Mishia Burns Edwards
Clayton,NC
Summary
Passionate about working with students and supporting their growth towards independence, I have found my work as part of a student's transition team to be both challenging and rewarding. Building confidence in and providing support to young people has been the most important aspect of my career over the past seven years.
I consider myself a lifelong learner. I constantly evaluate my approach and practices to ensure that the experiences I offer are rewarding for each organization I work with and every individual I assist. Recognizing that being a strong member of an education team requires dedication, I am committed to working and studying twice as hard as the individuals I help.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
School Transitions Facilitator
Community Workforce Solutions
11.2023 - Current
- Life and Employment Skills Training- Wake County High Schools.
- Development and implementation of "hands-on" task boxes and other curriculum materials.
- Deliver instruction in classroom settings and assist with students as needed.
Assistant Program Director
St Olaf College: Smith Ctr for Global Engagement
09.2022 - 01.2023
- Served as the Assistant Program Director and co-teacher for the Theater in London Interim term course.
- Developed course material, classroom teaching, and administrative and logistics duties, including —but not limited to—scheduling travel, event ticketing, group meals, etc…
- Additional mentoring and advising duties as needed.
Performing Arts Manager
Northfield Arts Guild
10.2022 - 05.2023
- Responsible for the oversight of the Theater and Music programs.
- Served as a liaison between the Guild administration, board, and the theatre and music divisions.
- Developed programs, posters, and marketing materials
- Assisted outside artists, directors, musicians, and actors.
- Created the 2023-2024 Theater Season
- Box office management and volunteer recruitment and retention.
Special Education Teacher
Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative
01.2020 - 08.2022
- Developed and taught self-advocacy and social skills classes for the STEP Transition Program (18-21 year olds), and trained and led IEP meetings and due process for special education in MN.
- This was a Tier 1, 3-year license.
- DCD Mild-Moderate Teacher- worked with students with Developmental Cognitive Disabilities (DCD).
Freelance Stage Director
MN Freelance Stage Directing in Theater
01.2007 - 01.2022
- Young Artist's Initiative (YAI), The Chameleon Theatre Circle, Lyric Arts Main Stage Theatre, Northfield Arts Guild, Lex-Ham Community Theatre, Theatre Unbound, 20% Theatre, Down The Rabbit Hole Productions, Applause Community Theatre
Substitute Teacher
Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative
01.2020 - 01.2021
Educational Assistant
Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Company Overview: Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative (CVSEC) is a school for Special Education students serving grades 1-12 and 18-21 year old students
- The school has specialized programming that meets the social, emotional and academic needs of students
- Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative (CVSEC) is a school for Special Education students serving grades 1-12 and 18-21 year old students
- The school has specialized programming that meets the social, emotional and academic needs of students
Special Education Assistant/Paraprofessional
Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative
01.2015 - 01.2020
- Specific experience with middle school students, and 18-21 year old students
- General Education middle school students, and students with emotional and behavioral challenges
- Experience working in an independent and job skills transitional program for 18-21 year old student
Director/Teacher
St. Olaf Summer Theatre Camp
01.2007 - 01.2019
- Responsible for creating camp curriculum, teaching, hiring and supervising staff, recruiting guest artists, and directing student campers
- Volunteer recruitment, organization and retention experience for theatrical organizations
- Organized and worked on meet-and greets for the public, as well as gave informational speeches for volunteer recruitment and audience retention
Director
St. Olaf Theater Camp
01.2007 - 01.2019
- Artistic/Education Director, age range of students 12-18
- Co-founded and developed the camp, created curriculum and selected material for production
- Duties include hiring and guiding a team of student instructors, teaching the acting technique class and directing workshop productions
- I am a co-founder of the most recent Theater Camp model
- Camp has been inactive since 2020 due to COVID
Job Coach
Epic Enterprises
06.2017 - 09.2017
- Worked as a Job Coach for adults with developmental disabilities
- Duties also included contacting potential employers to set up interviews and assisting the client in interviews
Educational Assistant
Northfield Middle School
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Educational Assistant in the WILL Program, working with 7th and 8th Graders
- The WILL program focuses on students who need specific academic support
6th Grade Educational Assistant
Cannon Falls Middle School
01.2015 - 01.2016
- 6th Grade Educational Assistant in Special Education, Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Education
MA - Theatre Arts, Focus Directing/Theatre Education
The University of Nebraska-Omaha
BA - Drama, English Literature & Sociology Minors
Jacksonville State University
Skills
- Course Curriculum Development
- Facilitation Techniques
- Staff/Leadership Management
- Team Work
- Community Outreach
- Communication/Public Speaking
Timeline
School Transitions Facilitator
Community Workforce Solutions
11.2023 - Current
Performing Arts Manager
Northfield Arts Guild
10.2022 - 05.2023
Assistant Program Director
St Olaf College: Smith Ctr for Global Engagement
09.2022 - 01.2023
Special Education Teacher
Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative
01.2020 - 08.2022
Substitute Teacher
Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative
01.2020 - 01.2021
Job Coach
Epic Enterprises
06.2017 - 09.2017
Educational Assistant
Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative
01.2017 - 01.2020
Educational Assistant
Northfield Middle School
01.2016 - 01.2017
Special Education Assistant/Paraprofessional
Cannon Valley Special Education Cooperative
01.2015 - 01.2020
6th Grade Educational Assistant
Cannon Falls Middle School
01.2015 - 01.2016
Freelance Stage Director
MN Freelance Stage Directing in Theater
01.2007 - 01.2022
Director/Teacher
St. Olaf Summer Theatre Camp
01.2007 - 01.2019
Director
St. Olaf Theater Camp
01.2007 - 01.2019
BA - Drama, English Literature & Sociology Minors
Jacksonville State University
MA - Theatre Arts, Focus Directing/Theatre Education
The University of Nebraska-Omaha
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