Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Bawaajigekwe Boulley

Olympia,WA

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record in successful and sustainable program management at the state level. I spearhead and administer initiatives that break down barriers to equity and enhances program efficiency and staff skill sets, leveraging expertise in strategic planning, budget administration, and team collaboration. Skilled in analytical thinking, Indigenous Education scholarship, and relationship building across programs and organizations. I excel in centering Indigenous Pedagogy in all aspects of my career because what we do for those who have been marginalized must be centered in order to expand, grow, and transform systems.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Beginning Educator Support Team Program Supervisor

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
08.2021 - Current
  • Oversees staff training and development programs, ensuring program contractors are equipped with the skills needed to excel in their roles.
  • Facilitates regular team meetings, keeping staff informed about updates, changes, or upcoming events related to the program.
  • Evaluates program performance regularly, using data-driven insights to inform future decision-making processes.
  • Demonstrates strong leadership skills under challenging circumstances, effectively managing team dynamics during periods of transition or high-stress environments.
  • Mentors colleagues, providing guidance on best practices while nurturing their professional growth trajectories over time.
  • Upholds strict compliance with internal policies and external regulations governing the program's activities, ensuring all operations run smoothly without legal issues or complications.
  • Provides ongoing direction and leadership for program operations.
  • Manages program budget responsibly, contributes towards developing our program's $12 million budget so funds are appropriately allocated to ensure the success and alignment of all initiatives.
  • Increases program efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing time-saving strategies.
  • Coaches team members on productivity strategies to accomplish challenging goals.
  • Directs team of 25 contractors, overseeing records, performance, content, and quality assurance.
  • Collaborates with cross-functional teams and networks to develop innovative solutions for complex problems facing the program or those we serve.
  • Develops strong relationships with community partners and educational agencies to secure resources and support various programs initiatives.
  • Designs strategic plans for long-term program goals, aligning them closely with overarching organizational mission statements or objectives.
  • Analyzes trends and data to inform decision-making and program development. Develops formal feedback structures and feedback loops.
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with key program affiliates and collaborators.

Special Education Teacher

School District Of Ashland
08.2018 - 06.2020
  • Developed IEPs tailored to individual student needs, ensuring their academic success and personal growth.
  • Created and managed IEPs to define student learning objectives and educational strategies, in addition to applying instructional knowledge and methods to support goals.
  • Promoted a positive learning environment through the use of differentiated instruction and individualized support for diverse learners.
  • Modified general education curriculum for special-needs students using various instructional techniques and technologies.
  • Collaborated with teachers and therapists to develop individualized educational plans for each student, ensuring optimal progress.
  • Fostered strong relationships with parents and guardians, maintaining open lines of communication to ensure student progress.
  • Improved student behavior management by implementing consistent routines, clear expectations, and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities focused on evidence-based practices in special education teaching methodologies.
  • Taught students across multiple classifications and degrees of special needs.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Provided tutoring for incarcerated youth.
  • Cultivated connections and strong student rapport to foster classroom engagement, in addition to recording student progress to inform parents and school administration.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Taught multiple subjects to students with intellectual or emotional disabilities.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Encouraged students to take ownership of learning by providing choices.
  • Organized field trips and community-based experiences that enriched students'' understanding of real-world applications for their skills.
  • Collaborated with other educators to develop instructional strategies.
  • Conducted assessments of students to determine individual needs.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress and attendance.

School Board Member

School District of Washburn
01.2018 - 04.2020
  • Enhanced the overall reputation of the district by showcasing outstanding student achievements, innovative programs, and dedicated staff members at public events or in local media outlets.
  • Reviewed curriculum materials for alignment with state standards, ensuring a comprehensive education for all students across the district.
  • Ensured compliance with state regulations by monitoring adherence to federal mandates such as IDEA, Title I, and ESSA provisions.
  • Enhanced communication between parents, teachers, and administrators by organizing regular town hall meetings and discussion forums.
  • Developed strategic plans outlining priorities and goals related to budget allocation, personnel management, facilities planning, and program implementation.
  • Championed efforts toward environmental sustainability within the district by promoting eco-friendly practices in school buildings and operations.
  • Supported fellow board members in developing and implementing policies designed to enhance academic achievement and overall school performance.
  • Promoted diversity within schools by advocating for inclusive hiring practices and championing culturally responsive teaching methods.
  • Advocated for additional funding opportunities to provide necessary resources for underserved students and schools within the district.
  • Addressed concerns of the community by actively participating in public meetings and listening to feedback from key partners regarding educational policies and practices.
  • Collaborated with administration staff to develop functional budgets within allocated funds.

