Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Interests
Timeline
Volunteer

Casey Pufahl

Educator
Waukesha,WI

Summary

Creative Elementary Music Teacher accomplished in designing and implementing diverse music lessons for students aged PreK to grade 12. In-depth knowledge of instructional theories and practices and Vocal Pedagogy and Band instruments.


Skilled Music Teacher offering 22 years of experience as educator, leader and performer. Strong attention to detail with creative and friendly style. Certified in Vocal Music and Classroom Music by the State of Minnesota and the State of Wisconsin (teaching licenses in both).

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications

Work History

Elementary Band Teacher

Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Milwaukee, WI
07.2019 - Current
  • Taught music appreciation, history and fundamentals to vocalists and musicians of varying skill levels.
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions and chords.
  • Guided and instructed music students in music theory and instrument playing.
  • Orchestrated and implemented teacher workshops for professional learning to carry out vital training.
  • Developed and maintained virtual lessons during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
  • Instructed students on concert etiquette.
  • Instructed students on ensemble playing: balance, blend, intonation, lead/follow.
  • Coordinated with departmental employees to maintain continuity of music lesson objectives, planning and execution.
  • Oversaw student progress by reviewing performance utilizing metrics.
  • Advised parents of student progress by communicating student's achievements and developing methods for improvement.
  • Oversaw and approved music selections submitted by teachers and composed music for department.
  • Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.
  • Coached students to play various songs and jingles on piano, guitar, violin and bongo.
  • Planned and executed targeted lesson plans to instruct on music theory, music history and performance etiquette.
  • Developed strong working relationships with teachers, parents and students to propel school and departmental vision and goals.
  • Coordinated concerts, competitions and special events students.
  • Individual instruction on the following instruments: flute, oboe, bassoon, clarinet, saxophone (alto and tenor), french horn, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, baritone, tuba, percussion, guitar, piano.
  • Coordinate opportunities for students to play in their respective churches/houses of worship - often arranging developmentally-appropriate music for them.
  • Design, maintain and execute a Piano Festival for 200 students annually.
  • Design, maintain and execute a series of honors recitals for students in grades 5-8.
  • Communicates regularly with parents/guardians.
  • Helps guide Milwaukee area fine arts/performance schools/programs to become standards-aligned.
  • Consulted with parents and guardians to convene on student performance, conduct and educational prioritization.
  • Devised and executed challenging and advanced curricula to foster excellence among students.

Music Educator

Wisconsin Lutheran High School
Milwaukee, WI
07.2017 - Current
  • Familiarized students with basic concepts of music such as notes, tempo, symphony, beats, compositions and chords.
  • Taught music appreciation, history and fundamentals to vocalists and musicians of varying skill levels.
  • Coordinated concerts, competitions and special events for students.
  • Oversaw and approved music selections submitted by teachers and composed music for department.
  • Advised parents of student progress by communicating student's achievements and developing methods for improvement.
  • Developed strong working relationships with teachers, parents and students to propel school and departmental vision and goals.
  • Consulted with parents and guardians to convene on student performance, conduct and educational prioritization.
  • Coordinated with departmental employees to maintain continuity of music lesson objectives, planning and execution.
  • Devised and executed challenging and advanced curricula to foster excellence among students.
  • Administered standardized testing and reported results by offering constructive student and staff solutions for improvement.
  • Guided and oversaw music department in accomplishing educational benchmarks through curriculum planning, instruction, composition and performance.
  • Oversaw student progress by reviewing performance utilizing metrics.
  • Planned and executed targeted lesson plans to instruct on music theory, music history and performance etiquette.
  • Taught students to identify different instruments from instrument's sound and shape.
  • Orchestrated and implemented teacher workshops for professional learning to carry out vital training.
  • Mentored struggling students with individualized approach to enhance learning.
  • Coached students to play various songs and jingles on piano, guitar, violin and bongo.
  • Maintained student records and evaluated each pupil's musical growth, performance and musical understanding, using OnCampus and Blackbaud.
  • Held afterschool meetings and rehearsals in preparation for shows.
  • Attended department meetings and collaborated with other fine arts teachers.
  • Gathered display materials and distributed programs for shows and performances.
  • Met with parents to resolve conflicting educational priorities and issues.
  • Scheduled shows and performances in accordance with school calendar.
  • Engaged in corrective and disciplinary action when appropriate.
  • Sponsored student fine arts clubs, attending club meetings and events.
  • Evaluated and graded students' class work, performances, projects, assignments and papers.
  • Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
  • Improved operations through consistent hard work and dedication.
  • Devoted special emphasis to punctuality and worked to maintain outstanding attendance record.
  • Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
  • Prepared variety of different written communications, reports and documents.
  • Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
  • Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
  • Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications.
  • Design and teach a variety of standards and performance-based classes for students grades K4-grade 8. Many of these are multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural.

