Susan Cullum
Wesley Chapel,FL
Summary
Highly qualified Science Teacher, curriculum developer, and program leader with 19 years of experience teaching high school Marine Science and Forensic Science and college level Marine Biology, Oceanography, Environmental Science, and Biology. Generates student enthusiasm for learning through individual connections and motivators. Empowers students through interactive learning, offering fun and educational lessons and exciting science demonstrations. Expertise in creating and implementing environmental programs.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chair, Science Department and PLC Facilitator
Wesley Chapel High School
08.2004 - Current
- Organized and led faculty professional development trainings
- Organized and led the textbook adoption process for all subjects at the school
- Controlled departmental budget
- Managed program delivery and faculty development.
- Streamlined decision-making processes for increased efficiency and productivity within the organization.
Marine Biology Course Developer
Pasco Hernando Sate College
06.2019 - Current
- Enhanced course content by incorporating multimedia elements and interactive activities.
- Collaborated with fellow course developers to create cohesive curriculums and streamline educational materials.
- Customized course for diverse audiences, tailoring content to fit specific learning needs.
- Successfully transitioned traditional in-person courses to online format (Canvas), maintaining high-quality instruction and accessibility for all learners.
Forensic Science County Curriculum Developer
District School Board of Pasco County
08.2016 - 06.2017
- Adapted, expanded and updated the Forensic Science curriculum, which was implemented countywide.
- Enhanced curriculum quality by conducting thorough research and incorporating best practices in instructional design.
- Collaborated with subject matter experts to develop accurate, engaging, and effective learning materials for diverse audiences.
Marine Science County Curriculum Developer
District School Board of Pasco County
- Adapted, expanded and updated the Marine Science curriculum, which was implemented countywide
- Led textbook adoption process for Marine Science.
Teacher at Sea / Blogger
Center for Integrated Modeling and Analysis of Gulf Ecosystems (C-IMAGE)
08.2014
- Member of scientific crew: Participated in sample collection to study effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon event and subsequent impacts on plankton, reef, fish and microbial communities in the Gulf of Mexico
- Posted daily blogs to communicate science, technology and life at sea.
Summer Camp Instructor
The Florida Aquarium
06.2006 - 08.2007
- Organized and led daily field trips for students (Grades 6-9) to observe aquatic life and Gulf, tidal, bay and freshwater ecosystems.
- Enhanced camper experience by developing creative and interactive activities tailored to their interests.
- Fostered a positive environment for campers with diverse backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and respect among all participants.
Adjunct Faculty – Biological Sciences
Pasco Hernando State College
06.2007 - Current
- Teach Oceanography (3 credits), Marine Biology (3 credits), Introduction to Biology (3 credits), and Environmental Science (3 credits), Introduction to Biology (3 credits) courses.
- Enhanced student comprehension by creating interactive lectures and incorporating multimedia resources.
- Established positive relationships with students, fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment.
Classroom Science Teacher
District School Board of Pasco County
08.2004 - Current
- Teach Forensic Science and Dual Enrollment Oceanography and Marine Biology courses to 10th, 11th and 12th grade students
- Enhanced classroom environment for effective learning by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world applications of scientific concepts.
- Improved student comprehension by employing diverse teaching strategies and adapting lesson plans to meet individual needs.
- Provided constructive feedback on assignments, helping students improve their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in science.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary lessons that connected science with other subjects, fostering a well-rounded education.
- Organized and coordinated experiential field trips
- Developed and sponsored a wide variety of enrichment opportunities
- Implemented department-wide Squids for Kids Program
- Other courses taught: Marine Science, Marine Science Honors, Biology, Biology Honors, Physical Science, and Physical Science Honors.
Research Assistant
University of Maine
08.2001 - 08.2003
- Studied distribution patterns of two species of blue mussels, Mytilus edulis and M. trossulus
- Enhanced research quality by meticulously collecting and analyzing data from various sources.
- Streamlined data management processes for increased efficiency and accuracy in research findings.
Education
M.S. - Marine Biology
University of Maine
12.2003
B.S. - Marine Science
University of South Carolina
05.1999
Skills
- Learning management systems: Canvas, myPasco Connect
- MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Analytical Thinking
- Staff Development
- Goal Setting
- Instructional Presentations
- Time Management
- Blended Learning
Accomplishments
- Winner, Barrett Family Foundation Award (2019); based on innovation and creativity in the classroom
- Wesley Chapel High School Teacher of the Year (2013-2014)
- Nominee, Wesley Chapel High School Teacher of the Year (2011-2012, 2012-2013)
Research
- The role of larval thermal tolerance on the distribution of blue mussel species in the Gulf of Maine, Unpublished M.S. thesis, 2003
- Physiological factors regulating blue mussel species distributions within the Gulf of Maine, Presented at National Shellfisheries Association Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2003
- Physiological factors regulating blue mussel species distributions within the Gulf of Maine, Presented at Benthic Ecology Meeting, Groton, Connecticut, 2003
Certification
- E-certification for Online Teaching and Model Course Development - Pasco Hernando State College
- Professional Educator's Certificate - Biology (Grades 6-12); General Science (Grades 5-9) - State of Florida
- Aquatic Species Collecting Certificate - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- GLOBE Certification - Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment
- CPR / First Aid / AED - American Red Cross
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Marine Biology Course Developer
Pasco Hernando Sate College
06.2019 - Current
Forensic Science County Curriculum Developer
District School Board of Pasco County
08.2016 - 06.2017
Teacher at Sea / Blogger
Center for Integrated Modeling and Analysis of Gulf Ecosystems (C-IMAGE)
08.2014
Adjunct Faculty – Biological Sciences
Pasco Hernando State College
06.2007 - Current
Summer Camp Instructor
The Florida Aquarium
06.2006 - 08.2007
Chair, Science Department and PLC Facilitator
Wesley Chapel High School
08.2004 - Current
Classroom Science Teacher
District School Board of Pasco County
08.2004 - Current
Research Assistant
University of Maine
08.2001 - 08.2003
Marine Science County Curriculum Developer
District School Board of Pasco County
M.S. - Marine Biology
University of Maine
B.S. - Marine Science
University of South Carolina
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