Suzanne Zajack
Chicago,IL
Summary
Dedicated and focused education professional with master's degree in administration and experience helping students achieve educational, social and emotional goals. Talented at building lasting relationships and partnering with others to meet objectives. Well-versed in data analysis to make effective decisions on future plans and materials. To seek and maintain full-time position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Spanish Teacher
Resurrection College Prep
08.2018 - Current
- Planned, instructed and assessed Spanish 1, 2, 3 and 4 classes.
- Used written exercises to test and develop reading and writing foreign languages.
- Boosted student engagement with interactive activities that incorporated authentic materials from Spanish-speaking countries.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Enhanced cultural awareness in students by incorporating Spanish customs, traditions, and history into lessons.
- Contributed to curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards and incorporation of best practices in foreign language instruction.
- Evaluated student performance using various assessment tools, providing constructive feedback, and working closely with struggling learners to improve outcomes.
- Explored and implemented innovative use of technology in language education.
- Spoke to students in non-native language to challenge students and introduce students to non-native speaking environments.
- Created UbD units for Spanish courses in collaboration with administrators and department members.
- Participated in parent-teacher conferences and faculty professional development.
Curriculum Coordinator
Resurrection College Prep High School
08.2022 - Current
- Facilitated PLC meetings to discuss instructional strategies, assessment tools and general best practices in teaching World Languages.
- Managed resources effectively by overseeing budgeting processes and allocating materials according to needs.
- Collaborated with administrators and other Curriculum Coordinators in decision making in teaching and learning.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to teachers, nurturing their growth as professionals and contributing to a positive school culture.
- Planned and implemented school wide cultural activities for World Language Week and Hispanic Heritage Month.
Student Council Moderator
Resurrection College Prep High School
08.2021 - Current
- Planned and facilitated the Homecoming dances to build school community and extended school spirit and hospitality to guests.
- Planned and facilitated Spirit Weeks that included various themes and activities for students to promote school spirit.
- Planned and facilitated a Field Day as a school wide event aligned with the mission and vision of the school.
- Collaborated with student leaders to facilitate meetings and gage student voice and interests.
- Effectively communicated policies and information regarding school wide events to families of students.
- Effectively communicated to staff members regarding school wide events and delegated supervision roles.
- Collaborated with fellow moderators to create a safe, inclusive school environment.
- Managed a social media platform for diverse audiences, resulting in increased brand visibility.
Sophomore Class Moderator
Resurrection College Prep High School
08.2018 - Current
- Planned and facilitated a semi-formal dance for Sophomore students and their guests.
- Effectively communicated with staff members regarding events for Sophomores and delegated supervision roles for these events.
- Communicated with Jostens to plan and develop opportunities for students to have access to school memorabilia to foster a sense of grade level community.
- Collaborated with student leaders to gage student voice and interest related to class apparel and events themes.
- Collaborated with fellow moderators to create a safe, inclusive online environment for users.
Student Teacher
Alan B Shepard High School
01.2018 - 05.2018
- Planned, instructed and assessed Spanish 2 and 3 classes.
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices.
- Facilitated small group activities and one-on-one instruction to meet individual student needs.
- Collaborated on unit assessments with other World Language teachers.
- Cultivated positive relationships with administration, teaching staff, and students.
- Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear expectations, enforcing classroom rules, and fostering open communication.
- Participated in professional development meetings and parent-teacher conferences.
Substitute Teacher
Evergreen Park Community High School
08.2016 - 12.2017
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Education
Master of Arts - IL Principal Preparation
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, IL05.2024
Master of Arts - Secondary Education
Saint Xavier University
05.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
Illinois State University
05.2016
Skills
- Classroom Management
- Student Engagement
- Parental Communication
- Staff Communication
- Lesson and Curriculum Planning
- Rubric Development
- Project-based learning
- Formative Assessment
- Performance Assessment
- Planning and coordination
- Budget Control
- Academic Intervention
Awards
- 2006 Teacher of the Year – Stephenson Middle School
- Member, Georgia Middle School Association
- Member, Georgia Council Teachers of Mathematics
- Member, National Council Teachers of Mathematics
- Member, Organization of DeKalb Educators
Timeline
Curriculum Coordinator
Resurrection College Prep High School
08.2022 - Current
Student Council Moderator
Resurrection College Prep High School
08.2021 - Current
Sophomore Class Moderator
Resurrection College Prep High School
08.2018 - Current
Spanish Teacher
Resurrection College Prep
08.2018 - Current
Student Teacher
Alan B Shepard High School
01.2018 - 05.2018
Substitute Teacher
Evergreen Park Community High School
08.2016 - 12.2017
Master of Arts - IL Principal Preparation
Concordia University Chicago
Master of Arts - Secondary Education
Saint Xavier University
Bachelor of Arts - Spanish
Illinois State University