RYAN NORRIS
Valencia
Summary
Experienced Secondary & A Level English teacher with a proven ability to deliver rigorous, engaging lessons while prioritising student well-being and global citizenship. Skilled in preparing students for external examinations (IGCSE/A Level equivalent) and fostering independent, reflective learners.
Innovative educator and leader in educational technology, having delivered staff training in Google Workspace (Drive, Docs, Classroom) to enhance collaboration, feedback, and student outcomes. Committed to inclusive, pupil-led classrooms aligned with high academic expectations and strong pastoral care.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
English Composition / Creative Writing Instructor
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
01.2015 - 05.2017
- Delivered college-level English Composition and Creative Writing instruction, developing students’ analytical writing, argumentation, and critical reading skills aligned with university expectations and advanced study pathways.
- Used data-informed instruction to identify gaps in writing skills and tailor support for individual learners.
- Provided timely, high-impact written and verbal feedback, enabling students to take ownership of their academic development.
- Fostered a supportive and inclusive classroom environment that balanced high expectations with strong pastoral awareness, increasing student confidence and engagement.
- Integrated Google Workspace (Docs, Drive, Classroom, Sheets) to streamline feedback, enable collaborative writing, and improve student organization and independence.
- Led professional development sessions for faculty on using Google tools to enhance instruction, assessment, and student engagement.
Secondary English Teacher KS4-KS5
Multiple Schools: Clark Pleasant Schools, Plainfield High School
Indianapolis, IN
10.2012 - 12.2015
- Designed and implemented project-based learning units to deepen textual analysis, resulting in improved student comprehension, engagement, and independent thinking.
- Implemented targeted differentiation strategies to meet diverse learning needs, ensuring all students were appropriately supported and challenged.
- Used a range of formative and summative assessment strategies to monitor progress and adapt teaching to meet student needs.
- Leveraged technology, including Google Workspace, to enhance student collaboration, feedback, and learning outcomes while streamlining administrative processes.
- Developed strong relationships with students, supporting their academic achievement and personal well-being within a positive, inclusive learning environment.
Education
M.A.E. - Educational Administration and Supervision
Ball State University
Muncie, IN01-2014
M.F.A. - Creative Writing
Roosevelt University
Chicago, IL01-2011
B.A. - Journalism with Concentration in Cultural Anthropology
Indiana University
Bloomington, IN01-2002
Skills
- KS4–KS5 English Language & Literature
- Exam preparation & academic rigor
- Assessment for Learning (AfL) & data-informed teaching
- Student engagement, motivation & differentiation
- Strong pastoral care & student well-being focus
- ICT integration (Google Suite, digital learning)
- Collaborative, reflective, and adaptable practitioner
Certification
- State of Indiana Teaching License: English Language Arts 5-12 with REPA 2012-2017
- State of Indiana Building Level Administrator’s License 2014-2016
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
French
Professional Working
Timeline
English Composition / Creative Writing Instructor
Ivy Tech Community College
01.2015 - 05.2017
Secondary English Teacher KS4-KS5
Multiple Schools: Clark Pleasant Schools, Plainfield High School
10.2012 - 12.2015
M.F.A. - Creative Writing
Roosevelt University
B.A. - Journalism with Concentration in Cultural Anthropology
Indiana University
M.A.E. - Educational Administration and Supervision
Ball State University