Gretchen Wurzer-Palm
Summary
Creative instructor offering 29 years of experience developing and implementing diverse curriculums covering wide range of subjects; including Theatre, Dance and Reading. Proficient in evaluation, monitoring student performance and organizing group projects and performances. Hardworking and energetic individual with excellent communication, public speaking and collaboration skills.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Teacher-Speech/Theatre/Dance/Reading
Robbinsdale Area Schools-Cooper High School
2018.09 - Current
- Develop and teach curriculum for Theatre, Dance, Speech, Reading classes grades 9-12.
- Serve on National Honor Society committee.
- Coach student speakers in preparation for graduation.
- Produce, direct and choreograph four theatrical productions per school year.
Teacher/Credit Counselor/Program Director
Robbinsdale Schools-Highview Alternative Program
2006.08 - 2018.06
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing educational environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Assisted students with making graduation and post secondary education plans.
- Attended district principals' meetings surrounding budgets, staffing and trainings.
- Created course schedules for students and the school as a whole.
- Interviewed new staff.
- Created curriculum for Reading and Theatre classes.
- Served as MAAP STARS coach in Public Speaking.
Adjunct Reading Instructor
North Hennepin Community College
2007.09 - 2009.01
- Mentored and instructed incoming students in the developmental reading program; providing targeted support to build confidence and improve skill levels in order to be successful on the college level.
- Developed curriculum and assessments for students reading at varying lexile levels.
Teacher-English/ Reading/ Speech/ Theatre/ Dance
Robbinsdale Schools-Armstrong High School
2001.09 - 2006.06
- Developed and taught Reading and Dance curriculum for grades 9-12.
- Prepared students for Reading MCA exams.
- Directed and choreographed two main stage theatrical productions per school year.
Performer-Actor/Singer/Dancer
Troupe America
1999.06 - 2006.05
- Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?
- How To Talk Minnesotan
- Ten Years Later
Teacher-Speech/Theatre
Robbinsdale Schools-Sandburg Middle School
1999.09 - 2001.06
- Developed and taught Speech and Theatre curriculum for IBMYP classes; 7th and 8th grade.
- Directed two theatrical productions per school year.
Teacher-Speech/Theatre
Robbinsdale Schools-Hosterman Middle School
1997.09 - 1999.06
- Introduce and develop Speech and Theatre curriculum at the middle school level for grades 7-12.
- Direct and choreograph spring musical.
- Served on the Comprehensive Arts Planning Committee.
Teacher-English as a Second Language
3M Decontintas/San Jose General Hospital
1995.08 - 1996.01
- Developed curriculum and taught English language speaking skills to adult learners (doctors, nurses and administration) at San Jose General Hospital.
- Developed curriculum and taught English language speaking skills to adult learners who worked in paint mixing for a facet of 3M.
Education
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minneapolis, MN01.2006
Master of Arts - Reading Instruction
Hamline University
Saint Paul, MN03.2004
Bachelor of Arts - Speech/Theatre Education
University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul, MN06.1992
Skills
- Instructional Design
- Team Teaching and Collaboration
- Curriculum Development
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Lesson Planning
- Group Instruction
- Collaborative learning
- Student-Centered Learning
- Student rapport
- Creative Instruction Style
- Public Speaking
- Interpersonal and Social Skills
- Project-based learning
- Alternative Learning Methods
- Student Motivation and Engagement
- Program Development
Accomplishments
- Named "Teacher of the Year" at Robbinsdale Area Schools in 2023.
Certification
- International Baccalaureate training
- AVID training
Timeline
Teacher-Speech/Theatre/Dance/Reading
Robbinsdale Area Schools-Cooper High School
2018.09 - Current
Adjunct Reading Instructor
North Hennepin Community College
2007.09 - 2009.01
Teacher/Credit Counselor/Program Director
Robbinsdale Schools-Highview Alternative Program
2006.08 - 2018.06
Teacher-English/ Reading/ Speech/ Theatre/ Dance
Robbinsdale Schools-Armstrong High School
2001.09 - 2006.06
Teacher-Speech/Theatre
Robbinsdale Schools-Sandburg Middle School
1999.09 - 2001.06
Performer-Actor/Singer/Dancer
Troupe America
1999.06 - 2006.05
Teacher-Speech/Theatre
Robbinsdale Schools-Hosterman Middle School
1997.09 - 1999.06
Teacher-English as a Second Language
3M Decontintas/San Jose General Hospital
1995.08 - 1996.01
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Master of Arts - Reading Instruction
Hamline University
Bachelor of Arts - Speech/Theatre Education
University of St. Thomas
- International Baccalaureate training
- AVID training
Similar Profiles
La’Shaya TaylorLa’Shaya Taylor
Certified Nursing Assistant In Training at Robbinsdale Cooper High SchoolCertified Nursing Assistant In Training at Robbinsdale Cooper High School
Jakara OkonkwoJakara Okonkwo
Servant Leader Intern at Robbinsdale Area SchoolsServant Leader Intern at Robbinsdale Area Schools
Reginald SmithReginald Smith
Student Success Assistant at Robbinsdale Area SchoolsStudent Success Assistant at Robbinsdale Area Schools