Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Leadership and Coaching Experience
References
Timeline
Generic

Summer Geist

Morton,Illinois

Summary

A dynamic and accomplished educator with a strong foundation in English instruction, team leadership, and strategic communication. Adept at creating engaging content, leading collaborative initiatives, and fostering inclusive learning environments. Experienced in driving school and district-level improvements through leadership roles and cross-functional teamwork. Recognized for exceptional written and verbal communication, curriculum development, and the ability to connect with diverse audiences. Now seeking to leverage these skills in a Communication Specialist role to support organizational messaging, outreach, and engagement.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

Sixth Grade English and Social Studies Teacher

Morton CUSD #709
Morton, Illinois
07.2017 - Current
  • Design and deliver engaging, standards-aligned English Language Arts and Social Studies curricula for diverse student populations across grade levels.
  • Foster critical thinking through close reading, historical inquiry, literary analysis, debates, and writing workshops.
  • Integrate technology tools to support student collaboration, assessment, and differentiated instruction.
  • Promote cultural competence and inclusion by incorporating diverse texts, global perspectives, and student voice into classroom discussions and projects.
  • Develop and implement interdisciplinary units connecting literature, history, current events, and media literacy.
  • Assess student learning using formative and summative tools, providing targeted feedback to support academic growth.
  • Maintain open communication with families and lead collaboration with colleagues in grade-level and cross-curricular planning teams.

Eighth Grade English and History Teacher

District 50 Schools
Washington, Illinois
07.2008 - 07.2017
  • Developed and delivered engaging, standards-aligned lessons in English Language Arts and U.S. History, focusing on critical thinking, reading comprehension, writing, and historical literacy.
  • Designed interdisciplinary units connecting literature and history (e.g., analyzing historical fiction alongside primary sources from the same era).
  • Facilitated Socratic seminars, debates, and project-based learning to deepen student understanding of both historical events and literary themes.
  • Differentiated instruction and assessments to meet the diverse needs of learners, including English language learners and students with IEPs/504s.
  • Integrated technology tools to support blended learning, collaboration, and student engagement.
  • Promoted a culturally responsive classroom by including diverse voices in texts, historical narratives, and student-choice projects.
  • Guided students in developing strong research, argumentative writing, and source evaluation skills through essays and inquiry-based assignments.
  • Participated in school-wide initiatives such as literacy development, SEL integration, and curriculum alignment.

6th Grade English and Social Studies Teacher

Dunlap CUSD #323
Dunlap, Illinois
07.2006 - 07.2008
  • Developed comprehensive lesson plans focused on world cultures, religions, and political systems.
  • Encouraged critical thinking through open-ended questions during class discussions.
  • Collaborated with teachers on interdisciplinary projects integrating social studies with other subjects.
  • Conducted student-led parent-teacher conferences to discuss performance and progress.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Education

Minot State University
Minot, ND
05-2005

Master of Arts - English

Bradley University
Peoria, IL
05-2013

Skills

  • Written and Verbal Communication
  • Adaptability and Flexibility
  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
  • Content Development and Editing
  • Public Speaking and Presentation
  • Internal Communication
  • Copywriting and Proofreading
  • Educational Outreach and Training
  • Cross-functional Collaboration
  • Digital Literacy
  • Social Media and Digital Platforms

Leadership and Coaching Experience

  • Member of the District Teaching and Learning Council (Morton CUSD 709) – Partnered with district administrators and faculty to shape long-term goals, implement instructional strategies, and foster professional development across multiple schools.
  • Member of Building Leadership Team (Morton CUSD 709) – Served as a liaison between faculty and administration, contributing to decision-making on school-wide policies, curriculum planning, and community engagement efforts.
  • 6th Grade Team Leader (Jefferson Elementary School) – Led a team of educators in planning cross-curricular units, coordinating assessments, and aligning instructional practices to support student success and promote collaboration among staff.

Assistant Track & Field Coach (District 50 Schools)

  • Planned and led training sessions for middle school athletes, focusing on sprinting, relays, and field events.
  • Promoted physical fitness, goal-setting, and team unity while supporting student-athletes' academic and personal growth.
  • Coordinated logistics for meets, transportation, and parent communication.

Cheerleading Coach (District 50 Schools)

  • Instructed students in cheer techniques, stunting, and performance routines for school events and competitions.
  • Fostered a positive, inclusive team culture with an emphasis on leadership, discipline, and school spirit.
  • Oversaw safety protocols and collaborated with athletics staff for event planning.

Special Olympics Coach (District 50 Schools)

  • Coached and mentored athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities in track and field events.
  • Adapted activities to meet individual needs, promoting inclusion, confidence, and personal achievement.
  • Organized practices, coordinated volunteers, and helped run local competitions and community engagement events.

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Sixth Grade English and Social Studies Teacher

Morton CUSD #709
07.2017 - Current

Eighth Grade English and History Teacher

District 50 Schools
07.2008 - 07.2017

6th Grade English and Social Studies Teacher

Dunlap CUSD #323
07.2006 - 07.2008

Bachelor of Science - Education

Minot State University

Master of Arts - English

Bradley University
Summer Geist