Middle School Fine Arts Director

St. Croix Lutheran Middle School
West St. Paul, MN
07.2008 - 06.2017

Developed a 6-8 grade curriculum.


Assisted administration in purchasing curriculum resources for a new middle school.


Taught choral classes for grades 6-8.


Taught instrumental lesson for grades 6-8.


Developed a ukulele club for grades 6-8.


Developed a concert series for grades 6-8.


Maintained assessments and evaluation for all students in grades 6-8 fine arts courses.


Directed the Middle School choir, plays and musicals.


Taught middle school theory courses, music appreciation, music history.

Music Department Chairman

St. Croix Lutheran Academy
West St. Paul, MN
07.2006 - 06.2017
  • Built collaborative team of adults dedicated to joint attainment of department goals.
  • Reinforced and maintained culture of high achievement by focusing on discipline as opportunity for learning, growth and community-building.
  • Built smooth and productive working relations positively impacting department operations.
  • Planned and executed professional development sessions for department faculty and staff.
  • Observed, coached and mentored department staff.
  • Collaborated with Autism Specialists to better educate students on the autism spectrum.
  • Improved the quality of the department performance outcomes to the level the Board approved the hiring of more music instructors.
  • Improved the quality of the department performance outcomes to the level stakeholders and Board approved the construction of a brand-new music facility.
  • Grew teaching team by sourcing well-qualified employees using new recruitment strategy.
  • Designed course work for AP Music Theory.
  • AP Music Theory course was audited and accepted by College Board.
  • AP Music Theory course was accepted by Administration and Stakeholders.

International Registrar

St. Croix Lutheran Academy
West St. Paul, MN
07.2001 - 06.2017
  • Verified paperwork accuracy and checked for completion prior to processing.
  • Organized, reviewed and filed paperwork for secure recordkeeping.
  • Registered individuals for international study and processed official transcripts.
  • Greeted every guest with personable approach and provided knowledgeable service.
  • Ordered supplies based on stock quantities, expected usage and budget limitations.
  • Updated computer system with latest information to keep records current and accurate.
  • Responded to requests for information from various individuals by providing official records official government documents.
  • Communicated to the Secretary of States Office when needed.
  • Worked to comprehend the complexities of approximately 50 different countries' educational system.
  • Personally responsible for verifying graduation GPAs of all students.
  • Contributed to devising and enforcing effective policies, accurate budgets and daily procedures.
  • Trained junior staff on office procedures and regulatory requirements.
  • Processed registrations with attention to compliance with operational policies in compliance with International and Minnesota educational standards.
  • Performed regular quality and validation assessments on patient data to verify accuracy.
  • Designed individual education plans for hundreds of international students annually.
  • Communicated education plans to faculty and staff.
  • Communicated education plans with international families and other stakeholders.
  • Worked on a team to migrate student management software systems.
  • Presented workshops to the faculty to help them understand the complexities of international education.
  • Designed multiple-cultural experiences (cultural exchange) for domestic students/faculty to gain a insight as someone of a minor culture.
  • Conducted quality improvement and customer satisfaction surveys to evaluate student care.
  • Worked with school administration and board members to understand current challenges and project possible solutions.

