Joseph Wheeler has over 20 years of experience as a special education and English teacher in Detroit-area public schools. He has a master's degree in special education and certifications in English and speech. He is highly knowledgeable in all areas of special education and has experience teaching English/language arts at all secondary grade levels. Throughout his career, he has implemented research-based teaching strategies to improve student achievement, such as differentiated instruction and cooperative learning. He has also coached other teachers and helped schools improve their test scores.

1. Joseph C. Wheeler, M.Ed.
18837 Hilton Drive, Southfield, MI 48075
(313)221-4545 | jcawheeler@gmail.com
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
• Highly knowledgeable in all areas of Special Education i.e. LD l EI l CI l Autism
• Professional Certification (State of Michigan) English (BA) Speech (BD) w/ Highly Qualified Status
• Over twenty years teaching experience 9 as contracted English Teacher
• Prepares for diverse/inclusive classrooms via experience/practicum in Special Education
• Curriculum Analyzer/Developer l Data-driven curriculum expertise
• Urban Public Schools Background w/ superb Analytical l Critical Thinking l Reasoning l Organizational (Skills)
• Experiences teaching English/Language Arts at all secondary grade levels (6–12)
• Differentiated Reading/Writing Instructional Specialist
• Professional Actor
EDUCATION:
Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, AZ Master Special Education: GPA 3.8/4.0 (Online) 2009
University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI Instruction/Curriculum: 41/44 Credits 1995
University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI Teacher Certification: English (BA) Speech (BD) 1995
Oakland University, Rochester Hill, MI Bachelor of Arts: English /Theater 1990
EXPERIENCE:
Drama Teacher (HQ) Grades 6-8 Old Redford Academy Middle School, Det. MI 1991 – Present
• Design and implement Drama curriculum and program with a focus on informational text
English Teacher (HQ) Grades 6-10 Global Educational Excellence, Det. MI 2014 -- 2016
• Teach writing to ESL/ELL children in diverse climate using several prominent research-
based strategies
e.g. SIOP (Sheltered Intervention Observation Protocol) ILC (Intervention Learning Cycles) successfully
• Develop classroom procedures strategies to promote good behavior/professionalism
• Create lessons and plans that are aligned with state/national standards
English/Drama Teacher (HQ) Grades 9 - 12 Detroit Public Schools, MI 2011 – 2014
• Motivated interest by using leadership, technology, modified lesson plans to accommodate individual needs
• Implemented pre/post assessment tests to measure students strengths/weaknesses
• Integrated differentiated instruction with cooperative learning into lesson to create concept boards
• Introduced students to fundamentals of Drama e.g. Stage Direction Voice & Diction to perform monologues
English Teacher (HQ) Grades 6 - 12 Detroit Public Schools, MI 2009 – 2011
• Captivated interest w/ lecture topic on good vs evil via pros/cons discourse about Early American Civilization
• Invoked pupils critical thinking to synthesize information from various sources to create essay
• Assigned to implement Project MMAMA to improve handwriting including that of diagnosed child
Building/Long-Term Substitute (HQ) Grades K–12 Detroit Public Schools, MI 2005 – 2009
• Controlled highly challenged climates without incident by using learned, created techniques
• Requested by principal to coach faculty on the use ‘Sign & Recognize’ for better class management
• Called upon for consent to use Project MMAMA in DPS grant proposal to continue receiving state funding
Language Arts Teacher (HQ) Grade 6 Detroit Public Schools, MI 2003 – 2005
• Analyzed/interpreted state test scores (GLCE); collaborated with faculty to devise strategies to achieve
success across curriculums (School Improvement Team)
• Achieve high rate of parent involvement; queried by school district to consider expansive use of method
• Highlighted in school newspaper for facilitating classes with respect; article written by Principal
• Executed curriculum (Open Court) by modifying lessons/plans that lead to improved state test scores
Long-Term Substitute (HQ) Social Studies Grade 7 Detroit Public Schools, MI 2002 – 2003

2. • Referred by principal to teach at Halley Magnet Middle School a feeder to Detroit’s high-achieving schools
e.g. Renaissance High School a school that many of my Home Room students attended
RELATED TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
Independent Contract Tutor Learning Disability Clinic Oak Park, MI 2009 – 2010
Affiliations & Accomplishments
• Notary Public since 1992
• Member of Kappa Delta Pi International Education Honor Society
• Volunteer Manager District 14 Congress Office Protect Working Families Proposal campaign
• Improved MEAP scores successfully implementing curriculum reading/writing program
• Created/implemented career-long research-based program using Boom’s Taxonomies
Project MMAMA (More Motivational Activity More Achievement) in areas of Reading/Writing &
Neural Plasticity w/ laudable results in diverse settings including Lynne Master’s Learning
Disability Clinic to improve children’s academic skills
• School Improvement Team Emerson Elementary Middle School/Noble Middle School
• Referred and elected to teach at Hally Magnet Middle School (former DPS Honor School)
• Member of National Council for Teachers of English
• Volunteer Supporter of Don Bosco Hall w/ Project Standing T.A.L.L. (Theater Academics &
Learning Language) w/ Earnest E. Maddox et al
• Successfully spearheaded proposal adopted to aid minorities acceptance into School of
Engineering Oakland University (OU) minorities are now winning national awards in engineer
• OU Gospel Choir l Theater l Drama Club l Starting Guard for intramural championship
basketball team l Treasurer/V.P. & President of prominent student organization l Member of
President’s Club w/ University President Joe Champagne