Dr. Erik Kutz

• Oversight of the Special Education Department, managing a team composed of four special education teachers, three paraprofessionals, a social worker, a school nurse, and a school psychologist.
• Organization and facilitation of IEP, 504 plans, and other special education service meetings to ensure individualized educational needs are met through collaboration and strategic planning.
• Communication with parents and students to deliver personalized guidance on special education services for optimal student support.
• Coaching of general education and special education teachers in implementing effective co-teaching models to promote inclusive classroom environments.
• Coordination of homebound services for students requiring medical accommodations to maintain uninterrupted access to education.
• Active participation in the Instructional Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team, and Behavioral Health Team to drive school-wide initiatives; certified evaluator for teachers and principals and certified interpreter for IEP meetings in multilingual contexts.

• Oversaw and coordinated bilingual programs as Bilingual Coordinator, ensuring support for multilingual learners and promoting linguistic inclusivity.
• Managed special education cases to meet individual learning needs, collaborating with educators and families to ensure compliance with educational standards.
• Supervised student conduct and implemented disciplinary procedures as Dean of Students, fostering a positive and respectful school environment.
• Directed standardized testing operations as Test Supervisor, ensuring proper administration, compliance, and data accuracy.
• Facilitated credit recovery initiatives, enabling students to stay on track for graduation by providing tailored academic support.
• Delivered instruction in English, Spanish, and English as a Second Language (ESL), enhancing language proficiency among diverse student populations while cultivating an inclusive classroom atmosphere.

• Designed and delivered the online graduate-level course, Theoretical Foundations of ESL and Bilingual Programs, equipping teachers pursuing ESL and Bilingual endorsements with critical theoretical knowledge and practical strategies to support diverse language learners effectively.
• Developed and instructed graduate courses such as Linguistics for Teachers and Cross-Cultural Strategies, concentrating on language structure, cultural competency, and instructional methods tailored for multilingual classroom settings.
• Contributed to educators' professional development by providing advanced training in creating inclusive and linguistically responsive learning environments.
• Focused on fostering awareness of cultural diversity and linguistic responsiveness through targeted curriculum aligned with best practices in multilingual education.
• Applied expertise in adult learning principles to design engaging online coursework that meets the needs of professional educators seeking advanced credentials.
• Supported the growth of educational professionals by integrating theoretical foundations with practical applications in all instruction modules.

• Conducted screening and recruitment of participants for an HIV vaccine trial in adherence to IRB-approved protocols, ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines.
• Administered informed consent processes to ensure participants fully understood the study's objectives, procedures, and potential risks.
• Engaged in targeted participant outreach by attending LGBTQ+ community events and utilizing online dating platforms to enhance recruitment efforts.
• Distributed condoms and safe sex education materials at local gay bathhouses as part of public health promotion and participant engagement initiatives.
• Fostered connections with diverse communities to support critical infectious disease prevention research while promoting awareness of public health practices.
• Contributed to the advancement of HIV vaccine research through precise participant recruitment strategies over a period of two years and one month (August 2010 – August 2012).

• Representation of union members in disciplinary hearings, DCFS investigations, and grievance meetings, ensuring advocacy and support during critical processes.
• Liaison work for the LGBT and Bilingual Education committees within the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), fostering inclusive policies and resources.
• Resolution of workplace disputes and improvement of working and learning conditions through collaboration with school administrators at Richards Career Academy and Crane Medical Prep High School since 2012.
• Implementation of safety standards during the COVID-19 pandemic in alignment with OSHA requirements, ensuring a secure environment for staff and students.
• Leadership as chair of the Professional Problems Committee, addressing professional concerns to drive constructive change.
• Representation of teachers on the Local School Council, advocating for staff interests and contributing to decision-making processes.

Far Rockaway High School

High school of Arts and Business

• Delivered Spanish language instruction to middle school students, fostering language acquisition and cultural awareness.
• Sponsored and organized a drama club for grades 6-12, promoting creativity, teamwork, and student engagement in performing arts.
• Managed and coordinated activities as an auditorium director, ensuring the smooth execution of school events and productions.
• Created lesson plans that aligned with curriculum standards to support effective learning outcomes across diverse age groups.
• Encouraged extracurricular involvement by mentoring students in drama-related activities and productions, supporting talent development and confidence building.
• Contributed to the educational community through roles that enhanced both academic and extracurricular experiences for students in a combined grades 6-12 environment.

American College of Education
Doctor of Education - EdD, Educational Leadership and Administration,
General * (April 2019 - May 2024)

American College of Education
Master of Education - MEd, Educational Leadership and Administration,
General * (August 2007 - May 2009)

Cleveland State University
Master of Education - MEd, Teaching English as a Second or Foreign
Language/ESL Language Instructor * (August 2002 - August 2004)

Xavier University
Bachelor of Arts - BA, Spanish Language Teacher Education * (August 1995 - May 2000)

CEI - Centro de Estudios Internacionales
Diploma of Hispanic, Latinamerican, and European Studies, Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General * (August 1999 - December 1999)