Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Work Availability
Work Preference
Quote
Software
Languages
Interests
Generic

Michael Ruess

Winter Haven,FL

Summary

Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Polk County Public Schools and Tennessee Area Schools, excelling in student engagement and collaborative learning. Skilled in assessment strategies and classroom management, I foster inclusive environments that enhance critical thinking and participation. Committed to professional growth, I empower students through innovative lesson planning and mentorship.

Experienced with curriculum development, instructional strategies, and classroom management. Utilizes interactive teaching methods and technology integration to engage students and foster deep understanding. Knowledge of fostering positive and inclusive classroom environment, ensuring all students thrive academically and socially.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Polk County Public Schools
08.2024 - 05.2025
  • Developed strong rapport with students by creating an inclusive classroom environment that encouraged participation from all learners.
  • Evaluated student performance using district-wide standardized tests as well as formative assessments designed specifically for social studies content knowledge.
  • Planned and implemented integrated Social Studies lessons to meet Common Core Curriculum Standards.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate varying learning styles and abilities within the classroom.
  • Maintained awareness of relevant current events and quickly incorporated study into curriculum.
  • Gave assignments, graded work and regularly discussed performance with students.

Director of Veteran Services

Bedford County Mayor
06.2021 - 05.2024
  • Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
  • Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
  • Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
  • Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

History Teacher

Covenant Academy Christian Academy
08.2020 - 05.2021
  • Employed appropriate teaching methods to cater to individual educational needs of each student.
  • Fostered a positive classroom atmosphere encouraging open communication between peers and instructor alike.
  • Tracked student progress using formative assessments, adjusting instructional methods accordingly for optimal results.
  • Boosted student engagement through the incorporation of interactive activities, group projects, and hands-on experiences.
  • Attended professional development seminars and workshops to maintain expertise in [Area of study].
  • Developed students'' critical thinking skills by incorporating primary source analysis in lessons and assignments.
  • Implemented differentiated instruction strategies for a diverse classroom environment ensuring all learners had equal opportunities for success.

History Teacher

Central Magnet High School
08.2010 - 05.2020
  • Promoted cultural understanding and global awareness by integrating world history themes into curriculum.
  • Maintained strong lines of communication with parents through regular progress reports and parent-teacher conferences, promoting collaboration in supporting each child''s education journey.
  • Provided timely feedback on assignments and assessments, allowing students to continuously improve their work.
  • Designed creative projects that allowed students to demonstrate their understanding of course material in various ways, catering to different learning preferences.
  • Delivered prepared lesson plans using instructional materials and tools.
  • Proctored classroom exams and finals in secure environment to prevent plagiarism and cheating.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular units that connected historical events with scientific, literary, or artistic movements.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing diverse teaching methodologies and adapting to individual learning styles.
  • Taught AP and US History to 145 students per year in classroom setting.

Education

Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction

Austin Peay State University
Clarksville, TN
05-2006

Bachelor of Arts - History And Sociology

Coker College
Hartsville, SC
05-1998

Skills

  • Peer collaboration
  • Student engagement
  • Collaborative learning
  • Project-based learning
  • Assessment strategies
  • Classroom management
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Safety awareness
  • Lesson planning
  • Leadership development

Certification

  • Licensed State of Florida Social Studies 7-12 - 2024 - Present
  • Licensed State of Tennessee Social Studies/History (Professional) 7-12 2006 - 2024
  • Licensed D Soccer Coach - [Lifetime]

Timeline

Middle School Social Studies Teacher

Polk County Public Schools
08.2024 - 05.2025

Director of Veteran Services

Bedford County Mayor
06.2021 - 05.2024

History Teacher

Covenant Academy Christian Academy
08.2020 - 05.2021

History Teacher

Central Magnet High School
08.2010 - 05.2020

Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction

Austin Peay State University

Bachelor of Arts - History And Sociology

Coker College

Affiliations

  • Veterans of Foreign Wars Life Member
  • Disabled American Veterans
  • Educational Testing Service APUS Reader

Accomplishments

  • Enhanced student learning with [strategy].
  • Took all offered shifts to maintain coverage for students
  • Resolved product issue through consumer testing.

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference

Work Type

Full Time

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Career advancement

Quote

There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins

Software

Any

Languages

English
Full Professional
German
Limited Working
Spanish
Limited Working

Interests

Soccer Coach

Golf

Fishing