TAYLOR CLELAND

Tucson, AZ | (520) 307-0454 | tdcleland@gmail.com |

Teaching Portfolio: https://tdcleland.wixsite.com/teacher

As a professional screenwriter and Northwestern University graduate, I aim to bring my expertise in writing,
media literacy, and the first-generation college experience to the classroom. A Tucson native from a low-income
childhood home, I am particularly passionate about using creative and group-centered work to foster independence,
collaboration, and a joy for learning in students of all achievement levels.

EDUCATION
MEd in Secondary Education: English Expected May 2019
University of Arizona, Teach Arizona Program Tucson, AZ
Honors and Awards: Teacher’s Academy Teaching Fellow

Cum Laude BA in Radio/Television/Film, Minor in Art History June 2013

Northwestern University, School of Communications Evanston, IL
Honors and Awards: Ryan Scholar, Summer Internship Grant Recipient, Undergraduate Research Grant Recipient,
Outstanding Achievement in French Composition, Student Film Chair, QuestBridge Semi-Finalist, National Merit Scholar

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE

Student Teacher – GATE English 9/Western Civilization
Pueblo High School, Tucson, AZ August 2018 — present
• Use of analysis projects, student-led research, and creative assignments to strengthen students’ application of
learning to both historical and contemporary media while fostering collaboration and independence
• Use data (including formative assessments) to adjust teaching techniques, close skill gaps, and elevate students
• Conduct a data-driven literacy intervention to bring students from ‘proficient’ to ‘mastery’ in essay writing
• Create engaging lessons that allow low-skill and ELL students access while challenging high-skill overachievers
Assistant Coach
Academic Decathlon, Canyon Del Oro High School, Tucson, AZ August 2016 – February 2017, August 2018 - present
• Coach students on content and performance, including public speaking and study skills
• Manage team personalities (multiple ED/504 members) and model conflict-resolution and tolerance skills
• Assist in event prep, volunteer coordination, volunteer training, team travel coordination, and event scoring
Freelance Screenwriter and Writing Coach
Various, Los Angeles, CA & Remote August 2014 — present
• Research, organize, and write assigned educational 1-hour podcast scripts within a larger themed curriculum
• Provide development, structure, and grammatic feedback on client scripts, resulting in improved writing skills and
client selection in contests, fellowships, and agency applications
Academic Tutor & Mentor
Chicago, IL & Suburbs September 2009 — June 2013
• Designed and implemented a 6-week summer math academy to close previous learning gaps, resulting in successful
completion of pre-calculus and calculus courses for 12 first generation college-bound students
• Created scaffolded intervention lessons to support ELL 4th grade math learners, resulting in below level students
graduating on level with their peers and expressing confidence in math
• Worked with various non-profits to empower primarily Latino and African American youth through tutoring, test
prep, identity development, and reflection skills, resulting in higher confidence and increased peer advocacy

SKILLS
Computer: MS Office, Google Suite, Email, Mac and PC OS, Adobe Photoshop
Topic Specialties: Media Literacy, Hero’s Journey, History of Theater, Contemporary Literature, Creative Writing
Additional Teaching Skills: Applications, Grant Writing, Scholarships, College Readiness, Test Prep
Languages: Highly Proficient French, Basic to Intermediate Korean, Basic Spanish