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Experience

As an educator, my goal is to continue to grow within leadership roles among educational professionals while working to create strong, supportive academic learning environments that teach to the whole child and allow them to thrive. I believe it my duty to manage schools and classrooms to be safe places that promote equity and celebrate the uniqueness of each student while ensuring that they  are always seen, heard and valued. The skills I’ve gained over my 22 years of teaching have taught me how to meet the needs of all students and how to inspire confidence in our children to achieve greatness. Pulling from my experiences in providing professional development and mentorship, I continue to lead educators with the knowledge and tools needed to teach confidently and successfully in an ever-changing profession. As a leader, educator, mentor and professor, I am professional, flexible, empathetic, fair, student centered, well-researched, enthusiastic, motivated and always striving to lead others with the highest level of administrative knowledge and integrity.

Academic Background

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Masters of Science in Educational Leadership, August 2024

Principal Endorsement 

St. Francis University, Joliet, IL

 

Reading Teacher Endorsement, October 2022

Learning Behavior Specialist 1 Endorsement, July 2016

English as a Second Language Endorsement, November 2014

St. Francis University, Joliet, IL

 

Middle School Endorsement, July 2013

Greenville University, Greenville, IL 

 

National Board Teacher Certification: Early and Middle Childhood Music, November 2012-Present

National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

 

American Orff-Schulwerk Association Certified Instructor, August 2012

Adult Education Recorder Instructor for Levels 1, 2 and 3 Training American Orff-Schulwerk Association 

 

Masters in Music in Music Education, June 2011

DePaul University, Chicago, IL

 

Bachelor of Music in Education, December 2002

Major:  Music Education Minor:  Psychology

Certification:  IL Type 03 and 09 with Music Endorsements

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

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Professional
Expereince

My Teacher Website

Illinois State Board of Education and Illinois Education Association

Virtual Instructional Coach                                                                October 2022-Present

  • Provide mentoring and instructional coaching of first year teachers

  • Provide continued instructional coaching and support for teachers in years two and three

  • Hold weekly and biweekly meetings with all protege teachers 

  • Trained in Topics regarding Research in Education (Culturally Responsive Teaching, Creating an Anti-Racist Classroom, Evaluation, Family and Community Engagement, Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom)

  • Assigned 3-5 IEA teachers a year from throughout the state of Illinois

 

DePaul University School of Music ~ Chicago, IL

Music Education Adjunct Faculty                                                            Jan. 2012-Present

  • Developed the Classroom Instruments Course for K-8 General Music

  • Instruct the Classroom Instruments Course for undergraduate music education majors

  • Implement the use of educational technologies Desire 2 Learn (D2L) and Blackboard

  • American Orff-Schulwerk Association Recorder Instructor for Summer Courses

 

Forest Park School District 91 ~ Forest Park, IL

General Music Teacher and Choral Director                                          Aug. 2008-Present

  • Plan and implement music lessons for students in grades kindergarten through eighth

  • Assist with the district K-8 music curriculum planning and assessment for students

  • Organize, accompany and direct student musical productions and choir concerts

  • Design and differentiate age appropriate instrumental, vocal and movement activities

  • Implement the use of educational technologies and grading software 

  • Creation and Planning of Student Bridging Events from Primary to Intermediate School Levels

  • Serve Forest Park Middle School Committees including Pride History Awareness Month, Black History Month and Autism Awareness Month 

 

Kenneth E. Neubert Elementary School ~ Algonquin, IL

General Music Teacher and Choral Director                                    Aug. 2003- June 2008

  • Implemented lessons and evaluations for students in grades kindergarten through fifth

  • Responsible for the direction of six musical productions and two choir concerts each year

  • Founder and director of an after school choral program for children in fifth and fourth grade

  • Organized a district wide elementary music advocacy event entitled “United We Sing Day”

Education

Awards & Honors

  • Elected District 91 Representative at the 2022-2024 Illinois Educators Association Conference

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  • Elected District 91 Representative at the 2020 Illinois Educators Association Conference

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  • Golden Apple Award Teacher Nomination 2014

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  • Elected District 91 Representative at the 2013 National Educators Association Convention

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  • Betsy Ross Elementary School Teacher of the Year Recipient 2009-2010 

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  • Marquis Who’s Who in American Education Award Recipient 2007-2008

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  • Elected District 300 Representative at the 2007 Illinois Educators Association Convention

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  • District 300 Service Learning Grant Award Recipient in 2006

Extracurricular Student Groups

  • Field-Stevenson School National Elementary Honors Society 

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  • Forest Park School District 91 Elementary Choral Program

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  • District 91 Festival of the Arts Performance Group

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  • Forest Park Middle School Graduation Choir

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  • Forest Park Middle School Gay Straight Alliance Advisor

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