- Volunteer at Hermantown Elementary 2019-2024 in classrooms, school events, and working with Andy Olson facilitating math club for third graders, as well as creating and implementing program to ensure all kindegarters are equipped in appropriate outdoor gear for recesses (independently solicited community donations for hats and water-resistent gloves and spend each recess period helping students prepare for outdoor play in winter)
- Member, Minnesota TRIO 2008-2020; President-Elect 2014, President 2015, Past President 2016
- Board Member, Educational Opportunity Association, 2014-2016
- Parliamentarian, Education Opportunity Associatoin 2018
- Involved in Federal and State Advocacy for low-income/first-generation college-bound and college students
- Testifier, rural program expert, US Senate Education Committee hearing on Federal Department of Education TRIO programs; wrote and prepared written and oral response testimony
- Youth mentor, providing guidance and support to empower the next generation of leaders
- Personal interests include reading, photography/editing, baking, fashion/style, collecting vintage stickers, corresponding with international penpals, and cheering my son's athletic teams
Tallie Sertich
Hermantown,MN
Summary
- Passionate educator
- Student advocate
- Ability to prioritize tasks in a busy environment while maintaining a positive disposition
- Proud parent of Hermantown Middle Schooler
- Quick-learner
- Detail-oriented
- People-person
- Self-starter
- Team collaborator
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
School Portrait Photographer
Interstate Studios/Nostalgic Earth
08.2024 - Current
- Photographed beautiful portraits of school staff and children ages pre-school through 12th grade in an efficient and enthusiastic manner
- Delivered outstanding customer service, addressing any concerns or questions promptly and professionally.
- Collaborative team member
- Experienced two days of training and onboarding before successfully setting up photography studio and camera/software system and beginning the job
- Developed strong relationships with clients, ensuring their comfort and ease during portrait sessions.
State Initiatives Coordinator
Council for Opportunity in Education
10.2018 - 06.2020
- Planned, implemented and conducted professional development and national leadership trainings for top professionals in the field
- Provided support to all state TRIO professional organizations
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Advocated for TRIO program funding and related legislation on the federal and state levels
- Served as a Global Leadership Fellow empowering American and Chinese students in the art of communicating their powerful stories for the purpose of self and program advocacy
Upward Bound Director
Hibbing Community College
08.2008 - 07.2016
- Successfully researched, wrote and directed $1.25 federal US Department of Education grant preparing low-income and first generation high school students for college matriculation and success
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring, training, and supervising of program participants and team members.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Served on the Minnesota TRIO organization board as member-at-large, President-elect, President and Past-President, as well as serving on the board of the regional Educational Opportunity Association
- Cultivated a positive work environment that fostered employee engagement, increased retention rates, and boosted overall team morale.
Associate Director of Residence and Student Life
Vermilion Community College
08.2004 - 06.2008
- Assisted in hiring, training, and supervising resident advisors
- Collaborated with other departments to improve residential life and increase communication to empower student success
- Planned, hosted, and implemented student activities
- Fostered an atmosphere of safety among male and female students
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Theater
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IASkills
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Continuous Learning Attitude
- Easy connection with students and parents due to personality and prior experience
Accomplishments
- Increasing student confidence and self-esteem
- Preparing students for educational and interpersonal success
- Streamlining systems and collaborations for efficiency
Interests
Timeline
School Portrait Photographer
Interstate Studios/Nostalgic Earth
08.2024 - Current
State Initiatives Coordinator
Council for Opportunity in Education
10.2018 - 06.2020
Upward Bound Director
Hibbing Community College
08.2008 - 07.2016
Associate Director of Residence and Student Life
Vermilion Community College
08.2004 - 06.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Theater
University of Iowa
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