MELISSA WEEKS
Summary
Seasoned and sought-after professional copyeditor, proofreader, and transcriber. Meticulous with grammar, punctuation, style guide adherence, and timely turnarounds on projects.
In addition, an employer benefits from having a highly ambitious career-long, secondary school educator with background in leadership, administration, and curriculum writing. Expertise in historiography, public speaking, freelance writing, and professional editing.
Compassionate, creative, and effective teacher with valuable experience in classroom administration, professional development, and project planning. Equipped with extensive background in versatile education environments, and extensive professional editing experience in a variety of genres.
Student-centric instructor, academic facilitator and motivational coach. Competent at performing independently or asa member of a team. Well-versed in online technologies and multiple style guides (AP, Chicago, APA, MLA).
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Copyeditor/Proofreader
Self-Employed
Troutville, VA
07.2009 - Current
- Worked effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments of professional copyediting and proofreading
- Book publishers
- Academic/scholarly journals
- Graduate school theses
- Newspaper (sports)
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Meticulous attention to detail: syntax, grammar, punctuation, adherence to style guides, voice
- Maintains author's original tone while editing for the elements of effective writing in every mode of discourse
Humanities Teacher
Faith Christian School
07.2022 - Current
- Taught Literature (9, 10), Ancient History (10), American History (9), and Modern American History & Government (12).
- Designed and wrote curriculum for all classes.
- Served on curriculum development committees, contributing valuable input for the improvement of course materials and instructional approaches.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing various teaching methods and strategies, catering to diverse learning styles.
- Developed strong relationships with students and parents, fostering a positive learning environment in the classroom.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular projects, broadening students' understanding of interdisciplinary connections.
- Implemented assessment tools to track student progress and inform instruction for continuous improvement.
- Mentored new teachers to help them acclimate to the school culture and enhance their teaching skills.
- Incorporated critical thinking exercises into lesson plans, promoting problem-solving skills among students.
- Organized extracurricular activities related to humanities subjects, such as field trips and guest speaker events, enriching the educational experience for students.
- Provided targeted support for struggling students through individualized tutoring sessions or small group instruction, increasing overall class performance levels.
- Attended professional development workshops and conferences to stay current on best practices in humanities education, incorporating new ideas into classroom instruction.
- Inspired a love of learning in students by sharing personal passion for humanities subjects and creating engaging lessons that sparked curiosity.
- Incorporated multiple types of teaching strategies into classroom.
- Built variety of formative and summative assessments to measure student progress.
- Developed and implemented variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse needs of students.
Adjunct First Responder Instructor
Virginia Department Of Emergency Management
03.2021 - Current
- Managed development of Tracking Team Operations program for use in expansion of curriculum delivery options for entry-level responders.
- Developed and implemented Tracking Team Operations and Land Navigation curriculum for improved learning and student performance.
- Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methods and educational tools.
- Improved student engagement by incorporating multimedia presentations in lectures.
- Tailored lesson plans to accommodate various learning styles, resulting in better understanding for all students.
- Contributed to curriculum development by serving as a curriculum writer and by providing valuable input on relevant course content and materials.
- Mentored struggling students with targeted one-on-one assistance, leading to improved performance.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on best teaching practices and industry trends.
- Promoted active learning by encouraging class participation and hands-on experiences during lessons.
- Developed strong relationships with colleagues and administrators, fostering a collaborative educational community.
- Created unique, student-centered lesson plans and assignments for each class to promote maximum learning and knowledge retention.
English Teacher
Rockbridge County Public Schools
07.2019 - 07.2022
- Taught AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature & Composition, English 11, and Advanced English 8.
- Led the development of comprehensive English curriculum.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary curriculum, resulting in enriched learning experiences for students.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and guardians, fostering open communication regarding student progress and needs.
- Assisted struggling students through targeted interventions, leading to increased academic success.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by modeling respect, empathy, and active listening skills during all interactions with students.
- Utilized data-driven instruction to identify areas of need and implement targeted strategies for improvement.
- Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learner needs, ensuring all students had equal access to education opportunities.
- Implemented project-based learning activities that encouraged collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.
- Mentored new teachers within the department, sharing best practices and offering guidance on effective teaching methods.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to remain current on educational trends and research-based strategies for instruction.
- Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Developed innovative lesson plans to engage students in English language learning.
- Designed and implemented assessments to measure student progress in English language learning.
- Promoted culture of inclusion, respect and collaboration in classroom.
- Established and maintained professional relationships with students, staff, parents and community members.
- Developed and implemented variety of instructional strategies to meet diverse needs of students.
- Assisted in development of college and career readiness programs.
English Teacher
James River High School
07.2014 - 07.2018
- Taught Advanced Placement English 12, Advanced Studies English 12, English 12 (special education inclusion), English 11 (special education inclusion), and Creative Writing (9-12)
- Sponsored full color, annual, student literary and art magazine entitled Currents
- Co-sponsored Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle
- Chosen by building principals to serve on committee to advise division superintendent
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary curriculum, resulting in enriched learning experiences for students.
