Thomas Blaszczyk
Lancaster,PA
Summary
I am recently retired as of 2022. In 2019, my wife and I established the Sembradores de Semillas Mission in Arequipa, Peru. Through this mission we bring separate groups of high school students and also adults to Arequipa, Peru. We serve the poorest of the poor, which is the 40% of the region that lives in extreme poverty. Food, clothing, medical care, and shelter are the most glaring issues. We are very passionate about this mission and bringing groups down to serve this demographic as well. On another note, my wife and I raised 8 children, all grown now and on their own. Between our children are 6 bachelor degrees as well as 3 master degrees. I spent my career teaching US History ( 1850 - present ), world history ( from 1500 to present ), sociology, and criminal justice. I was the head varsity wrestling coach for 23 years. I love being retired, but I miss teaching terribly! Obviously I feel I can be an asset to your school community based on my experience. When in Peru, I feel that would be an opportune time to teach world history, especially with the Spanish influence. Teaching on site and bringing the long lasting effects of Spanish culture, the church, architecture, and cuisine into their home would make an interesting class.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Volunteer
Water Street Rescue Mission
Lancaster, PA
09.2022 - Current
- Serving the homeless community in Lancaster, PA
- Assist in food preparation and serving residents
- Active 2 - 3X per weel
CEO
Sembradores de Semillas Mission
Lancaster & Arequipa, Peru, PA
01.2020 - Current
- Created and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, government agencies, and other industry partners.
- Overseen the daily operations of the organization and ensured compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Managed executive team members to ensure successful execution of projects in a timely manner.
- Assessed financial performance of the organization on a regular basis and identified areas for improvement.
- Facilitated board meetings and provided leadership guidance to senior management.
- Cultivated relationships with external organizations to build partnerships that benefited both parties.
- Implemented technological solutions designed to improve operational effectiveness.
- Introduced innovative approaches that improved efficiency while reducing costs.
- Led organization by establishing business direction and actualizing operational plans to meet goals.
- Increased productivity by creating new policies, objectives and procedures to streamline operations.
- Checked financial reports to confirm financial soundness and good operating margin.
- Generated large-scale operations, budget or expense reports to organize and analyze data.
Teacher
Lancaster Catholic High School
Lancaster, PA
08.1997 - 06.2022
- Developed and implemented lesson plans based on curriculum objectives.
- Assessed student performance through tests, quizzes, and other assessments.
- Provided individualized instruction to meet the needs of all students.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies among students.
- Established positive relationships with parents to ensure effective communication regarding student progress and well-being.
- Collaborated with colleagues to plan lessons that integrate various subject areas into a cohesive unit of study.
- Participated in professional development workshops related to teaching methods or curriculum changes.
- Built and strengthened positive relationships with students, parents and teaching staff.
- Managed student behavior in classroom by establishing and enforcing rules and procedures.
- Prepared and presented lesson plans in academic subjects using traditional and modern teaching techniques.
- Enhanced lessons with smart board technology, iPads and computers to address common core goals.
- Tutored students requiring extra help and gave additional practice work to help improve concept understanding.
- Introduced and encouraged debate-style classroom setting to increase student active participation and critical thinking.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Social Studies Teacher Education
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Millersville, PA05-1994
Associate of Science - Law Enforcement Administration
Camden County College
Blackwood, NJ05-1976
Skills
- Event Setup
- Community Engagement
- Computer Skills
- Fundraising
- Volunteer Recruitment
- Flexible Schedule
- Telephone Etiquette
- Pennsylvania Driver License
- Administrative Support
- Positive Attitude
- Attention to Detail
- Community Service
- Resource Coordination
- Community Outreach
- Team Collaboration
- Project Oversight
- Relationship Building
- Professional Appearance
- Deadline Adherence
- Donor Solicitation and Fundraising
- Public Speaking
- Adaptability and Dependability
- Organized and Efficient
Affiliations
- Volunteering 2-3x's per week at a homeless shelter
- Working our mission
- Volunteer wrestling coach
- Running a nonprofit
- Staying strong in my faith
- Keeping marriage and family first
- Walking
- Cooking
Accomplishments
- Served as vice principal before returning to the classroom full time. Even as a vice principal, I still taught 3 classes.
- Served as vice president and president of the Lancaster-Lebanon (PA) Wrestling Coaches association for over 20 years
- Received numerous sportsmanship awards while coaching
- Received all state honors in wrestling ( high school ), as well as all American honors wresting in junior college
- Graduated Deans List with a 3.5 GPA at Millersville while working full time, and at the time with 4 young children at home
Certification
- 24 post graduate credits
- Certified Student Assistance Team member
Languages
English
Full Professional
Spanish
Limited
Water Street Rescue Mission
- Volunteer -food service and dining hall
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Volunteer
Water Street Rescue Mission
09.2022 - Current
CEO
Sembradores de Semillas Mission
01.2020 - Current
Teacher
Lancaster Catholic High School
08.1997 - 06.2022
Bachelor of Science - Social Studies Teacher Education
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
Associate of Science - Law Enforcement Administration
Camden County College
- 24 post graduate credits
- Certified Student Assistance Team member
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