Leslie Swanson
Minnetrista,MN
Summary
I am a self-motivated educator with 20 years of teaching experience dedicated to fostering academic excellence and lifelong learning. I enjoy putting together creative, interactive lessons that promote classroom engagement and focus on helping students develop a skills-based learning model. I am interested in joining a school community that values collaboration, creativity, and a true joy of the learning process.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Language Arts Teacher
Holy Family Catholic High School
Victoria, MN
08.2018 - Current
- Deliver instruction for 11th-grade Honors American Literature, 12th-grade AP Literature and College Writing courses.
- Develop AP curriculum approved by AP College Board to enhance educational rigor.
- Promote higher-level thinking through skills-based learning strategies and small group collaboration.
- Assist seniors navigating the college application process, concentrating on impactful essay writing
- I currently serve as the English Department Chair, facilitating meetings, handling department procedures, and overseeing faculty evaluations.
- Participated in the co-sojourner program at Holy Family and was a mentor teacher to several new teachers.
- Served on a committee that helped rewrite student handbook policies regarding AI and plagiarism.
Long-Term Substitute Language Arts Teacher
St. Hubert Catholic School
Chanhassen, MN
02.2018 - 06.2018
- Developed lessons for 7th grade, 7th grade honors, 8th grade, and 8th grade honors level English classes.
- Employed skills-based learning and cooperative strategies to enhance student engagement.
- Implemented differentiated instructional practices to cater to diverse learning needs.
- Facilitated speech writing and helped select student speeches/speakers for the 8th grade graduation ceremony.
Language Arts Teacher
Minnetonka High School
Minnetonka, MN
08.2017 - 01.2018
- Developed lessons for 9th and 10th grade English classes.
- Emphasized collaborative learning and close reading skills to enhance comprehension.
- Utilized iPad apps like Notability to enrich classroom learning.
- Differentiated instruction to address diverse learning styles and abilities.
Language Arts Teacher
Notre Dame Catholic Prep High School
Scottsdale, AZ
08.2012 - 05.2017
- Developed lessons for 9th grade, 10th grade, 10th grade honors, and 11th grade honors, focusing on analytical reading and writing strategies.
- Created and implemented an honors curriculum consisting of higher-level thinking strategies, such as timed-writing techniques, Socratic seminars, and creative projects.
- Established a curriculum for a class entitled Focus Research, which guides the top-graduating seniors on how to effectively write and present a 30-page research project.
Language Arts Teacher
Deer Valley High School
Glendale, AZ
08.2011 - 05.2012
- Developed lessons for 9th grade and 11th grade English classes.
- Implemented a writing program, focusing on the Schaffer method and thesis with a blueprint.
- Engaged in weekly summary strategies (modeled by educational researcher Robert Marzano).
Language Arts Teacher
Central High School
Norwood, MN
08.2008 - 06.2011
- Developed lessons for 9th grade, 11th grade, 11th grade honors, and 12th grade English classes.
- Developed two new courses for the English curriculum.
- Received a 96% passing rate on the state writing exam required by all freshman students.
Assistant Director of Education
Huntington Learning Center
Chanhassen, MN
01.2008 - 06.2008
- Managed, monitored, and developed curriculum for students needing help with reading, writing, grammar, and ACT test prep.
- Supervised a team of 20 teachers and facilitated monthly teacher meetings to promote teamwork and unity.
- Conducted parent conferences, discussing and monitoring the student's individualized academic program.
- Contacted the students' classroom teachers to clearly understand their academic needs and then implemented these needs into their academic programs at Huntington Learning Center.
Reading, Writing and ACT Tutor
Huntington Learning Center
Chanhassen, MN
08.2007 - 01.2008
- Worked individually with students to improve reading and writing skills.
- Prepared high school students for the ACT exam, focusing specifically on the English, reading and writing sections.
Language Arts Teacher
Bishop Kelly Catholic High School
Boise, ID
08.2006 - 05.2007
- Designed lessons for 10th-grade and 11th-grade English classes.
- Implemented writing strategies such as timed-writing, peer review, and writing workshops.
- Provided reciprocal teaching strategies to enhance student learning.
Long Term Substitute Language Arts Teacher
Bishop Kelly High School
Boise, ID
01.2006 - 06.2006
- Designed valuable unit plans for sophomore and junior English classes while the teacher was out on maternity leave.
