Social Studies Teacher

MICHAEL J. PRISTASH

**** ******* ****, ****** ******, MN 55416

C: 612-***-**** **********@*****.***

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Veteran Social Studies teacher whose mission is to improve student lives beyond mere acquisition of content knowledge and skills. Civic-minded and character-based approach helps students understand unique place in world and responsibility to it. Superior knowledge of Government, Economics, US History, Criminal Justice, and Theater inform and elevate instruction.

WORK HISTORY

ST. ANTHONY VILLAGE HIGH SCHOOL

Social Studies Instructor St. Anthony, MN June 2001 – June 2019

Differentiated curriculum design in wide variety of Social Studies, Criminal Investigation, Criminalistics, and Medicolegal Death Investigation (CSI: MLDI) courses for diverse student population of varied interests and abilities.

Instruction in College Sociology, CSI: Medicolegal Death Investigation; Economics, Everyday Economics and Finance; Film; Global Studies (Honors and non-Honors); Opposing Views in the News; US Government and Politics (AP and non-AP); and US History Survey (Honors and non-Honors). Routinely offer independent study opportunities for students in areas of government, economics, and criminal justice.

Creation of CSI: MLDI program at secondary level; program premised on amalgamation of philosophy and methodology rudimentary to criminal investigation, medicolegal death investigation, and forensic science; continuous collaboration with law enforcement jurisdictions, judicial districts, crime labs, and investigatory agencies at local, state, regional, and national levels for purposes of curricular enhancement and assurance of best practices. Drafted and implemented standards in CSI for district.

One of six site instructors in the BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) program, a collaborative effort to assist 9th grade students transition successfully to the academic, social, and emotional demands of high school and reduce failure rates across the curriculum.

Certified to teach in both Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. Annually conduct weekend AP seminars to help students prepare for the AP exam.

Effective and equitable classroom management with respect to student behavior and need.

Stewardship of accurate and up-to-date files with respect to data privacy.

Timely and constructive communication with students, parents/guardians, administration, staff and coaches, and other community stakeholders.

Coordination of staff development and enrichment activities in areas germane to pedagogy, student health, and course material.

Case management and counseling for students in both scheduled and drop-in capacities.

Culturally conversant and competent with respect to broad spectrum of human diversity.

Adoption and implementation of innovative technologies in the classroom.

Transformation of Knowledge Bowl program from also-ran status to five-time State Champion in Large School Division. Coached Quiz Bowl program to multiple national berths. Led team to MN championship and international top four placement in Academic Hallmarks Knowledge Master Open.

Created Peace and Justice Organization for students dedicated to issues of human rights, both domestically and internationally.

Field work in investigations and forensic science during school breaks with regional and out-of-state jurisdictions and crime labs. Research, peer review, and publication of scholarship in policing.

EDUCATION

BACHELOR OF ARTS Social Studies Education Political Science/History

St. Olaf College

Northfield, MN February 2001

Social Studies Education Political Science/History; Concentrations in American Racial and Multicultural Studies and Theater

Certified in Social Studies Education (Secondary), Grades 5-12

File Folder Number 395366

AFFILIATIONS

Education Minnesota (AFT/NEA)

Justice Clearinghouse

REFERENCES

References available upon request

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