Denise L. Thrasher

9911 N150 W
Lake Village, IN 46349
219-992-9018
[email protected]

Objective

Seeking a position as principal in a school system that is truly concerned with what is best for students and that uses data to set the path to student achievement.

 

Certification

·        Indiana 5-12 Rules 46-47 French, English, U. S. History

·        Indiana Certified Mentor Rules 2002 (through 2009)

·        K-12 School Administration

 

Beliefs

·         All students are capable of achieving, but for some students the school must work especially hard to convince them of their abilities. Schools must be places that are safe and at the same time be places that encourage students to reach out of their comfort zones.

·         Schools are members of communities and students will achieve more when the community is an active partner in the educational process and the schools are active members of the community.

·         School climate and culture are important to student learning. School leaders must work to create a positive collegial atmosphere that promotes collaboration. Additionally, decisions and actions must be focused on what is best for the students.

·         The standards movement is changing education. Administrators and teachers must be part of and help lead that change by inviting all stake-holders to have their voices heard in a collaborative atmosphere. Further, all must evaluate what they do and use data, best practices and reflection to lead their way. Professional development is a vital component to school reform and individual growth.

 

Teaching Experience

·        1992-current North Newton Jr./Sr. High School
Teacher: French 1-5, English & U.S. History
Honors/AP

·         1992-1993 Donovan Sr. High School, Illinois
French 1 & 2 (Half-day)

·         1988-1992 Seeger Memorial High School
Teacher: English, World History and French
1-4

 

Teaching Portfolio

http://online.indwes.edu/MEDOL07/denise.thrasher/

 

Extracurricular Activities
Positions held at various times throughout teaching career
French Club
Speech Team Advisor
Varsity Cheerleading
Class sponsor: Freshman and Sophomore
Academic Team Coach: Decathlon, Spell Bowl and Hoosier Academic Super Bowl

 

Additional Experience

·        Chair NCA (North Central Accreditation)

·        Chair PL 221 School Improvement

·        Board of Examiners National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

·        EPA Training and Committee

·        Assisted with district elementary schools' PL 221 plans

·        Mentor under Rules 2002

·        Mentor Rules 46-47

·        School Improvement Workshops/Quality Schools Conference Atlanta, GA

·        Negotiation and Bargaining Training

·        Introduction to Baldrige Workshops

·        Data analysis & NCA Data Management

·        School Building Level PBA Committees and Steering Committee

·        School Handbook Committee

·        District Professional Development/Steering Committee

·        Curriculum Writing and alignment:
English (7-12)
Foreign Language (8-12)
Technology (K-12),
Social Studies (HS)

·        Curriculum Mapping (Course Work, training & coordinator)

·        Grant Writing Training

·         Tech Prep/Career Education training

·         Reviewer for Indiana English Standards

·         Technology Committee: Assisted in the writing of plans, updating of plans and overseeing the implementation and decision making progress

·         Textbook adoption committees

Presenter

·         Summer Computer Workshops

·         Software and hardware instruction for staff during the school year

·         School improvement in-services including curriculum mapping, PL221, and NCA

Additional Leadership Positions

·        Board of Directors Indiana State Teachers Association

·        CO-President North Newton Education Association

·        Chief-Negotiator North Newton Education Association

·        District Council Chair Indiana State Teachers Association

·        CO-Chair Indiana State Teachers Association Scholarship Committee

·        Chair Board Management Committee - Indiana State Teachers Association (CEO evaluation)

 

Volunteer Positions/Experiences

·        K-1 Transition Phonics Teacher - DOD Schools Germany

·        GED Tutor/ Tutor

·        After-School English/U.S. History Class for students to make up a credit

·        Political Campaign work

 

Education (Transcripts available on request)

·        2004-2005 Indiana Wesleyan Principal Licensure Program

·        Served Internship & developed portfolio

·        Passed School Leadership Exam January 2005

·        2002-2003 Indiana Wesleyan M.Ed.

·        2002 Indiana University Curriculum Mapping

·        2000 Illinois Wesleyan University - AP U.S. History

·        1995 - 1998 (Summers) Ball State University - AP English Literature, English Language and Composition, AP Assessment

·        1988-89 Purdue University Calumet (Teacher Education)

·        1987 University of Maryland BA

 

Interests
Computers, gardening, reading, oil painting, traveling, exercising
spending time with family

References

Academic

·        Linda Anderson: Director of Student Services North Newton Jr./Sr. High School, 219-285-2252

·        Mark Gianfermi: Principal North Newton Jr./Sr. High School, Mentor Principal Leadership Program, 219-285-2252

·        Dr. George Marzotto: Principal Mishawaka High School,  1-574.254.7323 or 1-254-876-2091

·        Dale Osburn - Assistant Principal North Newton Jr./Sr. High School, 219-285-2252

·        Dr. Larry Lindsay, Chairman

      Graduate Studies in Leadership, Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Program,765-677-2894

Community

·        Rep. Robert D. Kuzman:  State House of Representatives-Law Office (219) 793-9300