Digital Content
I created these animated clips for our socials to bring key moments from the podcast to life and get more people in on the conversation. Whether it’s a wild listener call-in or a ‘wait…what?!’ moment from an episode, these videos make it easy to share, spark interest, and grow our audience. Made with Adobe Express, because sometimes the best way to explain something is to animate it
Writing Samples
Academic Writing Sample
From professional development textbook I am co-writing (All rights reserved Servé/Micou)
Personal Narrative Writing Sample
Example from my essay “The Trauma Formed Teacher” ©Tracey Serve 2023
Endorsements of Creativity, Collaboration, and Impact
Work Ethic
- "Tracey was extremely responsive and was able to deliver quality work on time."
– Michael Hurley - "Her passion for fostering growth and her dedication to continuous improvement are truly inspiring."
– Jeanette Simenson-Gurolnick - "Tracey dug her heels into spending ample time crafting meaningful, Common Core-aligned units of instruction."
– Molly Merkey - "She is constantly looking to challenge herself professionally."
– Lisa L. Micou, Ph.D., NCSP
Collaboration
- "Tracey trained our staff in effective program implementation and classroom management strategies."
– Michael Hurley - "Her approach is research-based, data-driven, and highly collaborative."
– Jeanette Simenson-Gurolnick - "She frequently collaborated with her team members to support them in differentiation strategies."
– Molly Merkey - "Tracey has been an amazing co-author and collaborator."
– Lisa L. Micou, Ph.D., NCSP
Creativity
- "Tracey developed curriculum that included both STEM and SEL topics."
– Michael Hurley - "She excels at designing innovative professional development sessions."
– Jeanette Simenson-Gurolnick - "Tracey created a classroom culture that prioritized well-being."
– Molly Merkey - "Tracey is a fellow innovator for new ideas."
– Lisa L. Micou, Ph.D., NCSP
Problem-Solving
- "She addressed the unique needs of students, educators, and administrators."
– Jeanette Simenson-Gurolnick - "Tracey supported science teachers in varying research-based instructional methods."
– Molly Merkey - "Her intentional thought partnership builds on ideas to ensure a better end product."
– Lisa L. Micou, Ph.D., NCSP
Writing Skills
- "Tracey developed curriculum that included both STEM and SEL topics."
– Michael Hurley - "Her ability to communicate complex ideas in a way that is clear and accessible."
– Jeanette Simenson-Gurolnick - "Tracey seamlessly integrated SEL into her curriculum."
– Molly Merkey - "She integrates student agency and social-emotional skill-building."
– Lisa L. Micou, Ph.D., NCSP
List of Recommenders
- Michael Hurley – Chief Schools and Strategy Officer, Lumity
Email: mhurley@lumity.org - Jeanette Simenson-Gurolnick – Director of Curriculum and Talent Development, Lumity
Email: jgurolnick@lumity.org - Molly Merkey – Gifted & Assessment Coordinator, Glenview District 34
Email: mollymerkey@gmail.com - Lisa L. Micou, Ph.D., NCSP – Adjunct Professor, University of Richmond
Email: lisa.micou@richmond.edu
During my time in the classroom…
Developed and implemented a student-led, inquiry-based project-based learning (SEPBL) unit that spanned two years and combined academic, business, and life skill development. This project, which I presented at a conference on “Fueling Curiosity Through Student-Led Inquiry,” has become an annual initiative, raising over $20,000 in monetary donations, goods, and services while empowering students to advocate for change with local government leaders. I designed this unit from the ground up, incorporating key academic competencies such as research, writing, speaking, and listening, alongside practical skills like creating professional one-sheets, pitching ideas to stakeholders, and engaging in real-world communication with businesses and organizations via phone and email. This initiative not only fostered student agency and collaboration but also demonstrated my ability to strategically plan, manage, and execute large-scale, impactful learning experiences.
Coordinated and oversaw more than 100 service projects, generating over $20,000 in monetary and item donations for local charities and contributing over 200 hours of community service. This article highlights the development of the curriculum and the implementation of inquiry-based learning in my classroom. It showcases my effectiveness as a facilitator, guiding students through diverse projects that required tailored management and support as they learned and created.
Led a community-driven initiative to address environmental sustainability by guiding a team in identifying key issues, conducting in-depth research, and presenting actionable solutions. The project resulted in a formal presentation to the Board of Education advocating for changes to reduce plastic use in the cafeteria, demonstrating strong leadership in project management, stakeholder engagement, and community impact.
This activity demonstrates the value of fostering student collaboration and shared ownership in the classroom—principles I continue to integrate into my work today. I used twitter as a way to engage with the stakeholders and to make real world connections. My classes were able to have a 90 minute conference call with author Chris Crutcher and interact with author SE Hinton for example.
In this presentation, I guided fellow educators on implementing a custom-designed unit of study that integrated podcasting into the classroom. I provided differentiated learning paths tailored to teachers’ student demographics and varying levels of access to technology. The unit focused on developing students’ narrative writing and investigative journalism skills while fostering interpersonal abilities, such as connecting with adults and actively listening to their stories. By the end of the unit, students were equipped to record, edit, produce, and publish their own podcasts, showcasing their learning and creativity.