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Michael Parker
Newington,CT
Summary
Innovative English Teacher specializing in curriculum design and differentiated instruction across high school and adult education. Enhances student engagement and achievement through tailored lesson plans and adaptive teaching strategies. Experienced in program implementation and workforce development, effectively preparing students for academic success and career readiness.
Overview
1
1
Certification
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
English Teacher
Newington Adult Education
11.2019 - Current
- Guided students in analyzing and evaluating literary works from diverse cultures, enhancing their understanding of self and world while working toward high school diploma.
- Classroom discussion and analysis of text for literal comprehension and recognition of author’s use of literary elements, devices, and techniques.
- Analysis of complex and challenging vocabulary in context.
- Managed independent studies for students, guiding them toward successful high school graduation.
- Facilitated U.S. History, Civics, and GED preparation classes, ensuring continuity of education during teacher absences.
English Teacher
Domus, Inc.
Hartford, CT
06.2019 - Current
- Develop fascinating and entertaining lesson plans and provide compelling instruction in reading and writing for adolescents who have not succeeded in traditional and alternative school environments.
- Implemented daily differentiation and modifications in instruction for students across various ages, grades, and skill levels.
- Aligned instructional materials with learning objectives and activities for each lesson.
- Supervise and teach in the Summer Enrichment Program.
- Managed and facilitated a book club, reading program, and writing contests for incarcerated students nationwide, alongside a pen pal letter writing project.
- For disadvantaged youth aged 12 to 18, this program provides full-year educational services that support their future re-entry into their community and high school.
Teacher
St. Bridget School
Cheshire, CT
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Taught 6th and 7th grade language arts and literature, focusing on grammar and vocabulary skills development.
- Instructed students in diverse literature and writing genres to enhance critical thinking and creativity.
- Created differentiated lesson plans and accommodations to support diverse learning needs and improve student engagement.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Kelly Services, Inc.
Hamden, CT
11.2018 - 01.2019
- Facilitated Honors Sophomore English and Junior and Senior Shakespeare classes, encouraging students to articulate their understanding of classic and contemporary works through critical thinking written responses.
- Delivered engaging lessons to diverse student groups.
- Developed and implemented effective classroom management strategies.
- Collaborated with faculty to enhance curriculum and instructional delivery.
Social Studies Teacher
St. Matthew School
Bristol, CT
08.2018 - 11.2018
- Taught World History and US History, covering origins of civilization and Native American history to enhance students' understanding of historical contexts.
- Facilitated students' connections to contemporary issues through educational technology and cooperative learning strategies.
- Developed and taught an enrichment course for 8th graders focused on research skills, MLA formatting for citations, and writing proficiency.
Re-Employment Coach
KRA CORPORATION, AMERICAN JOB CENTER
New Britain, CT
10.2015 - 06.2018
- Delivered case management and classroom education in professional brand development, marketing, presentation skills, resume writing, and social media for networking and interviewing techniques, enhancing clients' employability.
- Coordinated referrals for post-secondary courses, scholarship programs, and job training and placement, streamlining access to educational and employment opportunities.
- Facilitated interactive training sessions with Smartboard technology, employing strategic communication and classroom management techniques to engage participants effectively.
- Evaluated scholarship essays and applications.
Eligibility Specialist
XEROX, INCORPORATED
East Hartford, CT
09.2013 - 10.2015
- Liaised with local, state, and federal agencies, Brokers, and Access Health CT staff to determine and coordinate consumer eligibility and benefits.
- Managed 8,000+ consumer cases while keeping consumer-sensitive information safe.
- Collaborated with team members to resolve questions and issues identified in Health Exchange Eligibility Portal.
- Provided training and support for newer Eligibility Specialists as a veteran member of the team.
- Communicated clearly with internal and external clients, including consumers of all products and services offered by the Department of Social Services.
Teacher
SYLVAN LEARNING CENTERS
West Hartford, CT
09.2014 - 03.2015
- Taught reading, writing, and math to students across grades 1-12, fostering foundational skills and critical thinking.
- Developed and integrated technology-based learning tools with traditional materials to enhance student engagement.
- Facilitated project management for students, employing interactive and cooperative learning techniques to promote collaboration and hands-on experience.
Eligibility Consultant
AETNA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
Hartford, CT
06.2005 - 03.2013
- Facilitated transport and translation of eligibility data, manipulating customer and member data to accommodate ongoing enrollment changes.
- Updated policy and benefit eligibility screens for new and existing customers changing insurance plans.
