1. Melissa J Towner
Phone: 608-807-7193
E-Mail: MelissaTowner228@gmail.com
Objective
To obtain a position that enables me to facilitate all student needs while respecting
diversity, teaching to all abilities and collaborating with students, staff and community.
Education
Spring 2014-Fall 2015 Edgewood College- Madison, WI
• Masters in Education- Adult Learning
• Plan to graduate December 2015 (Capstone Project approval pending)
Fall 2006-Spring 2007 Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI
· Teaching Internship
· Completed twelve graduate credits
Fall 2002-Spring 2006 Michigan State University – East Lansing, MI
· Bachelor of Arts in Deaf Education
· Graduation May 2006
Fall 2000-Spring 2002 Oakland Community College – Farmington Hills, MI
· General Education curriculum
· Completed two years in good standing
Certifications
· Deaf Education Certification – Grades K-12
· Elementary Education Certification – Grades K-5
· Language Arts Certification – Grades 6-8
Teaching Experience
Educational Assistant – Oregon School District
October 2009-June 2010 Netherwood Knoll Elementary School, Oregon, WI
· Responsible for student with special needs.
· Responsibilities include: daily catheterization, running small skill groups, overall
safety of student in transportation within and in between classrooms
Substitute Teacher – Middleton-Cross Plains School District
November 2008-August 2009
· Responsible for various classrooms, students and grade levels on a day to day basis.
3rd Grade Teacher- Howard County Public School Systems
August 2007-August 2008 Cradlerock School, Columbia, MD
· Assessed students through a variety of modes and models.
· Engaged students in a meaningful learning environment with hands on learning
· Initiated cooperative learning projects across all curricular areas.
· Worked closely with staff and parents to support all students.
Teaching Internship Experience
Special Education Placement – Grades K-5
January 8, 2007 – April 26, 2007 Spencer Elementary School, Brighton, MI
· Planned and implemented lessons in science, language arts, social studies and math for
HI students
· Worked with multiple students at various grade and ability levels simultaneously.

2. · Prepared and delivered science and social studies lessons and activities for a student with
ASD.
· Met unique communication needs of students with varying modes and abilities.
· Worked closely with ancillary staff members.
General Education Placement – 4th
Grade
September 5, 2006 – December 21, 2006 Spencer Elementary School, Brighton, MI
· Planned and implemented units in nutrition and social studies with home/school
connections
· Collaborated with fourth grade teachers to plan various social studies units.
· Created and administered appropriate assessments for units taught.
Teaching related work experience
January 2014-current: Center Stage Dance Company, Northville, MI
• Dance instructor/choreographer for students in grades 2-12
• Collaborate with staff to implement cohesive instruction across all classes
August 2008-September 2013: Kehl School of Dance Madison, WI
· Dance instructor in the disciplines of tap, jazz, contemporary, and ballet.
· Responsible for lesson plans and choreography for 25-30 classes on a weekly basis.
· Director/choreographer of multiple competitive dance groups.
· Attend various workshops and instructional seminars to enhance skills as an instructor.
August 2007-August 2008: Arabesque Dance Studio Columbia, MD
· Dance instructor in the disciplines of lyrical and pointe.
· Responsible for weekly lesson plans and collaborating with other studio staff.
August 2003 – June 2006: Living Arts Dance Studio Mason and Williamston, MI
· Dance instructor in the disciplines of tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and creative movement.
· Responsible for weekly lesson plans and training apprentices in all disciplines.
September 2003 – May 2004: Artist Fellows program through Michigan State University
· Worked under a grant through MSU, within public schools teaching dance in grades K-8.
· Responsible for lesson plans and collaborating with fellow employees at weekly
meetings.
Professional Development
· Chicago National Association of Dance Masters Teacher and Member July 2009
· Dance Masters of Wisconsin Certified Dance Teacher & Member Nov 2008
· Michigan Literacy Progress Profile (MLPP) certified grades 3-5 winter/spring 2007
· Writer’s Workshop (Lucy Calkins), trained in Brighton, MI 2007
· QRI workshop, trained in Brighton, MI Fall 2006
Technology Skills and Special Interests
· Proficient in the use of: power point, word, internet, electronic mail and digital media.
· Sign Language, Deaf culture and the Deaf community
· dance, creating & organizing
References

3. Jennifer Hiltbrand
Director/Owner of Kehl School of Dance
5117 Verona Rd.
Madison, WI 53711
Work # 608-819-6501
Cell # 608-239-5331
Lisa Shapiro
Director of Center Stage Dance Co.
43334 West Seven Mile Road Suite 250
Northville, MI 48167
Studio # 248-380-1666
Cell # 734-368-1893
Dan Rikli
Principal, Netherwood Knoll Elementary
School
276 Soden Dr.
Oregon, WI 53575
Work # (608) 835-4100
Email: DER@oregonsd.net
Christina Harris
Vice Principal, Netherwood Knoll
276 Soden Dr.
Oregon, WI 53575
Work # (608) 835-4100
Email: cjh3@oregonsd.net
Carrie Janes
Early Childhood Teacher, Netherwood Knoll
276 Soden Dr.
Oregon, WI 53575
Work # (608) 835-4100
Email: CEJ@oregonsd.net
Jennifer Parry
Teacher of the Deaf, Brighton Area Schools
2835 Apache Trail
Wixom, MI 48393
Work #810-299-4350
Cell #248-421-6458