Bethany Kurschner
Oconomowoc,WI
Summary
Experienced and adaptable religious studies teacher instilling love of learning to people of all ages and from all walks of life. Eloquent and exciting speaker promoting outgoing persona coupled to engage others. Challenges student thinking and expands horizons with in-depth course material and instruction.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Youth Ministry
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
03.2017 - Current
- Sourced, modified and prepared class curricula and targeted lesson plans based on subject matter requirements for both middle and high school students as well as for adults.
- Oversaw $60,000 youth ministry budget and tracked all expenses.
- Built, managed and upgraded 5-12 grade educational program.
- Coordinated special events such as youth camps or retreats that strengthened interpersonal relationships among members while deepening their spiritual understanding.
- Prepared, coordinated and distributed information about yearly schedule of activities and classes.
- Scheduled and managed teams of youth volunteers.
- Established effective communication channels with parents, ensuring they were well-informed of ministry events and opportunities for involvement.
Professional Substitute Teacher
Oconomowoc Area School District
09.2009 - 05.2016
- Maximized instructional time by efficiently preparing materials, organizing resources, and managing classroom transitions smoothly.
- Implemented behavior modification strategies, resulting in improved self-regulation and classroom participation among students.
- Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
- Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers (elementary, middle and high school) based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
Instructional Paraprofessional
Summit Elementary
09.2012 - 05.2015
- Delivered curriculum in both one-on-one lessons and group learning environments focused on reading, math and special education.
- Encouraged small groups to discuss topics and explore concepts through hands-on activities.
- Assisted with classroom technology to prepare students with skills needed to succeed in technology-rich world.
- Provided performance feedback to help students understand strengths and areas for improvement.
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and document coordination to maintain positive learning environment.
- Monitored student progress through ongoing assessments and adjusted instructional strategies accordingly, resulting in more targeted support.
Director of Religious Education
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
10.1994 - 08.2002
- Created new workshop based learning program for preschool through 6th grade, writing 6 years of Bible based curriculum.
- Wrote and taught multiple Old Testament, New Testament and Apocryphal studies for adults.
- Managed budget allocations for the religious education department, ensuring responsible stewardship of funds and resources.
- Enhanced curriculum development by incorporating diverse educational materials and resources for religious education.
- Sourced, modified and prepared class curricula and targeted lesson plans based on subject matter requirements.
- Established clear expectations for student behavior and participation, leading to improved classroom dynamics and student outcomes.
- Implemented innovative teaching strategies, enhancing students' learning experiences while adapting to different learning styles.
- Hired, mentored and supervised instructors and volunteer staff to carry out program goals.
- Adapted classroom plans to support needs of children with special learning requirements.
- Mentored new instructors in effective lesson planning, classroom management, and pedagogical techniques specific to religious education settings.
Education
Master of Arts - Old Testament, Systematic Theology
Luther Seminary
Saint Paul, MN05.1994
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy And Religious Studies, Art History
Gustavus Adolphus College
Saint Peter, MN05.1992
Skills
- Lesson Plan Creation
- Learning Assessments
- Course Development
- Student Records Management
- Innovative Teaching
- Lecturing
- Academic Research
Timeline
Director of Youth Ministry
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
03.2017 - Current
Instructional Paraprofessional
Summit Elementary
09.2012 - 05.2015
Professional Substitute Teacher
Oconomowoc Area School District
09.2009 - 05.2016
Director of Religious Education
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
10.1994 - 08.2002
Master of Arts - Old Testament, Systematic Theology
Luther Seminary
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy And Religious Studies, Art History
Gustavus Adolphus College
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