Ian Kalas
Topeka,KS
Summary
Compassionate educator skilled in behavioral support strategies and special needs accommodation. Experience in fostering a positive learning atmosphere and collaborating with parents and other teachers to promote student growth and engagement in their education.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
K-12 Music Teacher/Choir Director
Mission Valley
Eskridge, Kansas
2025.01 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse K-12 music classes.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate music into curriculum, enhancing interdisciplinary learning.
- Organized school-wide music events that increased community engagement in arts education.
- Utilized technology tools for music instruction and student practice sessions.
- Supervised rehearsals for school choirs, bands or orchestras.
- Fostered a positive learning environment that encouraged creativity and self-expression.
- Assisted in the selection of appropriate instructional materials such as textbooks, recordings or software applications.
- Created stimulating learning environment that motivated students to explore music appreciation and history.
- Coordinated with parents and guardians regarding student progress throughout the year.
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Mission Valley Elementary School
Eskridge, Kansas
2021.08 - 2025.01
- Maintained accurate records of student grades and attendance throughout the year.
- Utilized instructional strategies such as cooperative learning, inquiry-based instruction, and problem solving techniques.
- Addressed challenging classroom behaviors using positive and affirming techniques to promote a supportive atmosphere.
- Fostered creativity by allowing students to choose learning topics and methods, enhancing engagement.
- Applied classroom management strategies to create a positive learning environment, supporting student growth.
- Collaborated with parents to support student academic and social development.
- Utilized educational technology to enhance student engagement and understanding.
- Assessed student progress through various evaluation methods and adjusted instruction.
Paraprofessional
Silver Lake Schools, Usd 372
Silver Lake, Kansas
2019.01 - 2019.05
- Assisted teachers with classroom management and lesson preparation.
- Offered students personalized educational, behavioral, and emotional support.
- Developed behavior management strategies to support individual student needs.
- Overall continued and increased workload from being a substitute paraprofessional.
Paraprofessional Substitute
Silver Lake School District USD 372
Silver Lake, Kansas
2018.08 - 2018.12
- Supported special education teachers in managing classroom dynamics and providing targeted instructional assistance.
- Provided individualized support to students with diverse learning needs.
- Engaged students through creative activities to enhance focus and reduce distractions.
- Collaborated with professionals to improve communication strategies and foster a supportive learning environment.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching
Kansas State University
Manhattan2021-05
Master of Arts - Music Education
Washburn University of Topeka
Topeka, KS2018-05
Skills
- Creative lesson planning
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- Parental communication
- Behavioral support strategies
- Problem solving
- Effective communication
- Creativity enhancement
- Special needs accommodation
- Conflict Resolution
Certification
- K-6 Education License
Timeline
K-12 Music Teacher/Choir Director
Mission Valley
2025.01 - Current
3rd Grade Elementary Teacher
Mission Valley Elementary School
2021.08 - 2025.01
Paraprofessional
Silver Lake Schools, Usd 372
2019.01 - 2019.05
Paraprofessional Substitute
Silver Lake School District USD 372
2018.08 - 2018.12
Master of Arts - Teaching
Kansas State University
Master of Arts - Music Education
Washburn University of Topeka