Terese Opiela

In addition to teaching, I design engaging social media content, including posts, flyers, reels, and graphics for local organizations and community recreation sports programs. This work, completed in both volunteer and paid capacities, highlights strong skills in visual communication, branding, and community engagement. Passionate about connecting people through creative storytelling and impactful design both in and beyond the classroom.

K-8 Classroom Teacher at Windsor Learning Center (2013-01 – Present)

Special Education Elementary, Dance

• Provided students with a comfortable learning environment
• Demonstrated effective communication skills with student's parents
• Formed positive, understanding, and supportive relationships with students
• Collaborated with other faculty members to create integrated lessons
• Create lesson plans that enhance all types of learning
• Organized both student and faculty events, in and out of the classroom
• Completed projects and tasks in a timely manner
• Worked with students with multiple behavioral, emotional, and physical disabilities
• Directed and Choreographed School-Wide Spring Musical

Middle School Teacher of Dance/Drama at Glen Rock Public School- Board of Education (2004-01 – 2013-12)

Yearbook, Dance Club, Sharing the Arts Advisor

• Provided students with a comfortable learning environment
• Demonstrated effective communication skills with student's parents
• Formed positive, understanding, and supportive relationships with students
• Collaborated with other faculty members to create integrated lessons
• Create lesson plans that enhance all types of learning
• Organized both student and faculty events, in and out of the classroom
• Completed projects and tasks in a timely manner

Freelance Artist at Star Royale Theatre (Formally Rhino Theatre) (2000-01 – 2024-12)

Choreographer, Director, Assistant Director, Assistant to the Producer

• Work effectively and cooperatively with the production team to share creative ideas and methods
• Research time periods, costume and set design ideas, etc to make a production authentic
• Compile cast lists, song lists, data lists for each production
• Organize a rehearsal schedule specific to each cast member
• Make appropriate updates and edits to the theatre website
• Design, organize, and order appropriate apparel for each production
• Organize cast gatherings

Dance Director and Instructor at Central School Dance (2004-01 – 2010-12)

Artistic Director

• Instructed dance classes (20+ hours weekly) for children ages 5-11.
• Completely planned an end-of-the year dance recital including: theme, costume choices and ordering, rehearsals, parent volunteers, music choices and splicing, dance order, class helpers, and more
• Organized class attendance lists
• Interviewed and hired "tech" team
• Design, organize, and create appropriate set design for each recital
• Provided students with a comfortable learning environment while having fun
• Demonstrated effective communication skills with student's parents

Certificate in Teacher of Students with Disabilities – New Jersey City University

BFA in Dance/Minor in Communication Studies – Montclair State University