CURRICULUM VITAE

Melissa Dertian

Theatre Teacher, Stage Director & Designer, Curriculum Developer

Teaching Experience

American School of Dubai, UAE

High School Theatre, Technical Theatre, Public Speaking

2021 - current

~Developer of Advanced HS Theatre courses aligned to NCAS standards

~High School Main Stage & Musical director

~Artist in Residence facilitator

~International Thespian Society Troupe leader

~International Thespian Festival chaperone

~Dubai Short & Sweet director

~Senior Fine Arts coach & Festival host

~International INSPIRE Trip leader

~ASD ARTS Instagram creator

American Community School of Abu Dhabi, UAE

IB Theatre, HS Performance & Technical Theatre

2013 - 2020

~Developer of five HS Theatre courses aligned to NCAS standards using Understanding by Design

~Pioneer of Higher Level IB Theatre

~High School Main Stage & Musical director

~Performing Arts Learning Leader

~IB Examiner, Extended Essay, and CAS mentor

~Forensics & Senior Fine Arts coach

~CNN #Myfreedomday ACS Arts coordinator

~High School Principal Search Committee member

~Arts Curriculum Adoption Committee member

~Senior Fine Arts Festival host

~London & Thailand Arts Trip developer

~International Service Learning Trips chaperone

~New York University Abu Dhabi Art Center ACS Arts coordinator

Stratford High School, South Carolina, U.S.A.

High School Theatre

2004- 2013

~Teacher of Theatre 1, 2, 3 Honors, 4 Honors

~High school performances & musical director

~Fine Arts Department Head

~Theatre Club advisor

~Touring Puppetry Company director

~New York and Greece Trip developer

~District Lead Teacher in Theatre

~Fundraiser organizer

~Arts Gifted & Talented Summer Program instructor

Education

Roosevelt University, Chicago, IL

Masters of Arts in Theatre, 2012

1998 - 2004

Theatre, Secondary Education, Spanish, Religious Studies

Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, 2003

2009 - 2012

Theatre Education, Directing

Certifications

~National Board Certification Renewal, Communication Arts, 2018

~National Board Certification, Communication Arts, 2009

~IB Theatre— Examiner, Online, 2016

~IB Theatre— Category 2/3, London 2014, Category 1, Online, 2013

~South Carolina Professional Certificate, Theatre, Spanish 2006

~South Carolina Initial Certificate, Speech & Drama, Spanish 2004

Defining Attributes

Reflecting on my experiences as a Theatre teacher since 2004, a few defining attributes came to mind.

I am INCLUSIVE. I believe that there is a place for everyone in Theatre that will utilize and challenge their skillset.

I GROW PROGRAMS. In my previous schools I have increased the number of students interested in taking Theatre classes as well as increased the course offerings for Theatre. I expanded visibility of the Arts program within the schools and communities.

We HAVE FUN together. Students are eager to join and willing to work hard when they are having fun. Whether we are in the classroom, onstage rehearsing, or backstage preparing, smiles and laughter are plentiful.

I seek COLLABORATION and OPPORTUNITIES for students. I developed partnerships between high school students and younger students to the benefit of both groups. I am an enthusiastic supporter of students and colleagues outside of the classroom. I work with other departments, schools, universities, organizations to build opportunities for students.

I pursue PROFESSIONAL GROWTH. I am a lifelong learner inside and outside the classroom.

I am ADAPTIVE. Transitioning from a US public school with over 2,800 students to a private International high school with 370 students has taught me the value of adapting and revising. I bring a foundation of balanced budgets and engaging standards based education to every classroom.