Thomas Puhr Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Il, Us

River Forest, Illinois, United States

-Created and proposed undergraduate English course, CRWS 105-19: No Time Like the Present-Developed and aligned course-specific learning goals with departmental and institutional objectives-Designed lesson plans and utilized various assessment methods to enhance student learning outcomes-Promoted student engagement with diverse texts and effective communication in both written and oral forms

Chicago, Illinois, United States

-Edited articles for scholarly journal I Tatti Studies, ensuring adherence to journal guidelines and Chicago-style formatting-Managed editorial workflow from initial editing to final proofing and pagination

Maywood, Illinois, United States

-Partnered with a special education instructor to co-teach two classes, integrating diverse teaching strategies to support various learning needs-Designed and implemented comprehensive lesson plans for up to 35 students, ensuring alignment with ACT and SAT standards; regularly updated scope and sequence, course syllabi, textbook lists, and assessments to reflect current educational standards-Created and adapted assessments to cater to a diverse student population, including those with special education needs, enhancing individual learning outcomes-Administered and proctored standardized tests, contributing to the school's assessment and evaluation processes-Taught and assessed core English skills including reading, writing, grammar, and the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing); developed and graded MLA-formatted research essays for grades 11-12-Developed and graded final exams and various assessments, utilizing Schoology and PowerSchool for attendance and grading-Regularly communicated with parents via email to provide updates on student progress; participated in parent-teacher conferences twice annually-Engaged in ongoing professional development, including training for AP Lang and AP Research courses; actively participated in departmental meetings to set and achieve common goals-Volunteered for school events such as homecoming parades and graduation ceremonies, and served on an interview panel for NHS applicants-Supported school community initiatives by assisting in homecoming parade preparations and helping graduates with their commencement arrangements

Bristol, England, United Kingdom

-Led a team of over 30 writers to ensure the production of high-quality, consistent content across all magazine issues-Sourced and recruited both emerging and established writers to contribute to the magazine, expanding the pool of talent and diversifying content-Developed and distributed detailed memos on monthly themes, editorial guidelines, and available screeners, ensuring clear communication and adherence to publication standards-Independently proofread and published articles, maintaining high editorial standards and accuracy-Created, edited, and disseminated content across social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) to engage readers and promote magazine content-Partnered with the magazine’s founder to co-host The Big Picture Podcast, leveraging the growing popularity of podcasts to reach and engage a broader audience

River Forest, Illinois, United States

-Designed and proposed the undergraduate seminar course LAS 203: Life in the Natural World, including the development of course-specific learning objectives and alignment with broader academic outcomes-Crafted and implemented course content that encouraged students to engage with diverse texts, connect ideas across different contexts, and articulate well-supported responses to guiding questions; emphasized effective communication in both oral and written formats-Integrated Restorative Justice Peace Circles into the curriculum, applying training received during the 2021-22 school year to foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment-Delivered a presentation at the school-wide conference Caritas and Veritas Day, sharing insights and research with the academic community

Chicago, Illinois, United States

-Sat on hiring committee for all 3 rounds of interviews for open principal position in summer of 2021-Advised the administrative team and members of the department on issues of curriculum and instruction-Evaluated and oversaw updating of scope and sequence, UbD units, course syllabi, textbook lists, assessments, and assessment data-Aligned unit plans with both ACT and SAT standards-Aided in the scheduling of teachers and assisted in selecting candidates for new Assistant Principal-Designed and led monthly department meetings-Maintained the department’s budget and materials-Initiated and led new elective course proposals for senior students-Initiated Resurrection’s induction into the National English Honor Society and co-chaired the department’s chapter-Participated in biweekly academic council meetings with Principal, Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, and other department chairs-Assisted with developing hybrid learning model for 2020-2021 school year

Chicago, Illinois, United States

-Developed, planned, and organized lesson plans for morning and afternoon, block-schedule classes of up to 27 students in a 1:1 setting-Taught and evaluated a student teacher during spring of 2021-Taught hybrid learning, with up to 30 students simultaneously in class and remote-Moderated Yearbook (once-a-week, after school course) by assigning student editors, tracking and grading progress, and communicating with Balfour publishing-Modified tests and assessments for students with accommodations, with support from the Student Services department-Created, edited, and published online platform for The Banner, Resurrection’s student newspaper-Tutored all grade levels in Resurrection’s “Think Tank” study hall-Effectively utilized lesson plan format to emphasize long- and short-term goals and assessment-Used formal and informal assessment to improve instruction and increase learning-Created differentiated assessments for a diverse student population, including special education students-Aligned lesson plans and assessments with ACT readiness standards-Administered and proctored Aspire practice ACT-Taught reading, writing, and grammar skills, the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing)-Wrote, administered, and graded final exams for grades 10-12-Taught, revised, and graded MLA-formatted research essays for grades 10-12-Took part in parent-teacher conferences twice a year, both in-person and remotely-Contacted parents regularly (by email) to update them on students’ progress-Took attendance and entered grades using SDS, Schoology, and PowerSchool platforms-Chaperoned events outside of school hours: fall and spring student plays, homecoming, prom-Attended weekly English departmental meetings to create UBD, standard-aligned units for grades 9-12-Attended 6 professional development seminars at Resurrection and 1 off campus

Niles, Illinois, United States

-Founded and published the first annual literary magazine for the middle school-Held after-school tutoring sessions with ESL students from China, Korea, and Spain-Developed, planned, and organized lesson plans for morning and afternoon classrooms of up to 28 students-Effectively utilized lesson plan format to emphasize long- and short-term goals and assessment-Used formal and informal assessment to improve instruction and increase learning-Created differentiated assessments for a diverse student population, including special education students-Aligned lesson plans and assessments with Common Core Standards (reading, writing, speaking)-Taught basic reading, writing, and grammar skills, the writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising, editing)-Wrote, administered, and graded final exams for all middle school English and Language Arts classes-Proctored middle school and high school study halls-Was a proctor and judge for the middle school “Museum Fair”-Taught, revised, and graded MLA-formatted research essays for grade 8 end-of-year projects -Took part in two parent-teacher conference sessions throughout the year-Contacted parents regularly (by phone and email) to update them on students’ progress-Took attendance and entered grades using edline-Moderated several activity periods during school hours: creative writing, strategy games, writing lab, and debate-Chaperoned and coordinated 3-4 school events and field trips throughout the year, including trips to the Cantigny Military Museum, The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Naper Settlement, and The Art Institute of Chicago -Drove school mini-bus and chaperoned middle school overnight retreat with sixth-eighth graders and their fathers-Held monthly advising meetings with 8-10 students throughout the school year, regarding their academic progress

Master Of Arts - Ma, Linguistics

Activities and Societies: -Graduate Merit Tuition Scholarship, 2016 -“High Pass” Score for Thesis Defense -Graduated Summa Cum Laude

Bachelor Of Arts (Ba), English And Secondary Education

Activities and Societies: -National Council of Teachers of English, Member 2013-present -Sigma Tau Delta, International English Honor.