- Volunteer SAT Prep tutor
- Volunteer advisor to seniors: college, tech school, and career plans.
English Teacher
Craig County High School
07.2013 - 07.2014
- Taught English 9 (special education inclusion) and English 10 (special education inclusion)
- Spearheaded the first year of curriculum adjustments to allow all sophomore students to take the State Standards of Learning English Writing exam in grade 10 instead of the common statewide practice of taking it in grade 11
- Analyzed data collections to assist with appropriate strategies for all sophomores to take the state writing exam one year early.
English Teacher & Pre-AP Coordinator
Rappahannock County HS
07.1999 - 07.2013
- Taught English: Cambridge IGCSE English 9-10; Pre-AP English 9-10; Advanced Placement Language and Composition; Advanced Placement Literature and Composition; English 9-12 (special education inclusion)
- Taught: Psychology, Sociology, Public Speaking, and History Through Literature
- Served as the division's Pre-AP Coordinator (6-12) under an extended contract
- Served as Humanities Representative for high school's Building Leadership Team
- Served as representative on Superintendent's Advisory Committee
- Sponsor/adviser Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle coach
- Coordinator for annual Senior Baccalaureate program
- Responsible for leading, coordinating, or co-coordinating several school and combined school/community events.
Historian
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
05.1997 - 10.2002
- Both Full and part-time park historian, education specialist, and fees collector
- Conducted professional research on Civil War battles within the park
- Wrote and conducted public and private walking tours and bus tours throughout the parks' several battlefields
- Created grades 4-12 educational programs
- Conducted teacher workshops for professional development points
- Wrote curriculum and generated teacher activities/guides/reproducibles and full-class manipulatives in alignment with Virginia Standards of Learning for History
- Researched and became a professional freelance writer, lecturer, and battlefield tour leader
- Led field trip tours for various public and private school groups.
English Teacher
Stonewall Jackson High School
07.2000 - 07.2001
- Taught English 11 (American Literature & Composition)
- Pioneered an after-school program entitled 'The Paper Jam' to tutor and assist students in the district's graduation requirement to write an independently assessed research paper.
English Teacher
Steelville Middle School
07.1990 - 03.1998
- Special Education Aide & Taught Computer Programming
- Taught English 7 - 8
- Taught Local & Regional History elective (high school)
- Taught summer school enrichment programs
- Coached middle school and JV volleyball
- Coached competitive high school Forensics traveling team
- Sponsored Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle
- Served on Effective Schools planning committee to generate cross-curricular, themed units for school-wide implementation.
Education
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
Drury University
Springfield, MO01.2000
Bachelor of Arts - English, Art History Minor
Webster University
Webster Groves, MO01.1989
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts: English
Jefferson College
Hillsboro, Missouri01.1987
Skills
- Classroom Educator
- Curriculum Development
- Professional Editing
- Professional Proofreading
- Faculty Leadership
- Administration
- Student Advising
- Conference Presentation
- Cultural Awareness
- Student Engagement
- Instructional Technology
- Interdisciplinary Teaching
- Peer Evaluation
- Assessment Design
- Curriculum Implementation
- Instructional Methods
- Instructional Best Practices
- Data-Driven Instruction
- Program Development
- Subject Matter Expertise
- Differentiated Instruction
- Self Motivation
- Creative Thinking
- Team Building
- Adaptability
- Multitasking and Organization
- Instructional Design
- Records Management
- Online Instruction
- Literary Analysis
- Distance Learning
- Creative and Expository Writing
- Project-based learning
Accomplishments
- Published Professionally: "A Memoir of John E. Curran, Journal of Fredericksburg History; "The Country Loses a Noble Soldier: The Battles of Brigadier General John Marshall Jones," Civil War Regiments: A Journal of the American Civil War; "Lightning Strike in the Valley: Stonewall Jackson at the Battle of Front Royal," Military History Magazine
- Licensed EMT in Virginia; licensed NREMT (national); trained Search & Rescue Team member (multiple certificates); volunteer service with Black Diamond Search & Rescue, and Search and Rescue Tracking Institute; elected Secretary on Board of Directors for Virginia Search & Rescue Council (2 terms)
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Humanities Teacher
Faith Christian School
07.2022 - Current
Adjunct First Responder Instructor
Virginia Department Of Emergency Management
03.2021 - Current
English Teacher
Rockbridge County Public Schools
07.2019 - 07.2022
English Teacher
James River High School
07.2014 - 07.2018
English Teacher
Craig County High School
07.2013 - 07.2014
Copyeditor/Proofreader
Self-Employed
07.2009 - Current
English Teacher
Stonewall Jackson High School
07.2000 - 07.2001
English Teacher & Pre-AP Coordinator
Rappahannock County HS
07.1999 - 07.2013
Historian
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
05.1997 - 10.2002
English Teacher
Steelville Middle School
07.1990 - 03.1998
Master of Education - Curriculum and Instruction
Drury University
Bachelor of Arts - English, Art History Minor
Webster University
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts: English
Jefferson College