Resume

Amy Ellifritz, M.A.Ed., NBCT

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Objective

To inspire, motivate, and challenge students by creating and delivering differentiated, multi-modal learning experiences.

Teaching Experience

Marine Leadership Academy – Chicago Public Schools, Illinois   

Special Education Teacher, Service Provider – 2013-present

• Presented and modeled ways to improve implementation of the co-teaching model for all staff.
• Provided support services to students with in all subject areas.  
• Piloted and planned the structuring of standards-based grading practices for the staff.
• Facilitated Saturday ACT preparatory classes for juniors in all subject areas.
• Partnered with the US Poet Laureate to inspire students to study, write, and perform poetry.
• Created and disseminated district-wide professional development on increasing student ownership in the classroom.
• Instructed teachers on the backwards mapping or Understanding by Design rationale and process.  
• Served as a member of the Instructional Leadership Team to support school improvement goals.  
• Mentored students with the Technovation Challenge smart phone application design and marketing program.
• Initiated leadership opportunities for students by setting up student recruitment events.  

South Johnston High School – Johnston County Schools, North Carolina

Special Education Teacher, Case Manager – 2011-2013

• Offered extensive tutoring in reading, writing, speech, math, and test preparation.
• Piloted the Edgenuity evening academy program to offer credit recovery opportunities for students.
• Generated initiatives with professional learning communities to improve instructional practices,

incorporate literacy strategies, and implement differentiation techniques.

• Provided timely feedback and assistance to students via daily office hours and tutorials by appointment.

• Engaged in the co-teaching model in Common Core Math I and Geometry courses.
• Spearheaded a school-wide positive behavioral intervention and supports model to improve students’

academic and behavioral outcomes.

• Utilized best practices to modify assignments, instruction, and assessments based on individual

students’ needs.

• Elected by faculty to hold a leadership role on the School Improvement Team.
• Tutored students in SAT, ACT, and Work Keys test preparation.

White River High School – White River School District, Washington                 

Master’s Candidate Student Teacher – 2010-2011

• Facilitated IEP annual review meetings, development of behavior intervention plans, and manifest

determination documentation.

• Instructed self-contained courses in life skills English, math, and study skills.  
• Implemented project-based learning model to support critical thinking and mastery of curricular

content.

• Inspired students to give back to the community with curricular tie-ins to service learning projects.
  

Infinity Math, Science, and Technology High School – Chicago Public Schools, Illinois   

English Teacher – 2008-2009

• Integrated cross-curricular projects in British literature and creative writing in a technology-rich classroom.
• Instructed AP literature, British literature, speech, creative writing, and poetry courses for mixed-grade students.
• Founded literacy team with goals to improve school-wide reading comprehension.
• Initiated ACT workshops for reading comprehension and test-taking strategies.
• Facilitated weekly seminars for students on poetry studies and on college preparatory writing.
• Successfully implemented Project-Based Learning model with full technology integration and real-world application.
• Structured meaningful feedback for students by using standards-based grading practices.
• Provided tutoring to students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Orr Academy High School – Chicago Public Schools, Illinois                 

English Teacher – 2007-2008

• Instructed reading courses for preliterate students and honors English courses for high-achieving sophomore students.
• Guided English department as Authentic Intellectual Achievement Liaison.
• Showcased as an exemplary educator for visits from former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.
• Presented original lesson plans at America’s Choice professional development symposium.
• Instituted cross-cultural relationships through letter writing.
• Instructed Saturday school Freshman English recovery program.

Education and Certification

Illinois Professional Teaching License – Special Education, English Language Arts

English Language Arts Endorsement (6-12) and Learning Behavior Specialist I endorsement.
National Board Certified Teacher, certified as an Exceptional Needs Specialist.

Currently pursuing English Language Learner endorsement.

University of Phoenix: Master of Arts in Cross-Categorical Special Education – 2011
Ohio University: Bachelor of Science in English Education – 2007

Extracurricular Involvement

Framework Specialist - Chicago Public Schools, 2014 to present

• Founding member of the Framework Specialist mentorship cohort, which focuses on supporting new teachers in Chicago Public Schools.
• Created resources, shared teaching videos, and produced professional development for teachers all over the district.  
• Organized a Professional Learning Community on campus for teachers seeking assistance in improving their practice.

Technovation Challenge Adviser – Marine Math and Science Academy, 2014 to 2016

• Instructed female students in inventing, designing, programming, and marketing their own smart phone apps.
• Connected students with local female programmers currently working in the field for support and inspiration.

iD Tech Camp Director – Northwestern University, 2014

• Ensured all staff and students were meeting rigorous curriculum goals while having a fun, positive experience.
• Maintained a safe, secure environment for an average of 100 new camp participants (ages 7-18) each week.

• Regularly communicated with parents to ensure excellent customer satisfaction and to support students’ needs.
  

Rachel’s Challenge Program Adviser – South Johnston High School, 2012

• Trained student leaders to recognize, prevent, and stop bullying in school.
• Created freshmen mentorship program to improve retention rate and ease the transition to high school.
• Developed student-led Safe Zone training programs to support students in the LGBTQ community.
  

Marching and Concert Band Assistant – South Johnston High School, 2011

• Volunteered to privately instruct 5th grade beginning band students.
• Improved the overall quality and discipline of the marching band through focused rehearsals and sectionals.
• Coached drum major in effective musical and leadership techniques.
  

Special Olympics Bowling Coach – White River High School, 2010

• Trained student partners to become responsible, respectful members of a mixed-ability team.
• Provided modifications to bowling instruction and technique based on athletes’ varying physical challenges.
• Fostered a meaningful connection between athletes and partners to create a positive team spirit.
  

Slam Poetry Team Adviser – Infinity Math, Science, and Technology High School, 2009

• Established student teams and supported participation in nation-wide Louder than a Bomb competition.
• Facilitated students’ study poetic form, structure, rhyme scheme, and spoken word culture.