Rachel Achenbach
Fort Wayne
Summary
Education professional with proven track record in student counseling and support. Known for fostering student growth and providing guidance in personal and academic matters. Reliable team collaborator who adapts to changing needs and focuses on achieving results. Proven to excel in leadership positions. Possesses excellent communication, problem-solving and organizational skills.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
High School Counselor
Fort Wayne Community Schools - Wayne High School
04.2020 - Current
- Served as a liaison between school administration, teachers, parents, and community resources in addressing multifaceted student needs effectively.
- Coordinated standardized testing efforts within the small learning community, ensuring accurate administration while minimizing test anxiety among students.
- Helped students complete admissions applications and pursue scholarships to fund education at state, private and vocational schools.
- Delivered supportive and knowledgeable counseling to students with academic or personal concerns.
- Helped students develop organizational, time management and study skills.
- Provided crisis intervention support in response to critical incidents affecting the school community or individual student wellbeing.
- Guided students through evaluating career interests and potential schools.
- Built schedules around students' strengths and long-term goals, customizing different approaches for college preparatory and technical school pathways.
- Developed rapport with parents, maintaining open lines of communication to address student needs collaboratively.
- Collaborated with parents and teachers to help students reach potential.
- Assisted students in exploring and selecting career paths.
Middle School Counselor
Huntington County Community Schools
08.2017 - 04.2020
- Served as a split-time counselor between Crestview and Riverview Middle Schools.
- Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and parents for the development of individualized student support plans.
- Maintained detailed records of all counseling interactions to ensure continuity of care for each student over time.
- Led professional development workshops for faculty members on Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR).
- Served as the QPR trainer for the district.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergency situations, ensuring immediate support was available for affected individuals.
- Reduced instances of bullying by implementing school-wide anti-bullying lessons and fostering a culture of respect.
- Encouraged students to explore age-appropriate and career-related opportunities through classroom lessons and the implementation of Naviance.
- Coordinated and facilitated 5th grade visits and transition day at both middle schools. Coordinated 8th grade visits to the elementary schools.
- Coordinated and facilitated the 8th grade visits to Huntington North High School, including supporting the high school counselors at the 8th grade parent night.
- Coordinated and facilitated freshman scheduling for all 8th grade students. High school counselors scheduled personalized 15 minute meetings with each student; parents were invited to attend.
- Planned and delivered classroom counseling lessons over academic, social/emotional, and career topics to all three grades at both schools.
- Created the master schedule at both middle schools and scheduled all 7th and 8th grade students.
- Coordinated and facilitated ILEARN testing for both buildings as the school testing coordinator.
Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
Smith Green Community Schools-Churubusco MS/HS
10.2016 - 05.2017
- Developed critical thinking skills in students through the use of Socratic questioning and analytical writing assignments..
- Assessed student performance regularly, providing timely feedback for continuous improvement.
- Established a supportive learning environment that fostered positive relationships among students and staff.
- Ensured alignment between curriculum standards, assessments, and instructional materials to maximize student success in mastering required content.
- Managed classroom behavior effectively, setting clear expectations and addressing issues promptly and fairly.
- Implemented differentiated instruction to meet needs of diverse learners.
- Communicated with parents and guardians regarding student progress and behavioral issues.
- Contributed positively to school culture by participating in faculty meetings, committees, and events aimed at improving overall student experience.
- Increased student comprehension by implementing diverse instructional strategies tailored to individual learning needs.
Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
Fort Wayne Community Schools - Kekionga MS
08.2010 - 10.2016
- Served as 8th grade team lead-including coordinating and facilitating Student Support Team meetings for at-risk students.
- Served as Language Arts department team lead
- Served as a member of the Quality Improvement Team
- Please see the bullet points above under my other teaching experience.
Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
Fort Wayne Community Schools - Lane MS
08.2007 - 05.2010
- Please see the teaching bullet points above.
- Served as a long-term substitute 2006-2007
Education
Master of Science - Education
University of Saint Francis
Fort Wayne, IN06-2017
Bachelor of Science - English Education
Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN06-2006
Skills
- College application support
- Parent-teacher collaboration
- Parent communication
- Crisis intervention
- Records maintenance
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Professional demeanor
- Leadership roles
Timeline
High School Counselor
Fort Wayne Community Schools - Wayne High School
04.2020 - Current
Middle School Counselor
Huntington County Community Schools
08.2017 - 04.2020
Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
Smith Green Community Schools-Churubusco MS/HS
10.2016 - 05.2017
Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
Fort Wayne Community Schools - Kekionga MS
08.2010 - 10.2016
Middle School English and Language Arts Teacher
Fort Wayne Community Schools - Lane MS
08.2007 - 05.2010
Master of Science - Education
University of Saint Francis
Bachelor of Science - English Education
Indiana Purdue University Fort Wayne