Amy Van Wyk - Cowley
Katy,Texas
Summary
History educator with deep expertise in historical research, curriculum development, and student engagement. Adept at fostering collaborative learning environments and adapting to evolving academic needs. Strong communicator with keen ability to inspire and guide students while working effectively with faculty teams. Proficient in developing innovative coursework and delivering impactful lectures that drive student success.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
AP Psychology / Academic Psychology Instructor
Paetow High School, Katy ISD
Katy, Texas
01.2024 - Current
- Design and deliver college-level AP Psychology curriculum aligned with College Board standards
- Teach core areas including cognition, development, biological bases of behavior, and social psychology
- Guide students in experimental design, ethical research practices, and data interpretation
- Develop AP-style assessments including FRQs, mock exams, and performance-based tasks
- Sponsor Psi Alpha National Honor Society, mentoring students in academic and service initiatives
Curriculum Writer & Instructional Designer (World History & Psychology)
Katy ISD Curriculum & Instruction
Katy, Texas
01.2022 - Current
- Develop district-wide curriculum frameworks, scope and sequences, and instructional materials
- Design assessments, performance tasks, and aligned rubrics
- Lead professional development for secondary educators on instructional strategies and curriculum implementation
- Collaborate with district teams to align instruction across campuses and grade levels
KAP World History Instructor
Katy Virtual School, Katy ISD
Katy, Texas
01.2021 - Current
- Design and implement rigorous, TEKS-aligned curriculum integrating primary source analysis and historiography
- Emphasize historical thinking skills including sourcing, contextualization, and argumentation
- Utilize digital platforms (Canvas, Nearpod, Edpuzzle) to support online and hybrid learning environments
- Differentiate instruction for diverse learners including SPED, ELL, and GT populations
World History Teacher
Paetow High School, Katy ISD
Katy, Texas
01.2019 - 01.2024
- Delivered comprehensive world history curriculum with emphasis on global systems, cultural exchange, and historical analysis
- Developed interdisciplinary writing initiatives aligned with English and U.S. History departments
- Created student-centered, inquiry-based learning environments focused on skill development and engagement
World History Teacher
Morton Ranch High School, Katy ISD
Katy, Texas
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Delivered comprehensive world history curriculum with emphasis on global systems, cultural exchange, and historical analysis
- Developed interdisciplinary writing initiatives aligned with English and U.S. History departments
- Created student-centered, inquiry-based learning environments focused on skill development and engagement
Education
Ph.D. - History
Liberty University
12-2027
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
University of Phoenix
01-2015
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix
01-2012
Skills
- Introduction to Psychology
- AP Psychology
- World History (Survey)
- US History (Survey-level capable)
- Research Methods (introductory level)
- Interdisciplinary Humanities
- Canvas
- Google Workspace
- Nearpod
- Edpuzzle
- AP Classroom
- Course planning
Certification
- Social Studies Composite (Grades 7–12), Texas Certified
- AP Psychology APSI (2023)
- AP Seminar Training (UT Arlington)
- Katy ISD GT Certified
- Katy Virtual School Certified
- Project Management Professional (PMP), 2013
RESEARCH INTERESTS
- Cultural memory and historical narrative
- Gender and power in historical representation
- Classical reception and reinterpretation of historical figures
- Intersections of history, psychology, and identity formation
Timeline
AP Psychology / Academic Psychology Instructor
Paetow High School, Katy ISD
01.2024 - Current
Curriculum Writer & Instructional Designer (World History & Psychology)
Katy ISD Curriculum & Instruction
01.2022 - Current
KAP World History Instructor
Katy Virtual School, Katy ISD
01.2021 - Current
World History Teacher
Paetow High School, Katy ISD
01.2019 - 01.2024
World History Teacher
Morton Ranch High School, Katy ISD
01.2017 - 01.2019
Master of Business Administration - Project Management
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
University of Phoenix
Ph.D. - History
Liberty University