306-4010 Northcliffe, Montreal, QC H4A 3L3 514-966-6481 zrbrain@gmail.

com

Zachary Brain
Objective_____________________________________________________________________

Primary/Junior General Studies Teacher

Summary___________________________________________________ __ ____

I have nine year of teaching experience, spending the last seven years of experience as a full-
time, elementary school teacher in Minnesota and Vermont. In my time as a teacher and coach, I
have established a reputation as a leader and mentor who connects with students, staff, and
families. My strengths are empathy, communication, creative and differentiated lesson planning,
and building and maintaining relationships with students of diverse backgrounds. To facilitate
student learning, I have used technology such as Smartboards, Google Classrooms, and one-to-
one iPads and Chromebooks.

Education_____________________________________________________________________

01/15 08/16 Masters of Science Education Technology

University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg MO

09/07 05/11 Bachelor of Science Elementary Education

Augsburg College, Minneapolis MN
Graduated with honors - Magna Cum Laude

Teaching Experience - Licensed Full-Time______________________________ _______

08/16 Present Teacher Grade 4, English Language Arts

Richford Elementary School Richford, VT

Leading Writers and Readers Workshops daily for both Grade 4

sections, aligning lessons with the Common Core Standards and Lucy
Calkins Units of Study
Building Google Classrooms and using them daily for reading,
writing, and language lessons
Using one-to-one Chromebooks
Incorporating Smartboard interactive lessons, instruction, and
assessments
Leading daily guided reading groups and discussions
Formed and leading book clubs
Team teaching social studies and science

1
 Applying Responsive Classroom approach to teaching, which
emphasizes social, emotional and academic growth of students

08/14 07/16 Teacher Grade 1

Richford Elementary School Richford, VT

Taught ELA and mathematics, aligning lessons with the Common

Core Standards
Lead Writers and Readers Workshops using Lucy Calkins Units of
Study
Used one-to-one iPads and Smartboard daily
Team taught social studies and science
Applied Responsive Classroom approach to teaching

08/13 07/14 Teacher Grade 2

Crossroads Elementary Science Magnet Saint Paul, MN
Instructed and facilitated student inquiry in the Science Inquiry Zone
Fostered an inclusive classroom atmosphere for a diverse group of
students
Taught ELA and mathematics, aligning lessons with the Common
Core Standards
Lead Writers and Readers Workshops using Lucy Calkins Units of
Study
Taught Math Review lessons daily
Used one-to-one iPads and Promethean Board for lessons daily
Applied Responsive Classroom approach to teaching

08/11 07/13 Teacher Grades 5/6

Crossroads Elementary Science Magnet Saint Paul, MN
Instructed and facilitated student inquiry in the Science Inquiry Zone
Fostered an inclusive classroom atmosphere for a diverse group of
students
Taught ELA, mathematics and social studies, aligning lessons with the
Common Core Standards
Lead Writers and Readers Workshops using Lucy Calkins Units of
Study
Taught Math Review lessons daily
Used one-to-one MacBooks and Promethean Board for lessons daily
Applied Responsive Classroom approach teaching

08/10 07/11 Full Time Teacher Grade 5

Saint Agnes School Saint Paul, MN
Facilitated student engagement with interactive science lessons
Designed reading curriculum for the school year
Taught mathematics using the Saxon math curriculum
Applied Responsive Classroom approach to teaching

2
 Introduced Responsive Classroom approach, which was adopted
schoolwide

Additional Teaching Experience_________________________________ ________________

08/08 07/10 In-House Supply Teacher

Saint Agnes School Saint Paul, MN
Worked full-time in all classrooms grades K-12
Tutored individual students during after school program

08/96 07/99 Special Education Assistant Grades 3 and 4

Ramsey Elementary School Minneapolis, MN
Worked full-time, one-on-one with students in an inclusive autism
program
Developed personalized learning plans for students diagnosed with
autism
Coached life skills (e.g., interpersonal communication, following a
schedule, developing fine motor skills)

Professional Development_______________________________________________________

Classroom Technology
Google Classroom Training, 2016
Smart Board Training, 2013, 2014
Promethean Board Training, 2010

