Melissa Diaz
East Syracuse
Summary
Seasoned science educator with a robust track record at Syracuse City School District, where I spearheaded initiatives that tripled 8th-grade science scores. Expert in STEM education and instructional coaching, fostering student engagement through collaborative learning and critical thinking.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Life Science Biology
Henninger High School
08.2024 - Current
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Supported English language learners'' acquisition of grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills through tailored instruction and real-world practice opportunities.
- Enhanced student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on activities in lesson plans.
6th-8th grade, LE Science
Lincoln Middle School
07.2015 - 06.2024
- Company Overview: Syracuse City School District - Syracuse, US
- 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade and Living Environment teacher 2015-2019; 2021-2024
- Encouraged critical thinking through hands-on activities and experiments.
- Provide engaging, rigorous Science curriculum to five classes including ENL and Inclusion differentiation
- Align curriculum to NGSS and expose students to terminology and methodology on the State Science Test.
- Created and administered meaningful assessments to measure student progress.
- Integrated technology into daily instruction to increase engagement levels among students.
- Managed discipline issues effectively while maintaining a positive learning environment.
- Communicated with parents about student progress and behavior problems.
- Participated in professional development workshops focused on current trends in secondary education.
- Taught 8th Grade Science AIS (Academic Intervention Services) – Provided engaging science curriculum through hands-on manipulations and review of topics and terminology Grade 5-8 for the 8th Grade Science test
- I worked with every 8th grade student for 10 weeks, every other day for the regular education students and the self-contained students
- Taught Regents Living Environment Lab
- 2018-2019 Lincoln tripled their NYS 8th Grade Science Scores using the “test” class that I taught in addition to my five 6th grade classes
New Teacher Mentor
Lincoln Middle Science
09.2021 - 06.2023
- Company Overview: Syracuse City School District - Syracuse
- Collaboratively worked with school leadership teams to identify areas of improvement in teaching methods and student achievement outcomes.
- Mentored new teachers in developing effective strategies for working with students from diverse backgrounds.
- Provided walk through, non-evaluative feedback and assisted with creating thorough lesson plans.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with teachers, administrators and colleagues.
Science Multi-Classroom Leader
Lincoln Middle School
07.2019 - 06.2021
- Company Overview: Syracuse City School District - Syracuse
- Inspired individuals to reach their highest potential by providing coaching and mentoring support.
- Provided walk through, non-evaluative feedback and assisted with creating thorough lesson plans
- Fostered an atmosphere of trust, respect, integrity, openness, fairness, diversity, inclusion, collaboration and teamwork.
- Assisted and worked with new science teachers using the best teaching methods
- Analyzed data trends and metrics regularly to assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Education
Master of Arts in Teaching - Biology
SUNY Cortland
05.2008
Bachelors of Science - Environmental and Forest Biology
SUNY ESF at Syracuse
05.1999
Associate of Applied Science - Ecology and Environmental Technology
Paul Smith's College
05.1996
Skills
- Collaborative learning
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Social-emotional learning
- Student engagement
- Classroom management
- Instructional coaching
- Creative problem-solving
- STEM education
- Data-driven instruction
Certification
1777568
Timeline
Life Science Biology
Henninger High School
08.2024 - Current
New Teacher Mentor
Lincoln Middle Science
09.2021 - 06.2023
Science Multi-Classroom Leader
Lincoln Middle School
07.2019 - 06.2021
6th-8th grade, LE Science
Lincoln Middle School
07.2015 - 06.2024
Bachelors of Science - Environmental and Forest Biology
SUNY ESF at Syracuse
Associate of Applied Science - Ecology and Environmental Technology
Paul Smith's College
Master of Arts in Teaching - Biology
SUNY Cortland
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