- Established organizational efficiency and kept daily procedures of the classroom running smoothly during a teacher transition.
Process Manager
Storecast Merchandising
Boise, Idaho
01.2005 - 01.2006
- Implemented meetings with Category Managers at Albertsons Corporation to discuss reset projects occurring at the store level.
- Generated weekly/bi-weekly publications to associates throughout the company to communicate upcoming projects.
- Effectively managed the daily procedures and correspondence among the associates in my department.
Language Arts Teacher
Deer Valley High School
Glendale , AZ
08.2004 - 12.2005
- Designed lessons for 10th grade and 12th grade English classes.
- Educated students on the writing processes through structured drafting and self-reflection.
- Facilitated revision processes to improve student writing skills and foster critical thinking.
- Instructed students on how to think more critically when reading by helping them construct higher-level discussion questions about the texts.
Department Specialist II
Albertsons Corporate
Scottsdale, AZ
06.1999 - 01.2004
- Worked with the consumables and back to school Category Managers to process advertising content for two states.
- Proofed weekly ads to ensure successful publications.
Education
Master’s Degree - English
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona12-2011
Post-Baccalaureate Certification - Secondary English Education
Arizona State University West
Glendale, Arizona06-2004
Bachelor of Science - Communications, Minor in English
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona01.1999
Skills
- AP curriculum development
- Higher-level thinking
- Facilitated discussions
- Project-based learning
- Literary analysis
- Instructional technology
- College essay writing
- Classroom management
- Differentiated instruction
- Analytical writing strategies
- Faculty supervision and evaluation
- Student engagement and motivation
- Academic assessment
- Collaborative and cooperative learning
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Activity planning and team collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
- Hands-on learning and mentorship
- Mentorship techniques
- Problem-solving skills
- Grading proficiency
- Rubric creation
- Parent-teacher communication
- Individualized instruction
- Team leadership
- Staff development
- Lesson plan implementation
Achievments
AP Literature classes have consistently scored above both the state and global averages over the past 7 years
AP Literature 92% student passing rate on the 2025 AP Lit Exam
AP Literature 100% student passing rate on the 2023 AP Lit Exam
Asked by the principal to present effective reading strategies to the faculty at Central High School
“Teacher of the Month” at Huntington Learning Center
96% passing rate for freshmen students, MCA state writing test
Professional Development
- Understanding the Shift: Traditional vs. Culturally Responsive Teaching
- Technology to Support Student Learning – Schoology and Blackbaud Best Practices
- Technology to Support Student Learning – Understanding AI
- AP Literature Summer Institute Training
- Formative and Summative Assessments
- National Council of Teachers of English: Minneapolis, MN Conference
- Technology in Our Catholic Schools
- Pre-AP English Literature and Composition Summer Institute
- Best iPad Apps to Support Content Instruction
- Introduction to the Common Core: All Content Areas
Certification
Tier 4 Communication Arts/Literature Teaching License: Grades 5-12
Timeline
Language Arts Teacher
Holy Family Catholic High School
08.2018 - Current
Long-Term Substitute Language Arts Teacher
St. Hubert Catholic School
02.2018 - 06.2018
Language Arts Teacher
Minnetonka High School
08.2017 - 01.2018
Language Arts Teacher
Notre Dame Catholic Prep High School
08.2012 - 05.2017
Language Arts Teacher
Deer Valley High School
08.2011 - 05.2012
Language Arts Teacher
Central High School
08.2008 - 06.2011
Assistant Director of Education
Huntington Learning Center
01.2008 - 06.2008
Reading, Writing and ACT Tutor
Huntington Learning Center
08.2007 - 01.2008
Language Arts Teacher
Bishop Kelly Catholic High School
08.2006 - 05.2007
Long Term Substitute Language Arts Teacher
Bishop Kelly High School
01.2006 - 06.2006
Process Manager
Storecast Merchandising
01.2005 - 01.2006
Language Arts Teacher
Deer Valley High School
08.2004 - 12.2005
Department Specialist II
Albertsons Corporate
06.1999 - 01.2004
Master’s Degree - English
Northern Arizona University
Post-Baccalaureate Certification - Secondary English Education
Arizona State University West
Bachelor of Science - Communications, Minor in English
Northern Arizona University