- Troubleshot and corrected system errors for new enrollments, reinstatements, and terminations.
- Ensured that Billing and Claims systems reflected the same information for all members and provided membership and utilization reports to internal and external constituents.
- Reconciled gaps between customer needs and internal production protocol using effective written and oral communication skills.
Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
TORRINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Torrington, CT
06.2004 - 06.2005
- Facilitated student presentations of group projects for thematic unit, covering ancient civilizations to present, enhancing collaborative learning and critical thinking skills.
- Provided students with diverse media options to express understanding of historical eras, complementing unit test and written paper assessments.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse social studies topics.
- Facilitated classroom discussions to promote critical thinking and student participation.
- Integrated technology to enhance learning and support interactive activities.
Substitute Teacher/ Granby Full Time/Long-Term Sub
HARTFORD & NEWINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, GRANBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
03.2003 - 06.2004
- Conducted Grade 9 history lessons at Granby High School. at Granby High School from the beginning of the year in teacher’s absence.
- Delivered instruction on United States and World History, engaging students with diverse historical perspectives.
- Covered United States history from colonial times through Civil War and Reconstruction to present day, fostering critical thinking about historical events.
English and Mythology Teacher
EAST HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL
East Hartford, CT
09.2002 - 02.2003
- Facilitated student study of The Iliad, The Odyssey, Clytemnestra, and various creation myths within a focused unit.
- Explored significance of faith as a major theme across these literary works.
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse student learning styles.
- Implemented classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects and activities.
English and American Studies Teacher
WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
Watertown, CT
09.1999 - 06.2002
- Tailored academic subject matter delivery for mainstream and special needs students, enhancing engagement and understanding.
- Developed novel units focusing on reading comprehension, literary analysis, writing, and vocabulary development, promoting critical thinking skills.
- Designed and implemented novel units featuring All Quiet on the Western Front, Night, and The Crucible, fostering literary appreciation.
Education
Master of Science - Secondary English Education
University of New Haven
New Haven, CTBachelor of Arts - English
University of Connecticut
Storrs, CTSkills
- Differentiated Instruction
- Curriculum development
- Lesson planning
- Literacy instruction
- Assessment evaluation
- Literary analysis
- Creative writing
- Socratic questioning
- Classroom facilitation
- Program Implementation
- Student advising
- Student Goal Setting
- Continuous Improvement
- Building Rapport
- Relationship building
- Constructive Feedback
- Mentorship
- Interpersonal Skills
- Communication
- Communication strategies
- Collaboration Skills
- Cooperative Learning
- Group teaching
- Cultural training
- Conflict resolution
- Supportive
- Community Engagement
- Leadership
- Customized planning
- Instructional resources
- Presentation techniques
- Case management
- Secondary education
- Assignment delegation
- Professional development
- Cooperative
- Differentiated instruction
- Socratic questioning
- Professional development
Certification
- 015 – English/Language Arts - Professional Certification
- 026 – History/Social Studies - Professional Certification
- 106 – High School Credit Diploma Program - Initial Certification
- 107 – External Diploma Program/Non-Credit Mandated Program - Initial Certification
Professional Development
- Completed Beginning Educator Support and Training (B.E.S.T.) in accordance with state policies and regulations with a score of 3 on the first submission
- Certified Workforce Development Professional
Timeline
English Teacher
Newington Adult Education
11.2019 - Current
English Teacher
Domus, Inc.
06.2019 - Current
Teacher
St. Bridget School
01.2019 - 06.2019
Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Kelly Services, Inc.
11.2018 - 01.2019
Social Studies Teacher
St. Matthew School
08.2018 - 11.2018
Re-Employment Coach
KRA CORPORATION, AMERICAN JOB CENTER
10.2015 - 06.2018
Teacher
SYLVAN LEARNING CENTERS
09.2014 - 03.2015
Eligibility Specialist
XEROX, INCORPORATED
09.2013 - 10.2015
Eligibility Consultant
AETNA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY
06.2005 - 03.2013
Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher
TORRINGTON MIDDLE SCHOOL
06.2004 - 06.2005
Substitute Teacher/ Granby Full Time/Long-Term Sub
HARTFORD & NEWINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, GRANBY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
03.2003 - 06.2004
English and Mythology Teacher
EAST HARTFORD HIGH SCHOOL
09.2002 - 02.2003
English and American Studies Teacher
WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
09.1999 - 06.2002
Master of Science - Secondary English Education
University of New Haven
Bachelor of Arts - English
University of Connecticut