating results to supervising staff.
- Collected, labeled, and stored lab samples following specifications.
- Calibrated and maintained laboratory equipment to ensure accurate results.
- Utilized Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for tracking and documenting activities.
Education
Post-baccalaureate Teacher Certification -
Millersville University
Millersville, PA05.2011
Master of Science - Biology
Shippensburg University
Shippensburg, PA12.2008
Graduate Coursework - Molecular Medicine Option in Integrative Biosciences
The Pennsylvania State University
Hershey, PA12.2005
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Shippensburg University
Shippensburg, PA05.2003
Undergraduate Transfer Coursework -
Harrisburg Area Community College
Harrisburg, PASkills
- Student performance evaluation
- Student assessments
- Biology instruction
- In-class lectures
- Class lectures
- Group and individual instruction
- Diversity awareness
- D2L
- Syllabus development
- Expertise in subject matter
- Interdisciplinary research
- Classroom management
- Student mentoring
- Lectures and discussions
- Motivation
- Group discussions
- Experiential learning methods
- Tutoring and mentoring
- Public speaking
- Workshops and seminars
- Remote instruction
- Instructional design
- Test proctoring
- Student engagement
- Relationship building
- Staff development
- Interpersonal relations
- Team leadership
- Course lecturing
- Project management
- Social justice advocacy
- Personable and approachable
- Lesson planning
- Faculty communication
- Mentoring
- Debate facilitation
- Active listening
- Creative questioning
- Creative instruction
- Instructional technology
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Cultural awareness
- Student data analysis
- Inclusive learning
- Powerpoint presentations
- Critical thinking
- Research and analysis
- Conflict resolution
Related Employment
- Harrisburg Area Community College, Part Time Biology Professor, 01/01/15 - Present
- West Perry School District, Chemistry and Biology Teacher, 01/01/14 - 01/01/15
- Susquehanna Township School District, Chemistry Teacher, 01/01/13 - 01/01/14
- Substitute Teacher Service, Substitute Teacher, 01/01/10 - 01/01/13
- Knowledge Points Tutoring, Site Coordinator, 01/01/11 - 01/01/13
- Children's Home of Reading, Treatment Parent, 01/01/12
- Saint Joseph Church, Coordinator of Youth Ministry, 01/01/11 - 01/01/12
- School District of Lancaster, Post-baccalaureate Teacher, 01/01/10 - 01/01/11
- Fresh Express, Quality Assurance, 01/01/10
- American Westech, Account Manager, 01/01/09
- On Assignment Lab Support-Linette Quality Chocolates, Quality Assurance Administrator, 01/01/09
- Lancaster Laboratories, Business Development Specialist, 01/01/07 - 01/01/08
- PA Department of Health, Laboratory Examiner, 01/01/07
- Kelly Scientific-Sigma Aldrich Bioscience, QA/QC, 01/01/06 - 01/01/07
- PA Department of Environmental Protection, Inspector, 01/01/05 - 01/01/06
- Shippensburg University, Research Assistant/Undergraduate Assistant, 01/01/02 - 01/01/03
- Ralston Purina Company, QA Lab Technician, 01/01/01 - 01/01/02
Affiliations
- Homesteading
- Beekeeping
- Duck rearing
- Parish Religious Education
- Community Science Education
Languages
Spanish
Elementary
Timeline
Part Time Biology Professor
Harrisburg Area Community College
01.2016 - Current
Chemistry and Biology Teacher
West Perry School District
10.2014 - 10.2015
Chemistry Teacher
Susquehanna Township School District
10.2013 - 10.2014
Treatment Parent
Children's Home of Reading
01.2012 - 05.2012
Site Coordinator
Knowledge Points Tutoring
01.2011 - 01.2013
Coordinator of Youth Ministry
Saint Joseph Church
01.2011 - 01.2012
Post-baccalaureate Teacher
School District of Lancaster
08.2010 - 05.2011
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher Service
01.2010 - 01.2013
Quality Assurance
Fresh Express
01.2010 - 12.2010
Quality Assurance Administrator
On Assignment Lab Support-Linette Quality Chocolates
01.2009 - 12.2009
Environmental Account Manager
American Westech
01.2009 - 06.2009
Business Development Specialist
Lancaster Laboratories
01.2007 - 01.2008
Laboratory Examiner
PA Department of Health
01.2007 - 06.2007
QA/QC
Kelly Scientific-Sigma Aldrich Bioscience
01.2006 - 01.2007
Inspector
PA Department of Environmental Protection
01.2005 - 01.2006
Research Assistant/Undergraduate Assistant
Shippensburg University
01.2002 - 01.2003
QA Lab Technician
Ralston Purina Company
01.2001 - 01.2002
Post-baccalaureate Teacher Certification -
Millersville University
Master of Science - Biology
Shippensburg University
Graduate Coursework - Molecular Medicine Option in Integrative Biosciences
The Pennsylvania State University
Bachelor of Science - Biotechnology
Shippensburg University
Undergraduate Transfer Coursework -
Harrisburg Area Community College
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