Resume
Amanda Star
2013 W Morse | Chicago, Illinois 60645 | 312.217.0808 | Astar@CPS.EDU | www.amandastar.com
I am an educator who has dedicated myself to a lifetime of learning with the intent to instill an intellectual curiosity in my students via a process of inquiry, rigor, and a growth mindset. My belief is that by creating a classroom culture of unity and inclusion, all students can and will succeed. In every task I undertake, I bring with me a wealth of life experience, diligence, and compassion.
Certification
Professional Educator License (PEL)/2011
Type 03 Elementary Education (Self Contained General Education)
Middle School Social Studies
National Board Certified Teacher, Generalist-Early Childhood/2023
Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1)/ 2024
Education
University of St. Francis, Joliet, Illinois
Master of Science in Education - Teaching & Learning with concentration in Best Practices/2021 - 2023
Honors: summa cum laude
DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education /2008 - 2011
Honors: magna cum laude *Member, Golden Key Honors Society
Teaching Experience
Primary Classroom Teacher, Nicholson STEM Academy (1st, 2nd), 2018 - present
Planning and delivering lessons utilizing the Skyline curriculum that meets the needs of all learners
Assessing student progress and imputing MTSS data into Branching Minds
Communicating with parents and families via Remind, phone, and updating school website page
Collaborating with other teachers and school staff during grade level meetings and various committees
Participating in professional development far beyond requirements
Promoting social and emotional development using Second Step and Calm Classroom
Substitute Teacher in Chicago Public Schools, September 2011 - 2017
Walt Disney Magnet School, Cadre’ substitute grades pre-K - 8th, fall 2016 - 2017
George B. Armstrong International Studies, Cadre’ substitute pre-K – 8th, spring 2014, 2014-2015 SY
Stone Scholastic Academy, day-to-day substitute grades K-8, fall 2012 – spring 2014
Luther Burbank Elementary, maternity leave, long term leave, day-to-day sub grades K-8, October 2011 – June 2012
Volunteer Positions
One Million Degrees, Chicago 2023 - present
OMD coach of Chicago Community College scholars providing support on their educational journey
Marwen Parent Advisory Board, Chicago 2016 - 2019
Planning/organization events to help support student growth and enrichment through art programming
Certification and Professional Development
2021, Google Certified Teacher Level 1 & Level 2
2011, Student Leadership Institute, Certificate of Leadership Development DePaul University
2011, VIRTUS (Child Protection Training), Archdiocese of Chicago, Illinois
2011, CRETE (Conflict Resolution Education in Teacher Education), CPDU – 30 hours
Recognitions and Awards
2011 Barbara Sizemore Multicultural Urban Professional Educator Award
2011 Student Teaching Scholarship from School of Education
2010 Cucich Memorial Endowed Scholarship
2008 - 2011 Illinois Education Foundation Scholar
2008 - 2011 Jeanette Rankin Scholar
2008 Recipient of Coca Cola Scholarship
2008 Illinois All-Star Academic Team