M. Ruth Smith, NEDO President
For over forty years, I've had the honor of guiding students to academic proficiency, enabling their successful transition to high school and institutions of higher learning.  My extensive tenure included serving in the Detroit Public Schools, expanding instructional practices internationally in Liberia, West Africa, and working across diverse suburban districts.  This comprehensive experience -- teaching and tutoring students across the K-12 spectrum, including those with significant academic challenges -- provided a critical insight::

Optima student success requires a diagnostic approach.

This realization shaped The NEDO Group's methodology: we use "telescopic lenses" to precisely identify individual learning styles and deploy research-based strategies and pragmatic interventions for optimal growth. The profound reward has always been watching students overcome academic hurdles, grow in self-confidence, and achieve significant personal and academic milestones.

Today, as national academic achievement declines and employment challenges persist, particularly for young men of color, our work is more vital than ever.  The modern labor market demands a comprehensive skill suite.  The NEDO Group is uniquely positioned to prepare youth to navigate academic, professional, and global challenges with high-level intercultural fluency, ensuring they are not just graduates, but prepared, competitive leaders.

Professional Experience

Professional Experience & Expertise
Area                Detail
Instructional                 45+ years of certified K-12 instruction (elementary, middle, high 
Mastery                          school) in urban, suburban, and international settings Liberia (West Africa).

Remediation &              Specialized experienced tutoring and teaching at-risk students across all
Intervention                   subjects (excluding Science), maintaining a 100% no suspension/                                    exclusion record. Extensive history as an Academic Remediation Tutor.

Curriculum &                 Contributor to Michigan MEAP ELA Reading & Writing Prompts.
Assessment                   Served on District ELA MEAP and Textbook Selection Committees.
                                       Expertise in developing Medical Exposure Programs curricula.

Vendor &                      No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Approved Vendor for the States of Michigan
Compliance                   and Ohio, demonstrating adherence to high federal educational standards.

Leadership &               District Facilitator for ELA Professional Development Workshops.
Training                    Developed and coordinated Teacher-Business Exposure programs focusing
                                      on employer needs.
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Education & Credentials
Institution/Program             Focus /Achievement
University of Michigan     M.A. in Radio & Television Education
Wayne State University      B.A. in English & Social Studies
National Writing Project Research Writing Consultant
Oakland University            Secondary Language Arts Leadership
Certifications                     Certified Teach (45 years). NCLB  Approved Vendor (MI & OH).
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Specialized Program Development & Outreach
Focus                            Role/Achievement
Career &                      Job Readiness & Placement Coordinator (Grant Recipient &  First
                                      Place Program Award)
Entrepreneurship         Coordinator for Student Entrepreneur Programs (Grant Recipient)

Community & Cultural Coordinator for School-Business Partnership, Black College Tours and
Fluency                         Tours and Career & Cultural Exposure Excursions

Recognition                  Who's Among America's Teachers (3x).  National Honor Roll's Outstanding
                                     Teacher Award

Creative Works            Lyricist & Producer of educational and motivational works -- "RISE"