Michele Ratcliffe

Illinois

With a license in elementary education and middle school endorsements in mathematics and social studies I am particularly interested in utilizing my education, experiences, and skills in a middle school or junior high school setting.

My positive, outgoing personality and my passion for teaching have brought me to a career that I am truly proud to be a part of. I can honestly say that each day I'm enthusiastic and excited for what my day at school will bring me. My teaching assistant, student teaching, and subbing experiences have enabled me to develop a special rapport with middle school students. As a teaching assistant and substitute teacher, I have developed the classroom management skills needed to effectively communicate and cooperate with these age levels. As a long term substitute teacher covering an FLMA leave for one semester, I have had the opportunity to create a positive and nurturing classroom environment at the beginning of the school year, help plan curriculum, attend meetings regarding Common Core Standards, and execute engaging lesson plans. These combined experiences have given me the skills and attributes necessary to be an outstanding teacher!

I am not a traditional teacher candidate. I originally had a career in customer service and then made the decision to stay home to raise my two sons. I became actively involved in my sons' school and realized how much I enjoyed working with school-aged children. After working as a teacher assistant for four years, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career as a middle school teacher. I thoroughly enjoy working with middle school students and feel that my own experiences as a student increase my rapport with my students.

My teaching experience includes:

  • Long term substitute 7th and 8th Grade math at Bednarcik Junior High School.
  • Part time 7th Grade math teacher at Wredling Middle School.
  • Long term substitute for one semester in an 8th grade mathematics classroom at Plank Junior High School.
  • Substitute teaching in school districts 308 and 202.
  • One-on-one Language Arts and Mathematics tutor.
  • Student taught three 80-minute blocks in a 7th grade mathematics classroom at Drauden Point Middle School.
  • Three years as a Teacher Assistant at Plank Junior High School.
  • One year as a first grade One-to-One Inclusion Aide for Arbor View School.