1. February 26, 2015
Superintendent
East Dubuque School District #119
100 School Road
East Dubuque, IL 61025
Hello Superintendent,
It was exciting to see that your school district has an opening for a high school English teacher in the upcoming 2015-2016 school year.
I am applying for that position and have attached my current resume for your review.
After earning a Bachelor degree from the University of Dubuque in 2001, I began my teaching career at Beckman JR/SR High School in Dyersville,
Iowa instructing grades 7 through 12, teaching several content courses. Briefly, these classes included 7th
grade English and Literature, Freshman
Honors, Sophomore English, and 12th
grade Advanced Literature and Communications. This range of classes enabled me to develop my teaching
skills, style and classroom management. I continued in that position for 9 years with great success.
For the last few years I held a teaching position at Anna B. Lawther Academy/Hillcrest in Dubuque Iowa while working on a Level II Instructional
Strategist BD/LD. Upon completion of this endorsement, I presently only need to have a 3 week internship and I am granted a license to teach Special
Education from the state of Iowa. If hired by your district, gaining an Illinois license will be the next phase of my education.
My combined experience with general and special students has made me an effective educator. I implement the Common Core Curriculum, research
based instructional strategies and a consistent classroom environment to help my students gain the skills and tools they need to be successful in their
futures. I am patient, caring and an insightful teacher who is always researching new and more efficient ways to enhance student learning. I cannot
imagine doing anything else with my life.
I am available at your convenience for an interview... happy for any opportunity to discussion my experience and my philosophy in education.
Thank you for your time and consideration!
Sincerely,
Kelly Derby
KELLY T. DERBY
40 Jenni St., Dubuque, IA • 563-581-3651 • kel4peace@gmail.com

2. KELLY T. DERBY
40 Jenni St., Dubuque, IA • 563-581-3651 • kel4peace@gmail.com
Objective
Highly qualified Middle/High School English teacher with motivation, strong dedication, and the ability to think outside the box, seeks to gain a full
time teaching position. The understanding of differentiated instruction, Common Core Curriculum and use of research based instructional strategies
enables student success.
Qualifications
• Iowa Teaching License
• Inquiry Based Learning
• Master Educator 5-12 English/Language Arts
• Project Based Approach
• Several years of teaching at Secondary level
• Common Core Curriculum
• Special Education experience
• Technology experience in classroom
Experience
08/2009 to 08/2014
Lawther Academy/Hillcrest, Dubuque, IA
Special Education Teacher
Developed Individual Educational Plans (IEP) designed to promote educational, physical and social development. Established and communicated
clear objectives for all lessons, units and projects to both students and parents. Wrote and presented documents for IEP conferences. Administered
the Iowa Basic Skills and MAP standardized tests. Enhanced lessons using Smart Board technology and computers. Encouraged students to be
understanding of others. Conducted small group and individual classroom activities with students based on differentiated learning needs.
Supervised field trips to local parks, fire stations and zoos. Supervised and trained 2-3 teaching assistants. Worked with an average of 12
students per class with Behavior and Emotional disorders.
08/2001 to 08/2009
Beckman JR/SR High School, Dyersville, IA
English Teacher
Presented all class material and policies accurately and clearly for 6-7 classes each semester. Used a variety of teaching methods such as
lectures, discussions and demonstrations. Met with parents and guardians to discuss students’ progress at least once per semester. Enforced
both classroom and administration policies and rules at all times. Established positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and
administrators. Encouraged discussion of class material to promote critical thinking. Participated in regular training courses to keep up-to-date
with new teaching methods and developments in the field. Incorporated engaging texts to enhance literacy skills and foster a fun and engaging
learning environment.
Education
University of Dubuque, Dubuque, IA
Bachelor of Science, Secondary Education-English, 2001
Coursework in Literature, Advanced Composition, Grammar,
Basic English courses, Speech, Media Literacy
St. Ambrose University, Davenport, IA
Master of Arts, Education, 2007
Training, Special Education Consultant K-12
Curriculum-Related Leadership
• Junior High Student Council Moderator, 3 years
• Implemented school initiatives such as Mix It Up week, and Read Across America
• 6 Trait Writing trained
• Project Based Learning Seminar
• Led teacher group for implementing more technology in classroom
• Moderator for Recording Studio club and Nature Club
• Developed and Implemented Junior High Talent Show to raise money for class field trips
Morningside College, Sioux City, IA
Special Education Endorsement, current
Working on an Instructional Strategist Level II BD/LD K-12.
Internship is only course left to complete certificate