Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Activities
Timeline
07
JESSICA TERESA FITZSISTI

JESSICA TERESA FITZSISTI

Schenectady,NY

Summary

Experienced academic and professional with a strong background in educational settings. Delivers impactful teaching and curriculum support, resulting in notable educational outcomes. Creates collaborative environments that enhance learning experiences and foster academic growth. Expertise in pedagogical methods and skilled in adapting to dynamic academic needs. Proficient in curriculum development, student mentorship, and research. Demonstrates successful classroom management and collaborative teamwork.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Guest Lecturer

Castleton University, SUNY Fredonia
11.2023 - Current

Production Team Member

SLOC Theatre
01.2022 - Current
  • Worked as a pianist for Matilda, Spring Awakening, and Mean Girls
  • Music Directed the 2024 Fall production of Mean Girls (high school edition)
  • Met or exceeded daily production goals through diligent work ethic and effective teamwork strategies.
  • Cross-trained in multiple positions to offer skilled assistance with different parts of production.

3rd-5th Grade Elementary Band Teacher/6th Grade Band Teacher/7th Grade General Music Teacher

Lansingburgh Central School District
09.2020 - Current
  • Coordinated with administration on budget management for the band program, ensuring resources were allocated effectively for optimal results
  • Organized annual fundraising events to support the purchase of new instruments, uniforms, and travel expenses for competitions and festivals.
  • Provided professional development opportunities for fellow faculty members in the area of music education through workshops, presentations, or collaborative projects.
  • Achieved consistent success at local and regional festivals by maintaining high standards of musical excellence through rigorous rehearsal schedules and focused practice sessions.
  • Collaborated with other faculty members to create interdisciplinary lessons that integrated music into core subjects for enhanced curriculum delivery.
  • Assisted in development of college and career readiness programs.

Research Associate

Institute for Composer Diversity
01.2018 - Current
  • Assists in program and repertoire research projects covering professional orchestras, college bands, and the 'President's Own' United States Marine Band
  • Provided technical guidance on experimental design and data interpretation issues for team members as needed.
  • Conducted comprehensive literature reviews to inform study designs and methodology decisions.
  • Validated incoming data to check information accuracy and integrity while independently locating and correcting concerns.
  • Distilled large amounts of information and produced reports, spreadsheets, and documents outlining key details.

Adjudicator

National Association For Music Education (NAFME)
01.2020 - 01.2022
  • Critiqued electronic compositions submitted by students grades 4-12
  • Ensured accurate determinations with meticulous research and thorough investigation of disputes.

6th-8th Grade Band Teacher

Schenectady City School District
08.2018 - 06.2020
  • Conducted All-City Middle School Band for the 2020 All-City Band Festival
  • Organized event with Deonte Williams (NYC Hamilton Actor) Presentation/Workshop
  • Organized Events - 2019 All-City Orchestra Festival and All-County Festival
  • Increased student participation in the band program through effective recruitment strategies and engaging classroom practices.
  • Managed a comprehensive inventory system for instruments, music library, and equipment to facilitate efficient use of resources and prevent loss or damage.
  • Provided guidance and mentoring to students regarding academic, social and emotional issues.

Education

Doctoral EDD -

State University of New York at Buffalo
06.2026

Master of Music - Music Education, with Culturally Responsive Pedagogy concentration

State University of New York at Fredonia
01.2022

Bachelor of Music - Music Education

State University of New York at Fredonia
01.2018

Skills

  • Teaching strategies
  • Course planning
  • Professional networking
  • Subject matter expertise
  • Feedback delivery
  • Organization
  • Public speaking
  • Academic research
  • Curriculum creation
  • Academic advisement
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Student Engagement
  • Task prioritization
  • Conflict resolution
  • Professionalism
  • Time management abilities
  • Adaptability
  • Written communication
  • Professional development
  • Student motivation
  • Interpersonal communication

Certification

  • New York State Initial Certificate & Professional Certificate, Music Education (K-12)
  • Adult AED/CPR Certification

Activities

  • Leadership in Music Education Initiatives, Leading a Collegiate and Music Educator Talks on Urban Music Education and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy at the NYSSMA 2023 Conference alongside Ms. Jennie Knight, 03/23
  • Developed and presented 'The Urban Toolkit: 9 Successful Tools & tips for the Urban Music Education Classroom', A comprehensive guide for music educators working in urban settings, NYSSMA Winter Conference, 01/21
  • Lecturer, Gave Collegiate and Music Educator Talks on Urban Music Education and Culturally Responsive Pedagogy at the NYSSMA 2023 Conference alongside Ms. Jennie Knight, NYSSMA Winter Conference, 01/21
  • Community Engagement, Organized events for multiple programs for youth and adult audiences and collaborated with staff and community members to enhance the event experience., RCSMA All County, Over 20 Concerts, Several Professional Developments, School Day Events, All City Festivals in Schenectady City School District
  • Lectured, Lectured at Castleton University and SUNY Fredonia on Culturally Responsive Teaching, Urban Music Education, and Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, 09/23, 04/24
  • Media Creator, Creating video and photo media for varying programs using Adobe Lightroom, 01/18, Present
  • Research Associate, Institute for Composer Diversity, assists in program and repertoire research projects covering professional orchestras, college bands, and the 'President's Own' United States Marine Band, 01/18, Present
  • Adjudicator, NAFME Electronic Composition, 2020, 2021, 2022
  • Production Team Member in Event coordination, Worked as a Community Theatre Music Director and Pianist, 01/22, Present, Worked at SLOC theatre as a pianist for Matilda, Spring Awakening, and Mean Girls, and Music Directed the 2024 Fall production of Mean Girls (high school edition) at SLOC.

Timeline

Guest Lecturer

Castleton University, SUNY Fredonia
11.2023 - Current

Production Team Member

SLOC Theatre
01.2022 - Current

3rd-5th Grade Elementary Band Teacher/6th Grade Band Teacher/7th Grade General Music Teacher

Lansingburgh Central School District
09.2020 - Current

Adjudicator

National Association For Music Education (NAFME)
01.2020 - 01.2022

6th-8th Grade Band Teacher

Schenectady City School District
08.2018 - 06.2020

Research Associate

Institute for Composer Diversity
01.2018 - Current

Master of Music - Music Education, with Culturally Responsive Pedagogy concentration

State University of New York at Fredonia

Bachelor of Music - Music Education

State University of New York at Fredonia

Doctoral EDD -

State University of New York at Buffalo
JESSICA TERESA FITZSISTI