Hi, I’m
Vicki Baker
Shelbyville,IN
Summary
Dynamic 7th and 8th Grade ELA Teacher with over 8 years of experience designing rigorous, student-centered instruction. Proven success in standards-based curriculum design, project-based learning, and data-informed instruction. Highly skilled in building strong classroom culture, leveraging digital tools, and fostering meaningful relationships with students and families to drive engagement and academic growth in both in-person and blended learning environments.
Overview
11
years of professional experience
1
Certification
Work History
Benjamin Rush Middle SchoolRushville, IN
7th & 8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
08.2017 - Current
Job overview
- Design and deliver multi-week, standards-aligned ELA units (novels, research, argumentative, narrative, and informational writing) for both 7th and 8th grade
- Lead scaffolded literary analysis units on texts including Frankenstein, The Outsiders, Ender’s Game, Poe short stories, Holocaust survivor testimony, and historical nonfiction
- Develop and manage interactive notebook systems for daily bellwork, annotation, vocabulary, grammar, and spiraled skill practice
- Create high-engagement, project-based learning experiences (collaborative posters, simulations, gallery walks, mock museums, and multimedia projects) to deepen comprehension
- Implement structured writing frameworks (thesis development, claim-evidence-reasoning, revision routines, and rubric-based feedback) to improve organization and evidence use
- Provide detailed, standards-based feedback through rubrics, digital comments, and conferencing to support growth in argumentative, narrative, and analytical writing
- Integrate digital tools (Google Classroom, Canva, digital forms, online annotation, and progress tracking) to personalize learning and streamline instruction
- Use multiple data sources (ILEARN, Exact Path, Membean, and classroom assessments) to group students and provide targeted intervention and enrichment
- Build strong classroom culture through relationship-centered practices, high expectations, and consistent routines
- Collaborate with grade-level and content teams to align curriculum, pacing, and assessments
- Communicate proactively with families regarding progress, support needs, and academic expectations
- Contribute as a curriculum leader by creating and sharing instructional resources across courses and teams
Lake Forest Middle SchoolCleveland, TN
7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
08.2014 - 05.2017
Job overview
- Co-taught and collaborated daily with a partner teacher to implement district ELA curriculum with fidelity
- Planned and delivered standards-aligned instruction in reading, writing, grammar, and vocabulary for 7th grade students
- Developed classroom management systems and routines to support a positive, structured, and respectful learning environment
- Built strong relationships with students to improve engagement, behavior, and academic performance
- Participated in team planning to align instruction, pacing, assessments, and interventions across the grade level
- Differentiated instruction to support struggling readers and writers while challenging on-level and advanced students
- Strengthened instructional practice through collaboration, coaching, and feedback from experienced educators
- Developed foundational skills in curriculum alignment, team teaching, and responsive classroom management
- Cleveland, TN
Education
Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN
Bachelor of Science from Secondary English Education
01.2014
University Overview
Completed a comprehensive teacher preparation program focused on adolescent literacy, curriculum design, assessment, and classroom management. Developed strong foundations in lesson planning, instructional strategies, and relationship-based classroom culture.
Skills
- Middle school ELA instruction
- Standards-based curriculum design
- Project-based learning
- Authentic assessment strategies
- Interactive notebooks and bellwork systems
- Argumentative, narrative, and analytical writing
- Data-informed instruction
- Progress monitoring techniques
- Differentiation and tiered support
- Classroom culture and relationship building
- Online and blended learning platforms
- Google Classroom and EdTech integration
- Family communication and student advocacy
- Collaborative team teaching
Professional Highlights
- Over 8 years of experience designing engaging, rigorous middle school ELA instruction
- Proven ability to blend creativity with high academic expectations
- Extensive experience using digital tools to support instruction, feedback, and student engagement
- Known for building strong classroom culture and long-term relationships with students
- Experienced in project-based learning, thematic units, and interdisciplinary connections
- Strong systems for writing instruction, revision, and rubric-based feedback
Certification
Indiana Teaching License - Secondary English Language Arts (Grades 5-12)
Accomplishments
Highly Effective Teacher Rating — Received on formal teaching evaluations for five consecutive years, reflecting consistently strong instructional practice, classroom management, and student engagement
References
References available upon request.
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Open to workWork Type
Full TimeLocation Preference
RemoteOn-SiteSalary Range
$60000/yr - $200000/yrTimeline
7th & 8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Benjamin Rush Middle School
08.2017 - Current
7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher
Lake Forest Middle School
08.2014 - 05.2017
Ball State University
Bachelor of Science from Secondary English Education