Nicholas Cerruto
Waterbury
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Achievement First, specializing in curriculum development and inclusive pedagogy. Expert in political writing and formative assessment, I empower students through evidence-based argumentation and analytical skills. Passionate about fostering engagement and leadership, I create impactful learning experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Upper School AP U.S. Government & Politics Teacher
Achievement First
Hartford
07.2023 - Current
- Designed units based on foundational documents, Federalist and Anti-Federalist texts, and Supreme Court opinions to enhance critical thinking.
- Taught writing- and discussion-driven courses emphasizing constitutional reasoning, historical thinking, and evidence-based argumentation.
- Coached students in close reading, seminar discussion, and analytical writing, fostering analytical skills through structured routines and revision.
Debate Club Advisor / Faculty Sponsor
Achievement First
Hartford
08.2023 - Current
- Led debate programming to enhance public speaking skills, strengthen argument structure, and promote effective preparation and evidence-based rebuttal.
- Guided students in developing leadership skills through club activities and projects.
- Facilitated club meetings to foster student engagement and participation.
- Collaborated with faculty to align club goals with school mission and values.
Polling Place Moderator / Election Day Site Lead
City of Torrington
Torrington
07.2016 - Current
- Managed polling-place operations and created an orderly, respectful, and accessible environment for voters.
- Ensured compliance with city and state laws
- Collaborated with city officials to address community concerns effectively.
Peer Tutor (History / Government / Political Science / Writing)
Northwestern CT Community College
Winsted
01.2018 - 01.2021
- Guided students in close reading, study strategies, research habits, and thesis-driven academic writing to enhance comprehension and analytical skills.
- Developed customized learning plans for individual student needs.
- Organized study sessions to help students grasp challenging subjects effectively.
- Provided assistance to students facing academic challenges to improve their performance.
Museum Interpreter
Connecticut Landmarks
Bethlehem
04.2026 - Current
- Facilitated historical interpretation and educational programming for visitors and school groups, enhancing visitor engagement and understanding of exhibits.
- Engaged visitors through interactive tours and storytelling techniques.
- Assisted in developing educational programs for diverse audiences.
- Researched historical artifacts to provide accurate information to guests.
Education
M.A. - American Studies
Trinity College
Hartford, CT12-2025
B.A. - American Studies & History
Trinity College
Hartford, CT05-2023
A.A. -
Northwestern Connecticut Community College
Winsted, CT05-2021
Skills
- Curriculum development
- Political writing
- Rubric-based assessment
- Formative assessment
- Writing instruction
- Inclusive pedagogy
- LMS platforms
- Google Workspace
Courses Prepared To Teach
- U.S. History
- Modern World History
- Ancient History
- U.S. Government/Civics
- Constitutional History
- Research Seminar/Capstone
Selected Research
- M.A. Thesis: Inheriting the Civil War: Reenactment, Memory, and the Politics of Belonging, 05/25
- B.A. Thesis: The Overthrow of Racial Equality in North Carolina, 1866-1898, 05/23
Civic Engagement And Additional Experience
- Polling Place Moderator / Election Day Site Lead, City of Torrington, Torrington, CT, Managed polling-place operations and supported voters in an orderly, respectful, and accessible environment.
- Museum Interpreter, Connecticut Landmarks, Bethlehem, CT, 04/26, Support public-facing historical interpretation and educational programming for visitors and school groups.
Student Support And Leadership
- Peer Tutor (History / Government / Political Science / Writing), Northwestern CT Community College Supported students in close reading, study strategies, research habits, and thesis-driven academic writing.
- Debate Club Advisor / Faculty Sponsor, Achievement First, Hartford, Lead debate programming focused on public speaking, argument structure, preparation, and evidence-based rebuttal.
Timeline
Museum Interpreter
Connecticut Landmarks
04.2026 - Current
Debate Club Advisor / Faculty Sponsor
Achievement First
08.2023 - Current
Upper School AP U.S. Government & Politics Teacher
Achievement First
07.2023 - Current
Peer Tutor (History / Government / Political Science / Writing)
Northwestern CT Community College
01.2018 - 01.2021
Polling Place Moderator / Election Day Site Lead
City of Torrington
07.2016 - Current
M.A. - American Studies
Trinity College
B.A. - American Studies & History
Trinity College
A.A. -
Northwestern Connecticut Community College