Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Leadershipskills
Interests
Timeline
Generic

Abbie Baack

Seward,NE

Summary

Dedicated academic professional with a strong passion for promoting student learning outcomes through engaging curriculum and innovative teaching techniques. Possessing nearly two decades of teaching experience, I have developed expertise in coordinating in-class instruction and activities. My background in teaching and curriculum development, combined with a proven ability to engage students and enhance their academic performance through innovative instructional methods, sets me apart as a professional educator. I prioritize team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving measurable results. Skilled in fostering a positive learning environment, delivering comprehensive subject matter expertise, and supporting institutional goals. Additionally, I have mentored numerous student teachers from esteemed universities such as Doane, Concordia, and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

College Instructor

Wayne State College
08.2024 - Current
  • Taught Education courses to over 200 annual students.
  • Collaborated with colleagues on curriculum development, incorporating best practices for effective instruction and learning outcomes.
  • Maintained detailed records of student attendance, participation, and academic performance for accurate reporting and evaluation purposes.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends and improve teaching skills.
  • Developed strong relationships with students through clear communication and active listening, fostering an inclusive classroom environment.
  • Presented at conferences or other professional events on topics related to field expertise or pedagogical innovations in higher education settings.
  • Served on college committees focused on improving academic programs, policies, or procedures for greater institutional effectiveness.
  • Conducted assessments of student progress, using data to inform instructional decisions and adapt lesson plans accordingly.
  • Provided students with constructive, encouraging and corrective feedback.
  • Maintained regular office hours to provide struggling students with additional course help.
  • Created dynamic learning environment that valued instructor and student interaction.
  • Worked closely with academic advisors to identify at-risk students early in the semester and develop targeted intervention strategies for increased retention rates.
  • Enhanced student comprehension by utilizing a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and group activities.
  • Developed semester outlines and instructional plans for each class session to comply with stated course objectives.
  • Created excitement and enthusiasm in classroom by delivering engaging subject matter.
  • Participated in various campus activities to promote collaboration with colleagues and students.

Practicum Instructor

UNL
12.2023 - 05.2024
  • Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and enhance teaching effectiveness.
  • Optimized learning plans based on student performance and feedback.
  • Implemented feedback system for students, leading to more personalized and effective instruction.
  • Collaborated with colleagues to create more cohesive and integrated curriculum.
  • Fostered positive learning environment, encouraging students to express their ideas and questions freely.
  • Streamlined grading system to provide timely and constructive feedback, promoting student growth.
  • Communicated frequently with cooperating teachers to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies with students.

Student Teacher Supervisor

UNL
08.2023 - 05.2024
  • Assessed student teacher progress regularly through various evaluation methods, providing constructive feedback for improvement.
  • Performed classroom evaluations to assess teacher strategies and effectiveness.
  • Collaborated with cooperating teachers to coordinate visits and develop student teachers' skill sets.

4th-5th grade teacher

Milford Public Schools
08.2008 - 05.2023
  • Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
  • Took on various leadership roles on school committees & sponsored Student Council.
  • Evaluated over a dozen student teachers and guided them in instruction techniques.
  • Developed close professional relationships with faculty members
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations and implementing consistent consequences for disruptive actions.
  • Utilized data-driven instruction to differentiate lessons based on student needs, enhancing overall academic achievement.
  • Improved student reading comprehension by incorporating diverse literature selections and engaging reading activities.
  • Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and other pertinent information to ensure effective communication among all stakeholders within the school community.
  • Provided constructive feedback on student work, offering specific suggestions for improvement while celebrating successes along the way.
  • Assessed student performance regularly using various methods such as quizzes, tests, and written assignments to track progress and inform instruction.
  • Enhanced student collaboration and teamwork with group projects, fostering a positive learning environment.
  • Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
  • Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
  • Attended students' concerts, sporting events and performances to offer support and encourage extracurricular activities.

5th grade teacher

Norfolk Public Schools
08.2004 - 08.2008
  • Communicated thoughtfully with families of diverse backgrounds.
  • Created supportive and inclusive learning environments, fostering positive classroom atmospheres supporting student growth and learning.
  • Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
  • Adapted lessons to differentiate instruction and meet students' diverse learning needs and abilities.
  • Created an engaging learning environment for all students.
  • Established classroom rules and implemented them effectively.
  • Developed and planned lessons to ensure student success.
  • Graded assignments and tests in a timely manner with quality feedback.
  • Effectively balanced teaching both 4th and 5th grade students using different curricula.
  • Participated actively in professional development opportunities to stay current on educational trends and best practices in teaching 4th-5th grade students.

Education

Master's - Curriculum and Instruction

Wayne State College
Wayne, NE
12.2006

Bachelor's - Elementary Education

Wayne State College
Wayne, NE
12-2003

Skills

  • Classroom Management
  • Development of Lesson Plans
  • Time Management
  • Faculty Communication
  • Academic advisement
  • Team Building & Leadership
  • Performance Evaluation of Student Teachers
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Organization & prioritization
  • Student engagement & motivation
  • Inclusive education
  • Academic writing

Leadershipskills

  • Student Council Sponsor, 2008, Present, Planned and led meetings, Collaborated with other staff members to organize events and celebrations, Ran annual fundraisers for local churches & the less fortunate
  • Step up to Writing Leader, 2010, Brought prior knowledge of the writing program from Norfolk, Led training of staff on how to use materials, answered questions, etc.
  • State Testing Item Writing Team, 2010, Represented the elementary school by traveling to Kearney to write ELA items for the State tests
  • Math Curriculum Team, 2013, Chosen as the upper elementary representative to choose a new math curriculum, Traveled to several districts to evaluate curriculums being taught, Met with other staff members to discuss and ultimately choose a curriculum to best fit our students
  • Direct Instruction Leader, 2018, 2019, Traveled to Columbus for five separate days of work meetings, Collaborated with other area fifth grade teachers to create direct instruction slides to supplement our Wonders curriculum, Trained Milford staff members during inservice days on how to use slides
  • Interview Committee, 2009, Present, Served on numerous interview committees for new hires

Interests

  • Avid Reader
  • Music
  • Enjoy riding my Peloton for overall physical and mental well-being
  • Watching Movies and TV Shows
  • Helping others and giving back to the community
  • Baking
  • Fashion and Style
  • Wine Tasting
  • Creative Writing
  • Creating memories with family

Timeline

College Instructor

Wayne State College
08.2024 - Current

Practicum Instructor

UNL
12.2023 - 05.2024

Student Teacher Supervisor

UNL
08.2023 - 05.2024

4th-5th grade teacher

Milford Public Schools
08.2008 - 05.2023

5th grade teacher

Norfolk Public Schools
08.2004 - 08.2008

Master's - Curriculum and Instruction

Wayne State College

Bachelor's - Elementary Education

Wayne State College
Abbie Baack