Rachel M. Vickers
Michigan Technical Academy
Royal Oak
16
years of professional experience
Transformational educational leader with expertise in fostering academic achievement, enhancing school culture, and empowering student success. Skilled in building collaborative relationships with stakeholders, driving innovation, and implementing student-centered strategies. Aiming to serve as High School Principal to establish an inclusive, high-performing learning environment where all students thrive.
Work History
ELA/Leadership Teacher
2 Years 8 Months- Taught Honors ELA 9, ELA 9, ELA 10, and Student Leadership courses to diverse student groups.
- Established rapport with multicultural students and maintained positive, safe classroom environment, fostering inclusivity and engagement.
- Implemented inquiry-based lessons in addition to hands-on activities to best facilitate student-directed learning.
- Applied a variety of assessment techniques through questioning, classroom discussions, small group activities, lab, as well as alternative assessments to better assess the students.
- Utilized technology in the classroom regularly.Developed a classroom environment that encouraged exploration of AI tools to adapt to industry changes.
- Utilized technology in the classroom regularly/Created an environment to explore AI tools to prepare for an ever changing, and rapidly growing industry
- Assisted in developing and implementing a data collection system for the ELA department to enhance tracking.
- Identified needs to enhance student and staff culture; implemented PBIS initiative and organized charity events to promote community involvement.
- Formed an Athletic Leadership Council to promote student leadership and collaboration among athletes.
Literature and Writing Teacher/ELA Teacher
14 Years 6 Months- Taught literature and writing classes to 6th grade students: Literature and Writing 6th Grade, ELA 6th Grade, ELA 7th Grade
- Established rapport with multicultural students and maintained a positive, safe classroom environment to foster student engagement.
- Adapted lessons and accommodated students based on their individual needs and learning styles and incorporated a variety of learning techniques to better suit individual students.
- Implemented inquiry based lessons in addition to hands on activities to best facilitate student directed learning.
- Utilized technology by creating a classroom webpage for homework and extra help, enhancing communication and resource accessibility for students.
- Applied various assessment techniques through questioning, classroom discussions, and small group activities.
- Designed and implemented a trial online interactive summer school program
- Helped create and implement new Common Core Curriculum grades 5-8 (RCD)
- Served as the Led grade level discussions to enhance curriculum and student support
ELA/Student Council Teacher/Oral Communications and Speech Teacher
6 Years 5 Months- Classes Taught: ELA 10, ELA 11, ELA 12, Student Council, Speech/Oral Communications
- Established rapport with multicultural students, fostering a positive and safe classroom environment that encouraged engagement.
- Adapted lessons and accommodated students based on their individual needs and learning styles and incorporated a variety of learning techniques to better suit individual students, including those with a 504/IEP plan
- Implemented inquiry based lessons in addition to hands-on activities to best facilitate student directed learning.
- Utilized technology in the classroom regularly
- Applied a variety of assessment techniques through questioning, classroom discussions, small group activities, lab, as well as alternative assessments to better assess the students.
- Helped create and implement a new system to collect data within the ELA department
- Developed and organized a bi-yearly mental health event/program for grades 9-12, promoting student well-being and awareness.
ELA Teacher
2 Years- Instructed 6th and 7th grade English Language Arts classes
- Established rapport with multicultural students, maintaining a positive and safe classroom environment that encouraged engagement.
- Adapted lessons to accommodate diverse learning needs and styles, incorporating varied techniques that supported individual student success.
- Applied a variety of assessment techniques through questioning, classroom discussions, small group activities, lab, as well as alternative assessments to better assess the students.
- Utilized technology by creating a classroom webpage for homework and additional resources, enhancing student access to learning materials.
- Utilized technology in the classroom such as creating a classroom webpage for homework and extra help
- Collaborated in development and execution of new Common Core Curriculum for grades 5-8
- Served as the Grade Level Chair
Teaching Intern
4 Months- Taught English Language Arts for 11th grade and LEAD classes
- Developed and delivered targeted lessons and units for ACT/SAT preparation, enhancing student readiness for standardized testing.
