Tessa Cushman
Anchorage,AK
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills. Skilled in leading educational programs from kindergarten through secondary levels with experience in developing curriculum and implementing innovative teaching strategies. Demonstrated ability to improve student engagement and academic performance through effective leadership and collaborative team management. Possess strong communication skills, adaptability, and strategic planning abilities that have contributed to successful school operations and enhanced learning environments.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Anchor Lutheran School
Anchorage, Alaska
07.2022 - Current
- Adapted teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Developed positive relationships with students, families, and staff members.
Nursery Teacher
Hangzhou International School
Hangzhou, China
07.2019 - 06.2025
- Organized and led activities to promote physical, mental and social development.
Preschool Teacher
Korea International School
Jeju, South Korea
07.2015 - 06.2019
- Conducted classroom activities to stimulate physical, mental, and social development of preschool students.
- Met with administrators and department team members to work on curriculum planning and assessment methods.
Kindergarten Teacher
American International School
Cairo, Egypt
08.2011 - 06.2015
- Created and maintained safe learning environment for students.
- Communicated with parents regularly to maintain student progress, schedule meetings, and increase overall student happiness.
Grade 6 Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science Teacher
Chaloner Middle School
Roanoke Rapids, United States
08.2005 - 05.2011
- Developed and implemented engaging science curriculum aligning with state standards.
- Engaged in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills.
Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher
Pittman Elementary
, United States
08.2004 - 05.2005
- Supervised students throughout day, both in classroom and outside during breaks.
- Encouraged students to be accountable for their own learning by providing them with feedback on their work.
Education
Doctor of Education - Early Childhood Education
Walden University
Minneapolis, Minnesota08-2025
Masters of International Teacher Leadership -
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, Iowa12.2015
Bachelor of Science - Child Development
Trevecca Nazarene University
Nashville, Tennessee05.2004
Skills
- Leadership and collaboration
- Organizational skills
- Task prioritization
- Partnership development
- Effective communicator
- Problem solving
- Early childhood education knowledge
- Knowledge and understanding young children's needs
Certification
- North Carolina Educator Certificate, State of NC, 01/01/04
- Google Certified Teacher, Google, Inc., 01/01/18
- CPR/First Aid, American Red Cross, 09/25/22
References
- Jessica Morrison, Kindergarten teaching partner, mrs.morrison@alsalaska.org
- Emma John, Grade 2 Team Lead and Co-teacher, ejohn@hisdragons.org.cn
- Dr. Aaron Ayers, lower school principal Hangzhou International School, aaronayers@hisdragons.org.cn
- Leah Maenius, former parent and current church member, alaskan_red_raiders@yahoo.com
Degrees
- Doctor of Education, Early Childhood Education, Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 12/31/24
- Masters of International Teacher Leadership, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa, 12/31/15
- Bachelor of Science in Child Development, Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, Tennessee, 05/31/04
Timeline
Kindergarten Teacher
Anchor Lutheran School
07.2022 - Current
Nursery Teacher
Hangzhou International School
07.2019 - 06.2025
Preschool Teacher
Korea International School
07.2015 - 06.2019
Kindergarten Teacher
American International School
08.2011 - 06.2015
Grade 6 Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science Teacher
Chaloner Middle School
08.2005 - 05.2011
Grade 5 Homeroom Teacher
Pittman Elementary
08.2004 - 05.2005
Doctor of Education - Early Childhood Education
Walden University
Masters of International Teacher Leadership -
University of Northern Iowa
Bachelor of Science - Child Development
Trevecca Nazarene University