Thomas Derr

Experience

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  Boys & Girls Club of Garfield

  May 2014 - May 2016

  Counselor

  Managed groups of 10-20 students from Kindergarten through 8th grade regarding tutoring, recreational and educational activities.Helped students with homework, planning activities related to art and education as well as assisting in personal development. Created fundraisers and participated in community events to fuel communal projects and expand after school programs.

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  Bergen Community College

  Sept 2014 - May 2016

  Academic Tutor

  Facilitated student learning in a variety of educational topics and helped them to develop stronger study habits as well as aiding in understanding and breaking down complex material.

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  Rutgers University - Newark

  Aug 2018 - Apr 2019

  Organizing and managing student appointments as well as carrying out appointments regarding resume construction, career decisions and internship inquiry. Collaborating with professional employers in hosting career fairs for university students. Planning, researching and organizing a Career Closet for Rutgers-Newark campus.Assisting in SOAR presentations and information sessions for incoming transfer students. Created, planned and implemented educational and social programming for residents on campus.Supervised 55 upperclassmen and graduate students.Developed mediation and conflict resolution skills, while enforcing and upholding university policy. Collaborated with various on-campus departments through event planning on campus.

  • Graduate Assistant, Career Development Center

    Oct 2018 - Apr 2019

  • Resident Assistant

    Aug 2018 - Dec 2018
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  Garfield Board of Education

  Nov 2018 - now

  - Design and develop engaging lesson plans and curriculum materials aligned with state standards and educational objectives. - Deliver dynamic and interactive lectures, discussions, and activities to facilitate student learning and comprehension. - Utilize multimedia tools, primary sources, and experiential learning opportunities to enhance engagement and retention.- Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of individual students, including those with diverse learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds.- Engage in extracurricular activities such as clubs, student organizations, and academic competitions to provide students with additional opportunities for enrichment and leadership development.- Pursue ongoing professional development opportunities to stay abreast of current trends, research, and best practices in history education such as participating in workshops, conferences, and training sessions to enhance teaching effectiveness and student outcomes. Show less

  • Social Studies Teacher

    Jun 2021 - now

  • Substitute Teacher

    Nov 2018 - Jun 2021
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  Passaic County Department of Cultural and Historic Affairs

  May 2019 - Nov 2019

  Museum Assistant

  At the Dey Mansion, I was responsible for a multitude of tasks surrounding both museum upkeep and guest education. Internally, I worked on cataloging and renumbering artifacts, museum displays, as well as helping to organize educational programming. Externally, I provided tours of the historic sites by serving as a font of knowledge. My main educational goal is to have visitors place themselves in the environment in which we are discussing as to formulate new point of views and have a better understanding of the historic moment in question. Show less

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  Bergen Community College

  Sept 2023 - now

  Adjunct Professor

  - Design and deliver courses in English at the college level, ensuring alignment with departmental goals, learning outcomes, and accreditation standards. - Providing engaging lectures, discussions, and activities to facilitate student learning and critical thinking.- Develop and revise course syllabi, assignments, and instructional materials to reflect current scholarship, pedagogical best practices, and industry trends.- Utilize technology and digital resources to enhance teaching and learning experiences, including learning management systems, multimedia tools, and online resources.- Design and administer assessments, including exams, papers, projects, and presentations, to evaluate student learning and achievement. - Provide constructive feedback and guidance to students to support their academic progress and skill development. Show less