Melissa M. Dorish: Educator, Writer and Handmade jeweler

Melissa M. Dorish

Objective

As a B.E.S.T. certified K-6 educator, I would like to obtain a teaching position in a dynamic elementary school where I can passionately infuse a love of learning into our next generation.

Professional experience

9/07 – present Various Schools Berlin, Cheshire & Wallingford, CT

Substitute Teacher

Responsible for substituting in grades K-6 in various elementary schools in the towns of Berlin, Cheshire and Wallingford, CT.

7/07 – present Beauty in the Beadz Meriden, CT

Handmade Jeweler

Creates original designs in my home, using sterling silver, gemstones, lampwork glass and many other materials. Items are sold through craft shows and home shows. Web site is in the process of being designed and should be live at the end of March 08 (www.beautyinthebeadz.com).

8/05 – 6/07 Middle Gate Elementary School Newtown, CT

Second Grade Teacher

• Responsible for teaching and modifying school curriculum to meet the needs of my second grade students. Taught guided reading to small groups of students at various ability levels. Used assessments to drive and modify instruction, especially Developmental Reading Assessments (DRAs). Taught Mathematics using Growing with Math and employed the use of manipulatives to help transition student learning from concrete to abstract. Used the Writer’s Workshop model to teach writing, and helped encourage students’ writing through teacher and peer feedback. One unit on memoir writing resulted in Memoir Night, where students shared their final pieces with family and friends. Met with parents during conferences and on as-needed basis. Also kept open communication with parents through notes and class newsletter. Encouraged parents to become part of classroom community through volunteer opportunities.

1/05 – 5/05 Middle Gate Elementary School Newtown, CT

Student Teacher, Grade 4

• Responsible for curriculum, assessment and teaching in fourth grade. Taught a six-week feature article unit while guiding students through the writing process in a Writer’s Workshop setting. Took students’ written and typed feature articles and crafted them into magazine-like front-page articles using Quark XPress software. Taught a five-week Japan unit that included several authentic learning experiences through hands-on lessons.

1/04 – 1/05 Middle Gate Elementary School Newtown, CT

Intern

? Responsible for a variety of assignments, including substitute teaching for grades kindergarten through fourth, physical education, art and the autism program. Other duties included observing master teachers during lessons and attending faculty meetings and staff in-service to gain valuable professional knowledge. Responsible for helping lead a group of fourth graders in a committee that stresses values such as celebrating diversity, respect and responsibility. Initiated and led a student newspaper for fourth grade students.

4/00 – 12/03 CTTRANSIT Hartford, CT

Internal & External Communications Representative

• Responsible for implementation of all internal and external communications programs, including news releases to media contacts, and employee newsletter. Managed communications staff to insure that team produced and disseminated information in an accurate, timely, and responsible manner.

9/99 – 4/00 Village Retirement Communities Waterbury, CT

Public Relations Director

? Responsible for public relations efforts in four Connecticut retirement communities. Pitches and wrote stories on programs and residents. Responsible for planning various public events.

1/97 – 5/99 Yankee Gas Services Company Meriden, CT

Employee Communications & Program Coordinator

• Editor of monthly employee newsletter. Responsible for developing issue content, writing and editing stories, developing new material, taking photographs, performing desktop publishing design and layout. Responsible for coordinating a number of employee programs and events, including Kids’ Day.

9/94 – 10/02 Sportography, Inc. Brookfield, CT

Staff Photographer

• Responsible for photographing youth sports activities. Also acted as supervisor for several photo shoots.

1/92 – 1/97 The Herald New Britain, CT

Staff Reporter

• Beat reporter for the town of Plainville. Wrote all articles pertaining to town news, government, education, police and human interest.

Education

1/04 – 12/04 University of Bridgeport Waterbury, CT campus

Masters of Science in Education

• Elementary Education K-6 Certified

• 4.0 GPA

• Nominated for Student Teacher of the Year

9/88 – 12/92 Central Connecticut State Univ. New Britain, CT

Bachelor of Arts in Communications/Concentration in Journalism

Additional undergraduate courses taken at the following institutions: Tunxis Community College, Manchester Community College, Quinnipiac University, and Charter Oak Community College.

References

Available Upon Request

Professional memberships National Education Association

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