Tara S.

Cleveland
M U S I C E D U C AT O R

616.706.5662 Teaching Experience

[email protected]
6 - 8 Vocal Music Teacher
Valleywood Middle School, Kentwood Public Schools 2013-2022
Grand Rapids, MI • Created and executed lesson plans for choral ensembles and Adaptive General
Music classes aligned to state and national standards for music education
• Implemented a results based sight reading curriculum resulting in near perfect

Education scores at MSVMA district choral festival.

• Prepared students for performances utilizing relevant & age appropriate choral
literature from many genres
Masters in Music Education • Developed musicianship, vocal technique and performance etiquette through

Western Michigan University process based music making

2016 • Conceptualized cross-curricular unit plans for World General Music class.
• Cultivated relationships with students using the Capturing Kids Hearts
Bachelors in Music: Curriculum.
• Successfully completed 4 DonorsChoose campaigns for essential classroom
Music Education
equipment
Western Michigan University
Lee Honors College: Cum Laude
Theater Instructor
2009
Valleywood Middle School, Kentwood Public Schools 2013-2022
• Taught 7th and 8th grade theater course, Directed and Vocal Directed annual
Northview High School musical theater productions
2005 • Set & Costume design, Choreography
• Lighting & sound design
• Productions include: Once On This Island Jr, Wizard of OZ, Into the Woods Jr,
Certifications HONK! Jr, Dear Edwina Jr., Lion King Jr., Annie, Kids.

Michigan Standard 9-12 Vocal Music Teacher

Certificate Wickenburg High School, Wickenburg, Arizona 2009-2013
Music Endorsement (JX) • Created and executed lesson plans for choral ensemble classes, grades 9-12
• Coached students for AMEA Regional Honors Choir and U of A Honors Choir
Certified Yoga Instructor • Prepared and rehearsed Choirs for various performance opportunities including
Trauma Informed Focus the AZ Governor’s Arts Awards.
• Developed Musicianship, vocal technique, and performance etiquette through

NFHS Accredited high quality choral literature of varying genres

• Created and executed lesson plans for Adaptive music class.
Interscholastic Coach • Organized concerts, booster fundraisers, and class trip to Los Angeles, CA.

Arizona Standard Certificate

Musical Theater Director 2009 - 2013
Secondary 7-12 • Music directed annual musical theater productions (Annie, Beauty & the Beast Jr,
Music Endorsement K-12 A Pirate’s Life for Me, Anything Goes)
Full Structured English • Assistant director for Fall productions.
Immersion Endorsement K-12
 Tara S. Cleveland
M U S I C E D U C AT O R

Teaching Experience continued

616.706.5662 6-8 Vocal Music Teacher
Vulture Peak Middle School, Wickenburg, AZ 2009 - 2013
[email protected] • Designed and implemented lesson plans and assessments aligned to state and
national standards for music education
• Prepared students for performance utilizing age appropriate choral literature
Grand Rapids, MI emphasizing vocal pedagogy.
• Earned Excellent and Superior ratings at Arizona Choral Educators Junior
High Choral Festivals

Student Teaching Experience

Professional Three Rivers High Middle and High School, Three Rivers, MI Jan. 2009-April 2009
Development Joel Moore, Cooperating Teacher

Michigan Music Conference Related Work Experience & Leadership

Annually
Lead Vocals
Read 180 Training Troll for Trout /Muddled Mint Trio 2011 - Present
2016
Session Vocalist
Capturing Kids Hearts I & II Mackinaw Harvest Music, Grand Rapids, MI 2011 - Present
Flippen Group • Regular participation in recording sessions as a lead and background vocalist
2015 & 2019 • Recorded performances on multiple releases from a variety of artists as well as
TV and radio commercials
Michigan Virtual
Professional Development Behavior Team
Valleywood Middle School 2015-2017
• Researched and collaborated with teachers and administrators to help
improve behavioral interventions
Honors and Affiliations • Presented updates and ideas at staff meetings

K-6 Musical Theater Director

Arizona Choral Educators
Del E. Webb Performing Arts Center Summer 2010,2011,2012
“Best New Choral Educator” • Prepared and directed kindergarten through sixth grade students in musical
2010
theater productions
Sigma Alpha Iota, Beta Eta
District Evaluation Tool Committee
Music Director, 2009
Wickenburg Unified School District 2011-2013
Phoenix Alumnae Chapter • Collaborated with district administrators and teachers to create a rubric for
2010-2013
use WUSD to effectively evaluate teachers.
• Presented new evaluation tool and educated district employees during
Arizona Choral Educators
professional development
VP, Middle School Activities
2010-2012
Assistant Varsity Swim Coach
Wickenburg High School Swim Team 2011-2012
Michigan School Vocal Music • Acted as “in Pool” instructional coach
Association • Instructed new team members on basic competition swimming techniques