Theodoir McFarland
Fort Collins,CO
Summary
Experienced educator with a background in theatre arts, English language arts, and college composition. Extensive experience in applying postcolonial and socially diverse frameworks to project and inquiry-based, standards-aligned curriculum. Passionate about interdisciplinary curriculum design that develops critical thinking, reading, writing, research, and communication skills, diverse perspectives, and student self-assessment to grow socially-conscious, confident learners.
Overview
1
1
Language
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Theatre Arts Teacher
Rocky Mountain High School
08.2023 - Current
- Design theatre arts curriculum aligned with performance standards and student skill development.
- Direct rehearsals for plays, scene work, and ensemble performances with clear stage expectations.
- Teach acting techniques, vocal projection, movement, and character development in classroom settings.
- Coordinate set design, props, costumes, and backstage operations for school productions.
- Serve as the Technical Director on several productions, teaching students techniques in designing, building, lighting and managing sound for productions.
- Teach foundational skills in acting in an Introduction to Acting class.
- Teach highly differentiated theatre through a unified/integrated model, pairing integrated services students of a wide range of abilities with peer mentors to develop theatre and social-emotional skills.
English/Language Arts Teacher, Grades 9 & 11
Rocky Mountain High School
08.2021 - Current
- Deliver differentiated instruction to meet diverse student learning needs and reading levels.
- Develop standards-aligned, inquiry-based and project-based learning for students to mirror real-world writing environments.
- Facilitate classroom discussions that strengthened critical communication skills, emphasizing critical empathy and diverse perspectives.
- Incorporate genuine inquiry into both formative and summative assessments to monitor student learning.
- Incorporate "un-grading" strategies to enhance student agency over their learning, emphasizing growth and skill development.
- Collaborate with colleagues from other departments to develop interdisciplinary units, promoting a more holistic understanding of language arts.
- Promote critical thinking skills through analytical writing assignments that encouraged students to synthesize information from multiple sources.
Instructor of Composition
Colorado State University
08.2021 - 12.2021
- Delivered engaging lectures and facilitated discussions aligned with course learning objectives.
- Developed syllabi, lesson plans, and assignments to support curriculum standards.
- Assessed student performance through exams, projects, and written feedback.
- Maintained accurate grades and records using learning management system tools.
- Advised students during office hours, clarifying concepts and academic expectations.
- Collaborated with faculty on course updates, scheduling, and academic policies.
- Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.
Student Teacher/Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Thompson Valley High School
01.2021 - 05.2021
- Managed classroom routines, maintaining positive behavior expectations and smooth transitions
- Implemented a pilot program for the Pre-AP curriculum for 9th grade
- Assessed student work, recorded results, and adjusted instruction based on performance
- Worked with classroom teacher to learn about current standards and best practices before becoming the long-term substitute and primary instructor for mentor teacher
- Created and implemented different learning activities to meet needs of different types of learners
- Assisted in administering tests and other assessments to evaluate student progress
- Studied both traditional and project-based learning opportunities and pedagogies to support student assessment
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Colorado State University
08.2018 - 05.2020
- Served as primary classroom instructor for an introduction to college composition course (CO150).
- Developed instructional materials aligned with lecture objectives and learning outcomes.
- Managed Canvas course content, updates, and student communication.
- Held office hours to clarify coursework, provide feedback, and support student progress.
- Evaluated assignments, quizzes, and exams with consistent application of grading rubrics.
- Managed a classroom of diverse learners, implementing differentiated instruction strategies to meet individual student needs.
- Worked with teachers in evaluating student progress, needs, and gains.
- Contributed to the development of online learning modules, facilitating remote education.
Interpersonal Violence Peer Educator
Women and Gender Advocacy Center, Colorado State University
01.2015 - 08.2019
- Facilitated peer education workshops on consent, healthy relationships, and gender-based violence prevention
- Supported outreach events to enhance awareness of advocacy center resources, services, and campus safety programs
- Coordinated with campus partners to strengthen prevention efforts and student referral pathways
- Collaborated with staff to design and implement impactful awareness campaigns and educational programming
- Coordinated with campus partners to enhance prevention efforts and improve student referral pathways
- Incorporated critical theory on race, gender, sexual orientation, class, and disability into both peer education and advocacy.
Education
Master of Arts - English Education
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO08-2021
Bachelor of Arts - English
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, CO05-2018
Languages
American Sign Language
Professional Working
Timeline
Theatre Arts Teacher
Rocky Mountain High School
08.2023 - Current
English/Language Arts Teacher, Grades 9 & 11
Rocky Mountain High School
08.2021 - Current
Instructor of Composition
Colorado State University
08.2021 - 12.2021
Student Teacher/Long-Term Substitute Teacher
Thompson Valley High School
01.2021 - 05.2021
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Colorado State University
08.2018 - 05.2020
Interpersonal Violence Peer Educator
Women and Gender Advocacy Center, Colorado State University
01.2015 - 08.2019
Master of Arts - English Education
Colorado State University
Bachelor of Arts - English
Colorado State University