Certifications
MN Social Studies Tier 4 License Grades 5-12
Valid through 6/2029
Skills
Culturally Responsive Educator
Brain-Based Learning
Professional Learning Community Oriented
Curriculum Development
Universal Design for All
Backwards Design
Relationship-Based Learning
Professional Groups
National Council for the Social Studies
8/2020 – Present
Awards Committee 9/2022 – Present
Wisconsin Council for the Social Studies
10/2020 – Present
Minnesota Council for the Social Studies
02/2021-Present
Education
Western Governors University
MS in Curriculum and Instruction
October 2023 – March 2024
3.0 GPA
University of Wisconsin - River FallsBS in Broadfield Social Studies, History9/2018-12/2020GPA 3.4, Dean's List
Awards
University of Wisconsin - River Falls Outstanding Alumni Award
2024
Awarded for leading a curriculum revitalization effort to include diverse voices, being appointed District American Indian Education Coordinator, and leading professional development at the state and national levels.
Classroom Experience
District-Wide American Indian Education Coordinator
Lakes International Language Academy, Forest Lake, MN
2023-Present
Successfully secured and awarded multiple grants totaling $23,000 to support district-wide initiatives for Native American students
Strategically managed budgetary decisions and allocation of grant funds to meet district needs
Facilitated the creation of a culturally responsive curriculum by providing guidance and support to staff
Directed professional development sessions on Native American cultural competency for 230 staff members
Empowered students to advocate for their needs through targeted support and mentorship
Acted as a liaison between the district and families to foster communication and address concerns.
Conducted classes on traditional arts and teachings for Native American families, promoting cultural heritage.
Organized a highly attended student-led cultural exhibit featuring a drum circle with approximately 300 participants.
Social Studies Teacher
Lakes International Language Academy, Forest Lake, MN
2021-Present
Created and implemented a comprehensive curriculum to facilitate 6th-grade students’ transition to secondary education
Instructed 6th-grade Minnesota History and 7th-grade US History, employing inquiry-based learning and research methodologies to engage students
Differentiated instruction to effectively meet the diverse learning needs of all students
Collaborated extensively with colleagues across various content areas and grade levels to enhance educational outcomes
Monitored and evaluated the progress of 120 students toward their personal and academic goals throughout the school year.
Advised Student Council members to help implement service-learning opportunities.
Chaired the Positive School Climate Committee, fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment
Professional Development
McDermott, C. (Feb. 26, 2024). War! What is it good for? Presented at MCSS Annual Conference, Saint Paul, MN
McDermott, C. (Feb. 19, 2024, Mar. 19, 2024). Supporting Native American Students. Presented at Lakes International Language Academy, Forest Lake, MN
Vesperman, D. P., Dickison G., Gundeck, J., Metcalf, A,. McDermott, C., (Dec. 2, 2022). Common Heritage of All Mankind! Simulating the Arctic Council Response to Climate Change. Presented at NCSS 102nd Annual Conference: Philidelphia, PA
CJ McDermott. (Mar. 14, 2021). Oregon Trail Card Game. Presented at WCSS Beyondference Virtual Conference
Vesperman, D. P., Wright, M. Ahlgren, L. McDermott, C., Johnson, D., Metcalf, A., & Stevens, A. (Nov. 18, 2020). Controversy and civic engagement: Facilitating critical conversations in the social studies classroom. Presented at WCSS Beyondference Virtual Conference: Madison, WI