Lisa Volaric

• Experienced teaching broad range of science classes with concentration in physical sciences - conceptual physics, physical science, chemistry, and physics.
• Gained in-depth knowledge of IB Diploma Programme through training and teaching IB Chemistry HL, IB Physics HL, and Theory of Knowledge, as well as guiding and overseeing student CAS experiences.
• Developed and taught combined AP/IB Chemistry course with over 80% of students obtaining passing scores on one or both externally moderated standardized exams.
• Taught science courses using flipped-classroom and inquiry-based learning models to deepen subject mastery.
• Leveraged diverse learning strategies to prepare students for higher-level education requirements.
• Maintained assignment grades and worked closely with students needing additional mentoring.
• Encouraged student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) as head coach for Science Olympiad Team.
• Assisted faculty and staff in duties such as teaching classes, administering exams, and conducting orientation sessions.
• Mentored student teachers in successful strategies, techniques, materials and supplementary technologies.

Student Council Advisor (2020-present)

• Collaborated with teachers and administrators in development, evaluation, and revision of school programs.
• Empowered students through counseling and skill-building exercises.
• Prepared students for later educational experiences by encouraging exploration of learning opportunities and perseverance through challenging tasks.
• Helped students develop leadership, organizational, and time management skills.

Science Department Chair (2015-2021)

• Established and implements department policies, goals, and objectives.
• Conferred with educators to identify current classroom concerns and diversify instructional strategies.
• Conducted weekly meetings with team to discuss issues, concerns, and updates.
• Planned and executed professional development sessions for department and district-wide faculty and staff.
• Received and processed chemicals into inventory management system.
• Established as reliable resource for staff members analyzing data and troubleshooting complex issues.

• Directed day-to-day administrative and operational functions for 20-lab facility, providing guidance and leadership to over 70 teaching and lab assistants and 2500 students per semester.
• Kept teaching laboratories in line with facility and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Developed and administered yearly budget totaling $200,000 for undergraduate teaching laboratories.
• Recruited, hired, and trained all lab assistants, providing direct supervision and ongoing training in lab safety.
• Inspected lab equipment before student use to reduce chances of potential hazards.
• Verified correctly positioned and working eyewash stations, safety showers, fire extinguishers, and fire blankets for potential laboratory accidents.
• Conferred with faculty and staff to rebalance classes, increase resource utilization, and integrate new technology.

• Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and reinforce conceptual understanding.
• Instructed students in lab by teaching safety protocols for proper use of chemicals and safe disposal of hazardous materials.
• Built relationships with students, mentoring on personal, professional and academic goals while providing coaching on effective study habits.
• Taught General Chemistry lecture and lab courses, providing instruction to up to 450 undergraduate students

• Trained teaching assistants on effective teaching techniques, laboratory management strategies and behavior modification.
• Developed training curricula and recommended programs that met instructional goals and objectives.
• Conducted orientation sessions for teaching assistants to assess skill levels and areas of strength and weakness.
• Trained and mentored 1500+ lab personnel hired to fulfill various roles within lab program.
• Oversaw program expenditures to ensure students received maximum educational benefits.
• Effectively implemented best practices and adult learning principles in planning and creating instructional materials, computer tutorials, and reference materials for two-semester General Chemistry lab program.
• Planned, developed, and monitored implementation of technology-based learning in General Chemistry lab program.
• Organized and implemented coursework, oversaw scheduling and monitored attendance for ~1300 students per semester through learning management system.
• Collected data on program effectiveness to modify and improve curricula.
• Verified student grades, attendance and schedules.
• Kept school in full compliance with established policies, legal requirements and student safety standards.

• Taught General Chemistry lecture and lab courses, providing instruction to up to 25 undergraduate students
• Transitioned course material and applied technological options for course-related materials to learning management system.
• Engaged students with insightful and compelling classroom discussion of topics relevant to coursework to boost student learning and retention.
• Identified academic strengths and obstacles and developed instructional techniques to accommodate different learning styles.

• Prepared and validated in-house reagents for student use in laboratory courses.
• Engaged in instrument maintenance, calibration, and basic troubleshooting.
• Managed laboratory and stockroom by pricing and ordering chemical supplies and equipment.
• Maintained budget guidelines, approved all expenses and submitted timely financial reports.
• Developed and implemented plans and protocols for ongoing research, special projects and testing protocols.
• Inspected lab equipment weekly to reduce chances of potential hazards.
• Directed undergraduate research for 50% of chemistry majors senior capstone projects.
• Instructed students in lab by teaching safety protocols for proper use of chemicals and safe disposal of hazardous materials.
• Developed and published exciting and engaging lab activities to maximize student participation and promote intellectual curiosity.
• Arranged syllabus, developed schedule and determined reading list for varied courses simultaneously, giving students appropriate time to complete assignments and absorb information.

• Fostered motivating learning environment by planning and displaying enthusiasm for general chemistry.
• Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
• Consulted with students individually and in groups to help students efficiently reach learning goals.
• Achieved 100% pass rate with 83% scoring 4 or higher.

• Planned, developed and executed lessons reflecting high school curriculum and Massachusetts's core educational standards in physical science, chemistry, and physics.
• Assessed submitted class assignments, determined grades and reviewed work with struggling students to boost success chance.
• Kept classroom environments consistent and focused on learning by establishing and enforcing clear objectives.
• Planned and escorted student field trips relevant to current science course work.
• Arranged materials and instructional plans to implement immersive activities delving into concepts from chemistry and physics.