Teacher and Assessment Coordinator

Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Institute
08.2013 - 06.2016
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively by establishing clear expectations, modeling appropriate conduct, and consistently enforcing established rules and consequences.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Enhanced classroom engagement through the use of interactive teaching methods, such as group projects and hands-on activities.
  • Maintained accurate records of student progress, attendance, and behavior to facilitate ongoing communication with parents about their child''s educational journey.
  • Differentiated instruction to accommodate diverse learning needs, ensuring each student had an equal opportunity for success.
  • Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Advised and counseled students to help them develop skills and knowledge required to succeed.
  • Collaborated with other teachers to plan interdisciplinary units that connected subjects and promoted deeper understanding among students.
  • Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
  • Organized extracurricular activities such as clubs or field trips that enriched students' learning experiences outside traditional classroom settings.
  • Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
  • Helped students explore concepts with engaging, learning-focused activities.
  • Communicated frequently with parents, students, and faculty to provide feedback and discuss instructional strategies.
  • Met with students, parents and administrators to address and resolve students' behavioral and academic issues.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.
  • Improved students' analytical skills by introducing state-of-the-art computer program technologies.
  • Supported student success by providing comprehensive training on assessment tools and procedures.
  • Enhanced assessment processes by implementing efficient data management and analysis techniques.
  • Contributed to strategic planning initiatives, integrating evidence-based approaches derived from comprehensive assessment analyses.
  • Stayed up to date on current assessment trends and laws.
  • Analyzed testing data and identified problematic areas.
  • Served as a subject matter expert on educational assessments, providing guidance and mentorship to colleagues in navigating the complexities of assessment design, implementation, and analysis.
  • Coordinated with administrators about matching assessments with curriculum.

K-12 Teacher

School District Of Bayfield
08.2008 - 06.2013
  • Taught Middle School English Language Arts, First Grade, and High School Special Education - Self Contained and Full Inclusion Emotional Behavioral Disabilities Classroom
  • Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues to foster a positive learning environment.
  • Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
  • Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
  • Facilitated peer tutoring sessions among students, promoting collaboration and academic support within the classroom community.
  • Improved student comprehension by incorporating visual aids and hands-on learning experiences into lessons.
  • Continually sought opportunities for professional growth through attending conferences, participating in online courses, or reading current research on best practices in education.
  • Implemented project-based learning activities that encouraged critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork among students.
  • Organized meaningful field trips and guest speakers to provide real-world connections for course content.
  • Fostered student curiosity and interest through creative hands-on activities.

Education

Ed.D - Indigenous Education And Leadership

University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Green Bay, WI
05.2025

Master of Arts - Special Education

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN
05.2015

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

University of Wisconsin - Superior
Superior, WI
05.2008

Skills

  • Program management using sustainable and culturally responsive practices
  • Manage and track contracts (Individual Contractors and Agencies)
  • Project Design and Management - start to finish and cyclical
  • Budget Development and Administration
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication
  • Proficient in Zoom, Teams, Microsoft Office, Google, and other online platforms
  • Problem-Solving and Solution-Oriented
  • Relationship/Relational Worldview
  • Analytical Thinking - Data Informed
  • Professional Demeanor
  • Experienced with representing organizations, agencies, and programs in the public eye particularly as a speaker or ambassador of Indigenous Education and tribal initiatives

Accomplishments

  • 2020 Wisconsin Teacher of the Year - 1 of 2 Indigenous Educators to hold this honor and recognition
  • Advocate for student-led initiatives and students voice
  • Recognized for exceptional teaching practices, dedicated to student success, and contributes to the school community emphasizing Indigenous Pedagogy and culturally responsive practices
  • Played a pivotal role in shaping policies and curriculum to be more inclusive of Indigenous perspectives and knowledge in the state of Wisconsin
  • Collaborated with school leaders and administrators to ensure equitable educational opportunities
  • Promoted the importance of Indigenous Ways of Knowing within the K-12 school system and post-secondary technical school system in the state - worked with elders and knowledge bearers to create pathways for Native Students to succeed

Affiliations

  • Gikinoo'amaage Indigenous Education Coalition Founding Member
  • Pacific Northwest Native Lacrosse Board Vice President

Certification

  • Licensed Special Educator - 2012-present

Languages

Ojibwemowin
Limited Working

Timeline

Beginning Educator Support Team Program Supervisor

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction
08.2021 - Current

Special Education Teacher

School District Of Ashland
08.2018 - 06.2020

School Board Member

School District of Washburn
01.2018 - 04.2020

Teacher and Assessment Coordinator

Waadookodaading Ojibwe Language Institute
08.2013 - 06.2016

K-12 Teacher

School District Of Bayfield
08.2008 - 06.2013

Ed.D - Indigenous Education And Leadership

University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

Master of Arts - Special Education

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

University of Wisconsin - Superior
Bawaajigekwe Boulley