Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Cyndee Kawalek

Stockton,CA

Summary

Dynamic, student-focused K–8 Physical Education Teacher with a Master’s in Social Work, dedicated to promoting lifelong health, fitness, and social-emotional learning. Proven track record in designing and delivering engaging, standards-based PE curriculum aligned with California Physical Education Framework. Skilled in integrating movement, sportsmanship, cooperative learning, and character education to foster inclusion, confidence, and wellness — including for neurodiverse, at-risk, and English Language Learner (ELL) students. Expertise in differentiated instruction, classroom management, formative and summative assessment, and adapting lessons for diverse physical abilities. Proficient in multiple sports, fitness training methods, and motor skill development strategies. Collaborative and dependable educator committed to creating a safe, positive, and active learning environment that supports academic achievement and whole-child development.

Overview

2018
2018
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Founding Physical Education Teacher

KIPP Stockton Elementary School
  • - Designed and implemented a comprehensive PE program for TK–4 students, aligned with California Physical Education Content Standards.
  • - Created age-appropriate lessons to build motor skills, fitness habits, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
  • - Incorporated SEL strategies to support self-regulation, resilience, and positive peer interactions.
  • - Collaborated with classroom teachers to integrate physical activity into academic and behavioral support plans.
  • - Established a safe, inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds and abilities.
  • Adventure Education Specialist
  • Maine South High School – Park Ridge, IL

Substitute Teacher – General & Special Education

Lincoln & Lodi Unified School Districts
  • - Provided instruction across K–12 classrooms, adapting lessons for varied learning styles and needs.
  • - Managed diverse classrooms with a focus on maintaining a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
  • Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.
  • Provided substitute teaching services across multiple grade levels and subjects, maintaining educational continuity in absence of regular teachers.
  • Provided support to special education students in inclusive classrooms, developing accommodations and modifications to meet their unique needs.

Physical Education Teacher

Maine South High School
08.1995 - 06.2017
  • Taught physical education classes covering exercise strategies, sports, and safety.
  • Integrated character education principles into daily lessons, instilling values such as teamwork, perseverance, responsibility, and sportsmanship in students.
  • Boosted team spirit and collaboration among students, organizing school-wide sports tournaments and team-building exercises.
  • Facilitated student leadership and responsibility, mentoring students to take active roles in class activities and presentations.
  • Created a safe and inclusive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations for behavior and respect among students.
  • Managed classroom behavior to maintain safe and orderly learning environments during physical activities.

Education

Master of Social Work -

University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI

Bachelor of General Studies - undefined

Indiana University
Bloomington, IN

Secondary Professional Educator License - undefined

Northeastern Illinois University
Chicago, IL

Skills

  • K–8 Physical Education Curriculum & Instruction
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Integration
  • Classroom & Behavior Management
  • Differentiated Instruction for Diverse Learners
  • Adventure & Outdoor Education
  • EdTech Integration for PE (Plickers, Blooket, Kahoot, Quizizz, EdPuzzle)
  • Office Suites: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook
  • Collaboration Platforms: Google Workspace, Zoom, Google Meet, Miro, Mural
  • Lesson planning
  • Coaching and mentoring
  • Outdoor education
  • Social and emotional growth
  • Team leadership
  • Curriculum planning

Accomplishments

  • Collaborated with a department of 17 in the development of the Adventure Education Social Emotional Curriculum.
  • Improved physical fitness scores with key improvements to program strategies.
  • Developed an Adventure Education curriculum serving 320 students per year.
  • Brought a new physical education program and achieved results in student performance, assessment scores, and team sports.
  • Awarded 2 Illinois Blue Ribbon Outstanding PE Department Awards.

Certification

  • California Commission on Teacher Credentialing – K–12 Credential (PE, Health, Language Arts, Social Science)
  • Illinois State Board of Education – Grades 6–12 Credential (PE, Health, Language Arts, Sociology, Social Science)

Timeline

Physical Education Teacher

Maine South High School
08.1995 - 06.2017

Founding Physical Education Teacher

KIPP Stockton Elementary School

Bachelor of General Studies - undefined

Indiana University

Secondary Professional Educator License - undefined

Northeastern Illinois University

Substitute Teacher – General & Special Education

Lincoln & Lodi Unified School Districts

Master of Social Work -

University of Michigan

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Cyndee Kawalek