Susan Mann-Smith
Portage
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Portage Public Schools, excelling in curriculum development and effective communication. Spearheaded initiatives that enhanced student engagement and fostered collaboration among staff. Adept at mentoring and leading teams, I leverage cultural competence and creative problem-solving to drive impactful learning experiences.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Spanish Teacher
Portage Public Schools
08.2001 - Current
- Creates lessons and assessments coordinated with the Michigan World Language Association.
- Works with teachers in Professional Learning Communities to improve instruction.
- Applies Cooperative Learning Strategies to motivate student learning.
- Uses differentiated instruction to meet the needs of each student.
- Identifies at risk students and creates Peer to Peer programs to meet their needs.
Social Studies Teacher
Portage Public Schools
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Creates lessons and assessments coordinated with the Michigan Standards.
- Works with teachers in Professional Learning Communities to improve instruction.
- Applies Cooperative Learning Strategies to motivate student learning.
- Uses differentiated instruction to meet the needs of each student.
Spanish Building Department Chair
Portage Public Schools
08.2008 - 06.2016
- Provided strategic oversight for long-term building initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and stakeholder needs.
- Led cross-functional teams, including facilities, finance, and administrative staff, to coordinate planning, budgeting, and project execution.
- Collaborated closely with internal departments such as Legal, Operations, and Administration to navigate regulations, procurement, and logistical planning.
- Facilitated regular communication between leadership, external vendors, and service providers to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of building projects.
- Managed competing priorities and stakeholder expectations while maintaining a focus on safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
- Championed transparent decision-making processes and fostered collaboration across multiple departments and volunteer committees.
- Negotiated contracts and maintained relationships with external partners, including architects, engineers, and contractors, to ensure project success.
8th Grade Career Day Coordinator
Portage Public Schools
08.1996 - 06.1998
- Define clear objectives for the event—such as exposing 8th graders to a wide variety of career fields, fostering student engagement, and tying real-world careers to academic subjects—mirroring how one sets product goals and success metrics
- Develop a roadmap and timeline, beginning planning 3–4 months ahead, with milestones like recruitment, logistics, communication, and post-event evaluation—similar to a product roadmap with phased deliverables
- Identify, vet, and onboard diverse guest speakers from local businesses, alumni, parents, and professionals—like recruiting a diverse Beta user group for feedback and representation
- Assemble and lead a planning committee, including teachers, parents, counselors, student representatives, and community members, and assign roles such as speaker coordination, logistics, communications, and student prep—akin to building and managing cross-functional teams
- Oversee event-day operations, guide transitions between sessions, troubleshoot issues, and manage volunteers and staff—much like launching a product and ensuring smooth delivery.
- Ensure quality experience for students, speakers, and staff—akin to monitoring product performance and user satisfaction during launch.
Education
Masters of Arts - Education/Curriculum and Instruction
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ12.2017
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI12.2000
Skills
- Organizer and leader
- Mentorship and collaboration
- Effective communication
- Instructional design
- Classroom management
- Curriculum development and alignment
- Cultural competence
- Assessment design
- Event planning
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Team building and support
- Distance learning facilitation
- Creative problem-solving
- Self-motivation and initiative
- Performance evaluation
References
- Denny, Roehm, Former Principal at Portage West Middle School, currently at Vicksburg, Diroehm1@gmail.com, (269) 330-6597, 2775 Brahms Ave, Portage, MI, 49024
- Laura, Cleasby, Instructional Math Coach, lcleasby@portageps.org, (269) 720-6116, 9217 S 10th, Schoolcraft, MI, 48087
Affiliations
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude
- Active Ladies Library Association Member
- Portage Education Association Representative
Accomplishments
- Recipient of Study Abroad Grant 1997
- Recipient of Spanish Department Academic Award 2000
Languages
Spanish
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Social Studies Teacher
Portage Public Schools
08.2022 - 06.2024
Spanish Building Department Chair
Portage Public Schools
08.2008 - 06.2016
Spanish Teacher
Portage Public Schools
08.2001 - Current
8th Grade Career Day Coordinator
Portage Public Schools
08.1996 - 06.1998
Masters of Arts - Education/Curriculum and Instruction
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Arts - Secondary Education
Western Michigan University
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