Russell Verdi
Staten Island
Summary
Energetic, student-focused, and versatile teaching professional with a passion for learning and the ability to “connect” with today’s youth. Sound knowledge of teaching strategies and methodologies to effectively deliver course material that is relevant and engaging to all learning styles and abilities. Active individual with a strong work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile to ensure academic success. Strong communication and interpersonal skills to develop meaningful relationships with all members of the school community.
Experienced with creating comprehensive lesson plans tailored to diverse student needs. Utilizes variety of teaching methodologies to enhance student engagement and understanding. Knowledge of effectively managing classroom dynamics to foster productive learning atmosphere.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
NYC Department of Education- Brooklyn X Community High School for Excellence and Equity
09.2024 - Current
- Full time
NYC Department of Education- Ralph R McKee High School
01.2022 - 06.2024
- Long term substitute
English Teacher
NYC Department of Education- Tottenville High School
10.2001 - 01.2022
- Full time/Long term substitute
Summer Rising
07.2021 - 08.2021
- Provided academic and recreational activities for students as part of Pandemic recovery/learning loss incentive
Teacher (Grade 5)
Rabbi Jacob Joseph School- Merkaz Hatorah
11.2014 - 06.2021
- Providing students with relevant and meaningful lessons. Marked assignments, took attendance, and remained active in all school-sponsored activities. Attended daily team meetings, and in-service teacher training initiatives.
- Developed and implemented creative lesson plans that successfully addressed the diverse learning styles of each student. Provided assessments, rubrics, and differentiated instruction.
- Fostered a positive and structured learning environment through the use of a solid classroom management plan that included clear and consistent direction and follow-through. Employed positive reinforcement strategies.
- Employed various teaching techniques and strategies that included cooperative learning activities, student creation of visual aids to articulate comprehension of literary concepts, and how to effectively make connections from the stories to real life.
- Utilized positive interaction with students to develop rapport, gain respect and trust to ensure a productive learning environment.
- Incorporated real world concepts into the classroom ensuring that students would make a connection to how subjects were used in day-to-day life.
- Maintained an open communication relationship with all parents and guardians to ensure their continued participation within their child’s academic success and learning process.
Regional Enrichment Centers (RECS)
03.2020 - 09.2020
- Provided homework assistance to students in need of additional support
- Assisted students with the transition to online remote learning during the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Provided sound emotional support and positive reinforcement within a safe educational environment for students of parents who were essential workers during the Covid 19 Pandemic
Summer Youth Employment Program- United Activities Unlimited
07.2019 - 09.2019
- Served a variety of students in various age ranges
- Guided students to explore their interests and potential career pathways, develop workplace skills, and engage in learning experiences that foster growth in their social, civic, and leadership skills
- Facilitated a community service project on Animal Rights in support of a unit of lessons provided pertaining to civics.
Education
Master's Degree - English Literature
CUNY College of Staten Island
Staten Island, NY01-2023
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
CUNY College of Staten Island
Staten Island, NY01-1997
Skills
- Lesson Development
- Student Motivation
- Holistic Teaching
- Rubrics
- Tactile & Visual Learning
- Use of Manipulatives
- Technology Integration
- Diverse Learning Styles
- Real Life Connections
- Differentiated Instruction
Certification
- Licensed English Language Arts Teacher Grades 7-12 - 2001-Present
Timeline
NYC Department of Education- Brooklyn X Community High School for Excellence and Equity
09.2024 - Current
NYC Department of Education- Ralph R McKee High School
01.2022 - 06.2024
Summer Rising
07.2021 - 08.2021
Regional Enrichment Centers (RECS)
03.2020 - 09.2020
Summer Youth Employment Program- United Activities Unlimited
07.2019 - 09.2019
Teacher (Grade 5)
Rabbi Jacob Joseph School- Merkaz Hatorah
11.2014 - 06.2021
English Teacher
NYC Department of Education- Tottenville High School
10.2001 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature
CUNY College of Staten Island
Master's Degree - English Literature
CUNY College of Staten Island