English Language Arts

English Language Arts Academy, 2014-2017
Lucy Calkins Readers and Writers Workshop (24 hours), 2015
Lucy Calkins Readers and Writers Workshop (24 hours), 2011, 2012

Mathematics
Mental Math Workshop, 2015, 2016
Math Workshop Training, 2014-2016
Math Review Training, 2013, 2014
Five Easy Steps, which is math intervention for students who are not
yet proficient, 2013, 2014
Everyday Mathematics Workshop, 2013, 2014

Science
Grade 4 Science Academy, 2016, 2017
Grade 1 Science Academy, 2014-2016

Diversity and Equity

Collaborative Action Research for Equity (CARE) Team Training,
which develops data driven plans to help at-risk, minority students

3
 succeed, 2013, 2014
Beyond Diversity Training, 2012-2014
AVID, which is an in-school organizational and academic support
program that prepares students for college eligibility and success,
2012-2014

Classroom Culture
Mindfulness Workshop, 2016
Como Woodlands Outdoor Classroom and School Training, 2013
Responsive Classroom Workshop (40 hours), 2010

Leadership Experience__________________________________________________________

Leader of Student Solving Committee - Grades 4 and 5, 2016, 2017

Leader of Professional Learning Committee, 2015, 2016

In-School Committee Service_____________________________________________________

Curriculum Committee, which developed and implemented a new

literature program that incorporated literature circles, writing journals
and new classroom books, 2015-present
English Language Arts Committee, working collaboratively with all
grade levels to align curriculum for grades K-6, 2014-present
Search and interview committee for new school principal, 2016
Search and interview committee for new classroom and specialist
teachers, 2016
Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports, 2010-2013
Collaborative Action Research for Equity (CARE) Team, 2010-2013
Social Committee, 2010-2013
School Intervention Team, 2010-2013

Extracurricular School Activities_________________________________________________

Afterschool Program Teacher, 2009-present

Ski Club Coordinator, 2016-2017
One-on-One Weekly Mentoring Program Mentor, 2016-2017
Yearbook Coordinator, 2010-2011
Head Junior Varsity Coach, 2010
Varsity Football Coach, 2009-2010

Additional Professional Experience_______________________________________________

08/03 05/08 Account Manager

Clear Channel and KFAN Radio Minneapolis, MN
Generated marketing plans for key clients
Established and maintained relationships with media partners

4
02/00 07/03 News and Sports Director
KNIA/KRLS Radio Des Moines, IA
Directed news and sports departments
Hosted morning, noon and evening newscasts

Interests______________________________________________________________________

Traveling
Hiking, biking, running, fitness
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing
Drawing, writing

References____________________________________________________________________

Beth OBrien Principal Richford Elementary #802-848-7442

Doug Kussius Former Principal Richford Elementary #802-848-7442
Jay Nichols Superintendent Franklin Northeast #802-848-7661
Supervisory Union
Celeste Carty Principal Crossroads Elementary #651-767-8540

5
 Westminster Community Schools
Doug Kussius, Principal
Patricia Adams, Administrative Assistant
www.wnesu.com/wcs
April 20, 2017

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this letter with my highest recommendation for Zachary Brain as a teacher within your
school. I had the honor of being Zachs principal for his first two years at Richford Elementary School
and found his skill and care at teaching students was matched only by his ability to be a positive and
influential colleague.

Zach is patient, welcoming, and true with students, staff, and parents. He is proactive in classroom
management and never betrays a childs trust. He was always consistent, fair, and firm and his students
loved him for it. He was one of the few teachers on staff who would take a duty free lunch just to go
and play with his students at recess.

Zach always posts clear I Can statements and makes it a point to ensure students know the learning
objective and he constantly checks in with them to help them learn how to self evaluate their progress at
meeting the targets. As focused on learning standards as he is, he also found ways to make it a fun and
vibrant roomcreating wonderful experiments, dressing up as book characters, and honoring each
student for the individual human they are.

As strong as a teacher as Zach is, he is just as a good a colleague and teacher leader. In my tenure his
PLC team went through some significant turmoil through which he proved to be the glue that held them
together and kept them focused and professional.

