CASSANDRA KELLARIS

Summary
Certified teacher with a foundation in experiential education and Expeditionary Learning.
Develops inquiry-based STEM curriculum with an interdisciplinary approach. Employs
strong classroom management and Kagan cooperative learning structures to create a caring
classroom environment. Committed to professional growth.

Skills

Expeditionary Learning
Project-Based Learning
Performance-based assessments
Educational technology
Enrichment/event coordinating

Collaboration and networking

Classroom management
High attention to detail
Excellent written and verbal
communication

Experience
SySTEM Phoenix Charter School Phoenix, AZ
Enrichment Teacher and Coordinator
Sept 2014 - Present
Develop and teach STEM enrichment classes including Urban Gardening, Citizen
Science, and Circus Arts
Create and manage field experiences for entire school
Identify and coordinate guest experts for weekly school-wide enrichment
Prescott Mile High Middle School Prescott, AZ
7th grade Science Teacher
July 2011 - May 2014
Taught Earth, Space, and Environmental Science with hands-on, inquiry-based units
Coordinated events with community and professional organizations
(NASA, Prescott Astronomy Club, Prescott Creeks, Project WET)
Developed and delivered professional development to 20 staff members (Co-creating
rubrics with students; using Habits of Work rubrics to assess student development)
Delivered Kagan protocol professional development to 30 Prescott Unified teachers
Collaborated with team to create interdisciplinary lessons
Mentored a Rio Salado Teacher Education student (Spring 2014)
Tsunami on the Square Performing Arts and Culture Festival Prescott, AZ
Circus Camp Director
Mar 2012 - Jun 2013
Hired and trained all staff and counselors
Coordinated logistics for camper participation in public festival parade and
performance
Acquired and managed in-kind donations; Assisted with fundraising and marketing
Managed daily operation of camp

Northpoint Expeditionary Learning Academy Prescott, AZ

9th/12th Grade Science Teacher
Jan 2011 - May 2011
Taught Earth & Environmental Science and Anatomy & Physiology as an Expeditionary
Learning teacher
Developed week-long field enrichment experiences in both remote and urban areas
to support standards-based curriculum
Led semester-long investigations on topics such as The Verde River and Disease
Supported students in presenting project findings to local and state policy makers,
community members, and parents
Sierra Outdoor School Sonora, CA
Naturalist Intern
Dec 2009 - Jun 2010
Individual intern project: revised and developed school-wide curriculum aligned with
California state standards
Led place-based environmental education programs to 3rd- 6th graders focused on
Earth and Environmental science
Trained in raptor handling and care; used live raptors to teach environmental science
concepts
Thousand Pines Outdoor Science School Crestline, CA
Trail Guide
Sept 2009 - Dec 2009
Led environmental education programs to 5th and 6th graders in an outdoor setting

Education
Prescott College Prescott, AZ
Bachelor of Arts: Education
Minor in Environmental Studies

May 2009

School-wide emphasis on experiential learning, sustainability, and social justice

Presented senior project as distinguished Baccalaureate graduate

Certifications and Professional Development

Arizona Secondary Teaching Certificate, 6-12
IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
Member, National Science Teachers Association
Project WET Certified Instructor
STEM Arizona Education Collaborative 3rd Annual STEM Un-Conference; 2015
Kagan Cooperative Learning professional development; 2013-14
National Science Teachers Association Area Conference; 2013
Arizona SciTech Festival Kick-off Conference; 2012, 2013
Expeditionary Learning National Conference; 2012
Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education Conference; 2009, 2010