Michelle Rizkalla Cook
Summary
Dynamic and versatile professional with a rich background in education and training, I'm seeking to leverage these skills in a Library Media Specialist role. With experience ranging from being a National Trainer to a High School English Teacher, I bring a unique blend of instructional, organizational, and interpersonal skills. My time as a Substitute Teacher and Preschool Teacher has honed my adaptability and ability to connect with a wide range of age groups and learning styles. I am excited to bring this passion and creativity to a library setting and create an engaging and inclusive environment that encourages exploration and a life long love of reading.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Substitute Teacher, K-12
South Huntington School District
09.2021 - 06.2025
- Substitute teacher at Countrywood Primary Center, Oakwood Primary Center, Maplewood Elementary and Stimson Middle School.
- Implemented the established/provided lesson plans and learning objectives for ELL, ICT, self contained and general education classes across disciplines.
- Maintained a positive and productive learning environment ensuring the physical and emotional safety of k-8 students.
- Maintained attendance records and provided feedback to the regular teacher on student progress and behavior.
- Adapted instructional methods to accommodate various student needs and abilities during extended teacher vacancy.
Student Teacher
Henry L. Stimson Middle School
03.2025 - 05.2025
- Designed and taught information and media literacy lessons leveraged with scaffolding and technology for ELL, ICT, self contained and general education classes.
- Conducted collection development projects such as a redesign and audit of the Fiction and Series section to reflect the diverse school demographic and promote student engagement.
- Observed and assisted in library instruction across grade levels and teacher collaboration across disciplines.
- Participated in librarian planning meeting focused on curriculum integration and resource alignment.
- Gained hands on experience with Titlewave and Destiny library management systems to catalogue.
- Created monthly visual displays and coordinating challenges/contests to promote cultural awareness, support curriculum and increase student engagement.
Lead Teacher
St. Peter's Nursery Preschool
09.2018 - 06.2019
- Designed and implemented age-appropriate lesson plans enhancing children's developmental skills.
- Supervised classroom activities ensuring a safe and engaging learning environment.
- Collaborated with parents to discuss children's progress and address any developmental concerns.
- Lead teacher of Mommy and Me social and cognitive developmental classes.
- Lead teacher of extracurricular 4 yr Toddler Enrichment classes emphasizing Engagement and Learning Objectives:
"Designed and led an 8-week drama and creative arts program for toddlers, using classical stories to enhance vocabulary, communication, and storytelling skills. Children actively participated in prop-making, learning lines, and dramatic play, demonstrating persistence, collaboration, and engagement with artistic expression, culminating in a performance that fostered a sense of accomplishment and positive learning outcomes".
National Trainer
Sisley Cosmetics
08.2007 - 05.2015
- Acted as NY Business Manager, Regional Account Coordinator and National Trainer during my tenure with Sisley.
- Coordinated training schedules and resources, developing training paradigm and ensuring effective delivery of training materials nationwide.
- Supported leadership by participating in team meetings and led national workshops to improve staff facilitation of exemplary customer service, product knowledge, and sales techniques.
- Responsible for inventory, product orders, sales and staff development, marketing collaboration, product merchandising and budget management for a multi million dollar business.
Teacher of English
Newtown High School
09.1997 - 09.2001
- Developed engaging 9-12 grade literature based lesson plans tailored to diverse learning styles and language proficiencies: ENL, general education and inclusion classes.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design interdisciplinary projects enhancing student engagement and knowledge retention.
- Conducted peer Shakespeare workshops: Teaching Shakespeare through performance in the classroom.
- Play production teacher: instruction of fundamental theatre techniques (acting, character development, improvisation, voice projection, stage presence and the technical aspects of theatre culminating in the student end of year stage/musical production.
- Play director: responsible for the technical and logistical aspects of theatre (set design, lighting, sound, props, costumes, auditions, music selection, fundraising, marketing) directing rehearsals and performances, and managing all aspects of production.
- Conducted after school Poetry Club: Responsible for recruitment, promotion, engaging students with themed writing prompts, poetry readings, workshops, contests and guest speakers culminating in a student generated poetry anthology.
Education
Master of Arts - Library And Information Science
LIU Post
Brookville, NY07-2025
Bachelor of Arts - English Education
Queens College
Flushing, NY01-1997
Skills
- Student engagement
- Positive reinforcement
- Multi-subject instruction
- Special needs support
- Literacy development
- Artistic expression
- Relationship building and management
- Multitasking
- Google classroom
- Teamwork and collaboration
Affiliations
- American Library Association
Certification
Library Media Specialist/Anticipated 7/25
Google Account
- Michelle Rizkalla-Cook
- Michelle.rizkallacook@my.liu.edu
Timeline
Student Teacher
Henry L. Stimson Middle School
03.2025 - 05.2025
Substitute Teacher, K-12
South Huntington School District
09.2021 - 06.2025
Lead Teacher
St. Peter's Nursery Preschool
09.2018 - 06.2019
National Trainer
Sisley Cosmetics
08.2007 - 05.2015
Teacher of English
Newtown High School
09.1997 - 09.2001
Master of Arts - Library And Information Science
LIU Post
Bachelor of Arts - English Education
Queens College
Similar Profiles
Lauren SosaLauren Sosa
Office Assistant at South Huntington School DistrictOffice Assistant at South Huntington School District
Andres CaviedesAndres Caviedes
School Custodian at South Huntington School DistrictSchool Custodian at South Huntington School District
David TeixeiraDavid Teixeira
CIT at South Huntington School District- Wild Cats CampCIT at South Huntington School District- Wild Cats Camp
Kailey SmithKailey Smith
Substitute Teacher, K-12 & Substitute Teacher Aide at Hamburg Central School DistrictSubstitute Teacher, K-12 & Substitute Teacher Aide at Hamburg Central School District
Hyland HayesHyland Hayes
Substitute Teacher, K-12/SpEd Teacher at Springdale School DistrictSubstitute Teacher, K-12/SpEd Teacher at Springdale School District