Susan Suarez
Owings Mills,MD
Summary
Innovative and results-driven professional with extensive experience in leadership, project management, and instructional design across education and corporate environments. Skilled in managing cross-functional teams, implementing large-scale systems, and driving operational excellence. Recognized for spearheading successful rollouts, developing curricula, and creating targeted training programs that enhance performance and support end-users. A collaborative leader with a solutions-focused approach, combining technical expertise with strong interpersonal skills to align stakeholders, improve efficiency, and ensure compliance. Committed to bringing strategic insight, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence to a managerial role in a dynamic environment.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Secondary ELA Teacher
Towson High School
01.2022 - Current
- Teach 9th-grade English and 12th-grade AP English Literature and Composition, supporting a diverse population, including students with IEPs
- Teach strategies for analyzing complex texts and crafting strong written arguments to prepare 12th-grade students for AP English Literature success
- Train students in structured systems for writing, peer reviews, and group discussions to achieve measurable academic outcomes
- Conduct data analysis to track student progress and adjust teaching strategies to address learning gaps
- Develop engaging lesson plans, manage classroom dynamics, and foster a collaborative learning environment supporting critical thinking and academic growth
- Maintain consistent communication with parents and guardians, collaborating to enhance student progress and success
- Pilot a new 9th-grade curriculum, collaborating with colleagues to evaluate lesson effectiveness and implement improvements aligned with state standards
Teacher of English and English Department Lead
University Academy Charter High School
01.2014 - 01.2021
- Taught English I - inclusion and honors - with a focus on state standards and holistic education principles
- Led the school-wide adoption of the Schoology learning management system, providing support and instruction for faculty and administration, which later provided a base for a smooth transition to remote e-learning
- Led the English Department in a unified pedagogical vision to ensure communication and collaboration across grades and maintained ongoing curriculum development
- Increased department rigor through a multi-year plan instituting AP English Language and AP English Literature to eleventh and twelfth grades
- Collaborated with all stakeholders to improve student achievement in a data-driven environment
- Organized, administrated, and analyzed school-wide benchmark testing with an emphasis on targeted skill enhancement
- Established and co-taught English Composition Dual Credit twelfth grade class in collaboration with New Jersey City University
- Created and presented professional staff development in Classroom Management and Schoology (LMS)
- Repeatedly recognized for top performance through selection for high-priority initiatives
Teacher of English
Elizabeth High School
01.2004 - 01.2010
- Led instruction in English I, II, III, IV, Public Speaking, Senior Project, and SRA incorporating technology through at-home and in-class use
- Taught AP English Literature and Composition, emphasizing college-level reading, writing, discussion and critical thinking
- Actively liaised with guidance and parents to support student achievement
- Developed curricula 'Bible as Literature' and 'Creative Writing' using pedagogical instructional design principles
- Moderated the literary magazine
- Collaborated with other instructors across disciplines in small learning communities
Manager of Procedural and Field Support Teams
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Played a critical role in supporting the roll-out and implementation of the BookMaster system, transitioning from microfiche to a computerized inventory and ordering system
- Ensured timely and professional end-user assistance during the transition by leading an active call center and managing the Field Support team
- Provided on-site procedural support to new stores during openings and traveled to stores as needed to offer hands-on guidance and ensure smooth operations
- Established and managed product pilot and rollout schedules, applying project management principles to ensure efficient implementation, including setting timelines, coordinating resources, and delivering high-quality releases
- Analyzed call center data to identify common end-user challenges and collaborated with the Training department to develop targeted solutions, improving system adoption and employee performance
- Partnered with cross-functional departments to deliver a cohesive end-user experience and maintain a unified corporate message
- Bridged the gap between corporate initiatives and in-store operations, ensuring seamless store openings and procedural changes
- Demonstrated expertise in leading complex projects, managing cross-functional and remote teams, and driving operational improvements with a collaborative and solutions-oriented approach
Education
Ed.D - Educational Technology Leadership
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJMaster of Arts - Urban Education
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJBachelor of Arts - English Literature; Secondary Education Certification
New Jersey City University
Jersey City, NJSkills
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Additionalinformation
Recording Secretary of More Than Bookstraps nonprofit, Proficient in the use of Google Suite, Microsoft, Blackboard, Schoology, Proficient in leveraging AI tools, including ChatGPT, for instructional design and productivity enhancement
Timeline
Secondary ELA Teacher
Towson High School
01.2022 - Current
Teacher of English and English Department Lead
University Academy Charter High School
01.2014 - 01.2021
Teacher of English
Elizabeth High School
01.2004 - 01.2010
Manager of Procedural and Field Support Teams
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
01.1998 - 01.2002
Ed.D - Educational Technology Leadership
New Jersey City University
Master of Arts - Urban Education
New Jersey City University
Bachelor of Arts - English Literature; Secondary Education Certification
New Jersey City University
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