Connor Kem
Lake Mills,USA
Summary
Dynamic educational leader with extensive experience in data analysis and curriculum development at Lake Mills Community School District. Secured multiple grants to improve student support services and implemented innovative programs to enhance engagement. Proven ability to motivate staff and students, driving initiatives that promote academic success and social-emotional health.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary Principal and Equity Coordinator
Lake Mills Community School District
Lake Mills, Iowa
07.2020 - Current
- Implemented a comprehensive Intervention System Guide, strengthening the Student Assistance Team process through collaborative decision-making and improving identification and support for struggling learners.
- Strengthened TAG identification practices by implementing an equitable, multi-criteria screening process in collaboration with TAG teacher, instructional coach, and AEA specialists, increasing identification accuracy and ensuring diverse learners were recognized.
- Collaborated with AEA consultants and instructional coach to enhance schoolwide implementation of Mystery Science, deepen teacher understanding of NGSS standards, and embed the Claim–Evidence–Reasoning (CER) model into daily science instruction, resulting in consistent inquiry-based learning across grade levels.
- Led district-wide reading and math curriculum reviews, engaging teacher teams to align instructional materials with evidence-based practices and strengthen student learning outcomes.
- Initiated and coordinated LETRS training for all teaching staff, improving foundational literacy instruction through professional learning and coaching support.
- Secured multi-year grants to provide free telehealth mental health services through Classroom Clinic, increasing student access to care and supporting social-emotional well-being.
- Wrote and received grants for research-based SEL programs and resources, collaborating with staff to expand Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports.
- Developed and launched two building-wide character education nights, fostering family engagement and reinforcing core social-emotional competencies through collaborative activities.
- Expanded student voice by establishing student social media interns and collaborating with our PBIS leadership team to create the Student Advisory Council, creating meaningful avenues for students to shape school culture and communication.
- Co-facilitated schoolwide PBIS assemblies with the PBIS leadership team, promoting positive behavior expectations and engaging students in interactive lessons supporting school climate and social-emotional learning.
- Completed formal evaluations for 25 teachers and 17 paraprofessionals, providing coaching, feedback, and performance development in collaboration with instructional leaders.
- Led professional learning for paraprofessionals, delivering behavior strategies, instructional support, and role-specific skill development in partnership with teaching staff.
- Facilitated teacher wellness book studies, promoting staff well-being, collaboration, and a positive school culture.
- President of the Top of Iowa Conference Principal Committee, leading collaborative planning and professional learning initiatives with regional school administrators.
- As a school, we were able to receive multiple Iowa High Performing School designations, reflecting sustained excellence in academic achievement, student support, and school climate.
- Presented multiple times at the Iowa BEST Conference, sharing best practices in schoolwide behavior systems, student support, and collaborative instructional leadership.
- Built capacity of special education staff by creating a Master IEP Meeting Agenda, refining SDI descriptions, improving Prior Written Notices, and coaching staff to use student data to inform instructional decisions and drive individualized learning outcomes.
- Drove initiatives to create a leadership framework, building the capacity of leadership teams by leveraging the Teacher Leadership Skills Framework.
- Established and led a building-wide Writing Subcommittee to align essential writing standards, create common letter-formation terminology, and integrate Hochman Method components, resulting in future consistent instructional language and improved coherence across grade levels.
Elementary Physical Education Teacher
Oskaloosa Community School District
Oskaloosa, Iowa
08.2016 - 05.2020
- Nominated for Elementary PE Teacher of the Year (2019 and 2020)
- District Leadership Team-Elementary Representative
- Building Leadership Team Representative
- Instructional Leadership Team Representative
- Co-Facilitator for Health and Physical Education Professional learning team
- Mentor teacher for two student teachers
- Create lesson plans, standards-based assessments, and deliver instruction based on national grade-level outcomes
- Implemented technology daily for Formative and Summative Assessments
- Social-Emotional Learning and Positive Behavior Interventions Systems-based lessons
K-12 Physical Education, High School Health Education, 6th-grade World History Teacher, and four-sport coach
Stanton Community School District
Stanton, Iowa
08.2015 - 05.2016
- Designed and delivered K–12 Physical Education and High School Health curricula promoting lifelong fitness and wellness habits.
- Integrated engaging instructional strategies to support diverse learners in elementary and secondary grades.
- Fostered leadership, resilience, and sportsmanship by coaching four athletic programs and mentoring student-athletes.
Education
Master of Arts - Education: Principalship
University of Northern Iowa
05.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Education: Physical Education, Health Education
University of Northern Iowa
05.2015
Bachelor of Arts - Education: Elementary Education
Waldorf College
05.2012
Skills
- Data analysis and intervention strategies
- Curriculum development and evaluation
- Grant writing and funding acquisition
- Student engagement and motivation
- Collaborative decision-making
- Family and community engagement
- Effective communication and problem-solving
- Positive school culture
Related Activities
- Organizer of annual family engagement nights.
- Active member and contributor to Salem Lutheran Church.
- Volunteer at community events.
- Guest speaker for Lake Mills Area Ministerial Association.
- Presenter at regional and state conferences.
- Leader of professional learning communities.
- Coordinator of staff wellness initiatives.
- Mentor or supervisor for student teachers.
- Trainer for paraprofessional skill development.
- Grant writer for building initiatives.
- Winnebago County Grant board member.
- SAI Elementary Principal of the Year Committee member.
Endorsements
- PK-12 principal
- PK-12 supervisor of special education
- Evaluator approval
- Athletic Coaching
Professional Development
- Breakthrough Coach, Implemented principles to streamline school operations.
- Pete Hall-Culture of Reflective Practice, Capacity building game plan for coaches and instructional leaders.
- National Principal Conference, Nashville, Tennessee, Louisville, Kentucky, Building leadership capacity and school wellness.
- Decreasing Attention-Seeking Behavior, Trained in trauma-informed practices.
- Special Education Leadership Bootcamp, Focused on special education evaluation and compliance.
- Connecting the Dots, Collaborative inquiry to strengthen team capacity.
- SAI Member, 2018-present
- SAI Conference, Des Moines, 2018-present
Timeline
Elementary Principal and Equity Coordinator
Lake Mills Community School District
07.2020 - Current
Elementary Physical Education Teacher
Oskaloosa Community School District
08.2016 - 05.2020
K-12 Physical Education, High School Health Education, 6th-grade World History Teacher, and four-sport coach
Stanton Community School District
08.2015 - 05.2016
Master of Arts - Education: Principalship
University of Northern Iowa
Bachelor of Arts - Education: Physical Education, Health Education
University of Northern Iowa
Bachelor of Arts - Education: Elementary Education
Waldorf College