High School Choral Director

St. Croix Lutheran High School
West St. Paul, MN
07.2001 - 06.2017
  • Planned and directed choir rehearsals to increase music literacy and appreciation.
  • Chose pieces of music to set choir up for success and challenge abilities.
  • Organized and led recruiting initiatives to maximize program outreach.
  • Conducted rehearsals to keep performers prepared for performances.
  • Elected as Fine Arts Chairman for multiple high school districts. Worked as coordinator for all contests and coordinated festivals.
  • Taught grade 9-12 classes in choral music.
  • Coordinated with other performing arts professionals to organize festivals.
  • Lead planning, rehearsal schedule and execution of Tri-Metro Conference Fine Arts events.
  • Conducted auditions to choose performers for musical presentations.
  • Lead planning, rehearsal schedule and execution of choral events.
  • Composed and arranged music for classes, choirs and performance groups.
  • Positioned members within groups to obtain balance among vocal or instrumental sections.
  • Transcribed melodic lines and musical compositions to create particular musical style.
  • Demonstrated singing techniques, teaching applicable music theory and explaining significance of pieces.
  • Used Microsoft Access and Excel to track events, pieces, performers, equipment and costs.
  • Studied scores to develop interpretations and develop music in detail.
  • Developed music budget to supervise purchase, use and maintenance of music materials and supplies, consistently staying under budget.
  • Performed administrative tasks by developing budgets, designing and printing programs and applying for grants.
  • Prepared and administered budgets to maintain operations within acceptable limits.
  • Directed group at live and recorded performances and rehearsals to guide rhythm, tempo and harmonic balances.
  • Maintained calendars of events and assisted in event planning.
  • Composed and led performances for both vocal and instrumental music.
  • Provided oversight and administration for Choral and Instrumental music programs.
  • Educated students on proper vocal techniques and vocal warm-ups.
  • Worked with both adults and children and shaped approaches to align with student experience level and musical knowledge.
  • Arranged music, solos and instrumental accompaniment for special performances.
  • Coordinated, planned and led practices for musical components of church services.
  • Worked to develop a PreK-12 music curriculum.
  • Entered student ensembles in state run contests.
  • Won a State-wide live radio spot for a chamber choir
  • Maintained grades with rubrics.
  • Communicated challenges with parents/guardians.
  • Worked with specialized education plans.

Education

High School Diploma -

Lakeside Lutheran High School
Lake Mills, WI
08.1992 - 05.1996

Bachelor of Science - Education

Martin Luther College
New Ulm, MN
08.1996 - 07.2001

Masters - MAEd

Hamline University
Saint Paul, MN
06.2004 - 04.2007

Advanced Vocal Pedagogy

St. John's University
Collegeville, MN
01.2008 - 09.2008

Skills

Individual and group instruction

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Certification

Licensed - State of Wisconsin

Interests

Hiking in Nature

Working out with my wife

Coaching my daughter's soccer team

Youth Director at my church

Traveling

I enjoy talking with people I love people

Cooking for my family

Learning new cultures

Problem solving

Timeline

Licensed - State of Minnesota

07-2026

Licensed - State of Wisconsin

07-2024

Elementary Band Teacher

Wisconsin Lutheran High School
07.2019 - Current

Music Educator

Wisconsin Lutheran High School
07.2017 - Current

Middle School Fine Arts Director

St. Croix Lutheran Middle School
07.2008 - 06.2017

Advanced Vocal Pedagogy

St. John's University
01.2008 - 09.2008

Music Department Chairman

St. Croix Lutheran Academy
07.2006 - 06.2017

Masters - MAEd

Hamline University
06.2004 - 04.2007

International Registrar

St. Croix Lutheran Academy
07.2001 - 06.2017

High School Choral Director

St. Croix Lutheran High School
07.2001 - 06.2017

Bachelor of Science - Education

Martin Luther College
08.1996 - 07.2001

High School Diploma -

Lakeside Lutheran High School
08.1992 - 05.1996
Casey PufahlEducator