When Zach asked me to write this letter I asked him if he was sure he didnt want to move to Southern
Vermont instead. I would love to have a chance to work with him again and you will not regret hiring
him. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do to further his candidacy.

Sincerely,

Doug Kussius
Principal Westminster Community Schools
Doug.kussius@wnesu.com
802-376-7312

Westminster Center School Westminster West School

301 School St. Westminster, VT 05158 3724 Westminster West Rd. Putney, VT 05346
(802) 722-3241 fax (802) 722-9536 (802) 387-5756
 Richford Elementary School
Beth OBrien, Principal
Kathrine Pogharian, Assistant Principal

Michelle Weed, Guidance Counselor

____________________________________________________________________________________________
1 Elementary School Road TEL: 802-848-7453 FAX: 802-848-7720
Richford, Vermont 05476
April 13, 2017

To Whom It May Concern:

It saddens me to write a letter recommendation on behalf of Zachary Brain. Mr. Brain currently
teaches ELA to all fourth graders at Richford Elementary School. He is a highly organized
person who is always well prepared and willing to do what is necessary to complete the task.

Mr. Brain has been an effective instructor who has been a true asset to our school community
and will be deeply missed by everyone. He understands that building strong relationships with
students is essential, and seeks opportunities to interact with students and families in different
ways. You will often see him on the playground after school and at recess playing with students
when he is not on duty. We needed someone to coordinate our ski program this year. Mr. Brain
and his teaching partner stepped up to take on the challenge. Mr. Brain has done an exceptional
job in this role. Flexibility is a key attribute to any professional working in a small rural
elementary school. Mr. Brain has always been willing to change his plans to accommodate both
the needs of the students and staff.

Teaching writing is a definite strength for him, which is evidenced by the fact that his students
have shown considerable growth in the area of writing this year. Mr. Brain also realizes that
effective educators are life long learners that have responsibilities in addition to classroom
teaching. He has been an active participant in his ELA Professional Learning Community (PLC)
for the past couple of years, which has provided the opportunity to develop facilitation and
collaborative skills. Mr. Brain and his team work on designing and analyzing formative
assessments to drive instruction in their classrooms.

Mr. Brain is a team player who is conscientious about meeting the wide array of needs of his
students. I feel that the positive qualities that I have listed above would be assets to him in any
teaching position, and therefore, recommend him without reservation. Our loss will be your gain.
Please give him every consideration. If you require any further information, please feel free to
contact me.
.
Sincerely,

Beth F. OBrien
 FRANKLIN NORTHEAST SUPERVISORY UNION
Post Office Building, P.O. Box 130, 80 Main Street, Richford, Vermont 05476
Tel: (802) 848-7661/Fax: (802) 848-3531

April 17, 2017

Jay Nichols
Superintendent
To Whom It May Concern:

Shirley Carlson
Director Zach Brain has asked me to write him a general letter of recommendation. It is my
Special Programs
pleasure to do so. Mr. Brain has been a teacher at Richford Elementary School (RES) for
the past three years. As Superintendent of Franklin Northeast Supervisory Union, RES is
Morgan Daybell one of the schools I oversee. I have been in Mr. Brains classroom numerous times and
Business Manager
have also worked with him in other aspects of his teaching responsibility. He is a
dedicated professional who establishes positive relationships with students and
Dominic DeRosia
colleagues.
Director
Technology

Zach understands the importance of continuous improvement in his teaching and tries to

Jennifer Kennison instill this same value into his students. We are disappointed that he is moving too far
Co-Director away to continue teaching at RES. Our loss will be your gain, should you hire him. Please
Instruction
and Learning give his application your utmost consideration as he is someone we want educating
children at the elementary levels. He is a kind, caring, and nurturing teacher.

Jamie McAllister
Coordinator If you have any questions or would like to discuss his application further, please do not
Human Resources
hesitate to contact me via phone at (802)848-7661 or via email at jnichols@fnesu.net.

Yours in education,
Robin Trushaw
Assistant Director
Special Programs

Jay Nichols
Jody Vaillancourt
Co-Director
Instruction
and Learning

Bakersfield Berkshire Enosburgh Montgomery Richford