- Created assessments to better students’ abilities in questioning, reasoning and metacognition.
- Created assessments to better students’ abilities in questioning, reasoning and metacognition.
- Incorporated technology and diverse resources into lessons and assessments, enriching student learning experiences and engagement.
- Classes Taught: ELA 11, LEAD
Teaching Intern
4 Months- Taught Honors English and English courses to high school students.
- Established rapport with multicultural students and maintained positive, safe classroom environment to enhance student engagement.
- Adapted lessons and accommodated students based on their individual needs and learning styles and incorporated a variety of learning techniques to better suit individual students.
- Implemented inquiry-based lessons and hands-on activities to facilitate student-directed learning and promote critical thinking.
- Utilized technology by creating a classroom webpage for homework and resources, improving accessibility and communication with students.
- Applied various assessment techniques through questioning, classroom discussions, small group activities, and labs.
English 1000 Instructor
4 Months- Implemented effective classroom management strategies to foster a positive learning environment
- Delivered instruction to first-year students in a sixteen-week basic writing course, focusing on foundational writing skills
- Worked individually with students to provide appropriate feedback and assistance when needed
- Provided personalized support to students to provide appropriate feedback and assistance when needed
Education
Masters - Curriculum and Design, English Education
Bachelor of English Degree - English Minor: Communications
High School - General
Skills
Lesson planning
Classroom coordination
Student engagement
Motivating students
Behavior management
Data analysis
Critical thinking
Relationship building
Affiliations
Western Michigan University Dean’s List, Dondero Athletic Academic Award, Michigan Merit Award, State Farm Foundation Education Scholarship, TRIO Scholarship, Teacher of the Year (Clarkston Community Schools) nominee
Other Experiences
- After School Tutoring Program-Gear Up/College Day, Western Michigan University
- Tutored and provided extra help for students as well as assisted in field trips to various colleges
- Summer Camp Counselor, South Oakland YMCA, Royal Oak, MI
- Created a positive and supportive learning environment for campers, provided care and supervision for the children and worked closely with parents to organize daily arrangements
- Student Council (LEAD) Advisor, Clarkston High School, Clarkston, MI
- Assisted in creating and facilitating various school-wide events and programs
- ACT/SAT Proctor, Clarkston Community Schools, Clarkston, MI
- Proctored PSAT examination for tenth and eleventh grade students
- RCD (Rigorous Curriculum Design) Instructor, Michigan Technical Academy, Redford, MI
- Assisted in designing and implementing Common Core curriculum design grades 5-8; Trained and educated staff members on unit planning, assessments, lessons and data collection
- Varsity Lacrosse Coach, Clarkston High School, Clarkston, MI
- Varsity Girls Soccer Coach, Lamphere High School, Madison Heights, MI
- Varsity Boys Soccer Coach, Lamphere High School, Madison Heights, MI
- Student Athletic Leadership Council Advisor, Lamphere High School, Madison Heights, MI
- Class of 2028 Sponsor, Lamphere High School, Madison Heights, MI
- Leadership Experiences
- Student Council Vice President, Soccer, Volleyball and Basketball Captain, Active involvement with Clarkston High School LEAD program (student leadership organization), Real Talk (Mental Health program) creator and coordinator
Timeline
ELA/Leadership Teacher
Lamphere High School
12.2023 - CurrentRead More
ELA/Student Council Teacher/Oral Communications and Speech Teacher
Clarkston High School
08.2016 - 01.2023Read More
ELA Teacher
Taylor Exemplar Academy
08.2014 - 08.2016Read More
Literature and Writing Teacher/ELA Teacher
Michigan Technical Academy
02.2012 - CurrentRead More
Teaching Intern
Clarkston High School
08.2011 - 12.2011Read More
Teaching Intern
Kalamazoo Central High School
08.2010 - 12.2010Read More
English 1000 Instructor
Western Michigan University
08.2010 - 12.2010Read More
Western Michigan University
Bachelor of English Degree from English Minor: Communications
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Michigan State University
Masters from Curriculum and Design, English Education
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George A. Dondero High School
High School from General
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