Amanda Jakowich
Saint Paul,MN
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record at Water Lily Montessori School, excelling in community engagement and classroom management. Recognized for developing innovative educational frameworks and fostering strong relationships. Adept at budget planning and mentoring staff, driving significant improvements in student interactions and overall program effectiveness.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder/Director/Administrator/Lead Guide
Water Lily Montessori School
Saint Paul, MN
05.2019 - Current
- Cultivates a visually engaging and orderly classroom setting.
- Engages in teamwork to foster healthy relationships for children.
- Exemplifies integrity and leadership among colleagues in charter organization.
- Regularly applies Conscious Discipline strategies within the classroom environment.
- Provides guidance to teacher leaders regarding best practices for managing classrooms.
- Develops individualized weekly lesson plans for students.
- Guides new staff and prospective teacher leaders.
- Conducts assessments across charter for WIDA, FASTbridge, and MEFS.
- Facilitates agreements with contractors regarding facility upgrades as well as transport options for students.
- Maintains accurate records of all transactions related to our school's finances.
- Leads the annual budgeting process, including forecasting and analysis for each fiscal school year.
- Reviews monthly expense reports with CLIA for accuracy across our site, and the MWMS charter.
- Evaluates current business practices and recommends changes when necessary.
- Monitors school spending to ensure it is in line with approved budgets.
- Collaborates with other cooperating charter schools to plan and monitor the budget execution process.
- Actively engages in self-guided learning for growth and understanding.
- Manages online media profiles.
- Established foundational Montessori Primary initiative impacting education in Lowertown Saint Paul.
- Defined and structured school's roles and responsibilities according to Wildflower's processes.
- Introduced Montessori to underserved communities
- Built strategic alliances with non-profit groups including The Family Place, Project Home - Interfaith Action, and Montessori Partners Supporting All Children.
- Collaborates with public Montessori charter schools across the Twin Cities.
- Developed Environmental Learning Plan aligned with charter authorizer criteria.
- Studied effectiveness of Non-Violent Communication practices in Montessori Primary environment.
- Developed Distance Learning framework for students.
- Conducted online classes using platforms like Zoom and Facebook Live.
- Strengthened crisis response strategies to uphold staff and student safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Designed a comprehensive COVID-19 preparedness plan.
- Implemented Hybrid Learning Model tailored for the 2020-2021 school year.
Substitute Teacher
Twin Cities
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Ensured that each student had access to appropriate materials and resources.
- Encouraged positive behavior among students through effective communication techniques.
- Requested as substitute teacher based on excellent referrals and trusted performance.
- Promoted a safe and secure atmosphere within the classroom setting.
- Managed classroom environments to ensure a safe and productive learning experience.
Life Engagement Coach
New Perspective Senior Living
Waconia, MN
04.2017 - 12.2018
- Engaged residents in daily activities designed to enrich their lives physically, emotionally, spiritually and mentally
- Coordinated with team of health professionals to implement new ideas and programming to suit the needs of the residents
Assistant Teacher
Jonathan Montessori School
Chaska, MN
08.2017 - 08.2018
- Prepared an attractive, well-maintained classroom environment, that encourages children entering each day to feel renewed and inspired
- Ensured safety and well-being of children at all times
- Assisted in cultivating positive social interactions with all children
- Facilitated classroom in the absence of Guide/Lead Teacher
Assistant Manager
Juut Salon and Spa
Edina, MN
11.2016 - 04.2017
- Provided supportive leadership to large diverse team through daily interaction
- Guided one-on-one meetings-offering insights on goal setting and strategizing objectives
- Mentored leadership abilities of promising staff
- Interviewed, hired and trained Guest Service Specialists
LifeSpa Manager
Life Time Athletic
Eden Prairie, MN
02.2014 - 03.2016
- Directed 27 team members
- Conserved spending by managing weekly inventory, payroll expenses and the purchase of materials and supplies
- Motivated team to provide members with experiences of uncompromising quality
- Cultivated relationships with members, non-members and team members leading to overall satisfaction and retention
- Earned Artistry recognition by rising to the top 5% of LifeSpas nationwide, measured by revenue generated, retention and retail sales
- Collaborated with engineers, architects and contractors in the implementation of multi-million dollar remodel design and building addition of Salon, Spa, MediSpa and Chiropractic clinic
LifeSpa Assistant Manager
Life Time Athletic
Saint Louis Park, MN
07.2013 - 02.2014
- Assisted in managing up to 25 team members
- Strengthened team progress highlighting areas of improvement and growth
- Partnered with Department Head in planning and execution of special events
- Attained skills in forecasting daily, monthly and quarterly goals within budgetary guidelines
- Consistently met and/or exceeded expectations of leadership team allowing me to stand out as an up-and-coming manager within the Minnesota region
- Developed proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Licensed Esthetician/Independent Contractor
Salon Ori
Saint Paul, MN
08.2012 - 11.2013
- Provided result-driven facials that incorporate a variety of esthetic techniques
- Researched and negotiated an exclusive salon contract with market leader in healthy skin care
- Modified ideas for marketing and development of Spa
- Educated customers and trained team of coworkers on product performance, expected results with focus on ecological, natural and organic products
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Minnesota Waldorf School
Saint Paul, MN
12.2012 - 06.2013
- Assisted with daily curriculum lessons in music, reading, form drawing and life skills
- Conveyed a positive approach to daily situations
- Demonstrated a calm demeanor in the classroom
- Worked well with colleagues as well as independently
Licensed Esthetician
The Nature of Beauty Eco-Boutique
Mendota Heights, MN
02.2011 - 06.2012
- Prescribed products for home use based on skin analysis and individual client needs
- Analyzed importance of product-based revenue from boutique sales, online sales and spa services
- Collaborated with nearby yoga studio to create innovative system for offering reciprocal services and packages
- Featured by Beauty Editor Katie Dohman in Minnesota Monthly April 2012
- Utilized Microsoft Excel and online scheduling programs
Education
Master of Arts - Education
Saint Catherine University
Saint Paul, MN05.2020
AMI Primary Course -
Montessori Training Center of Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN05.2019
AMI Assistance Certification -
Montessori Training Center of Minnesota
Saint Paul, MN03.2018
Certificate of Esthiology -
Aveda
Minneapolis, MN12.2007
Bachelor of Science - Music Education, Elementary Education and Social Sciences
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
River Falls, WI05.2000
Advanced Training Esthiology -
International Dermal Institute
Skills
- Effective communication
- Community engagement
- Analytical and critical thinker
- Consulting
- Budget planning
- Professionalism
- Growth mindset
- Reliability
- Community outreach
- Classroom management
- Training and mentoring
- Active listening
- Mission and vision
- Approachable leader
- Organizational skills
Community Leadership
- COVID-19 Coordinator, Minnesota Wildflower Montessori Charter Schools, 2020, present
- Embracing Equity Cohort, 2020, 2021
- Montessori Partner School, Montessori Partners Serving All Children, 2019, present
- Fundraising Chair, Holiday Fair, Minnesota Waldorf School, 2010, 2012
- Parent Council and Class Representative, Minnesota Waldorf School, 2009, 2013
- Appointed Representative, Minneapolis Early Childhood Family Education Parent Advisory Board, 2002, 2008
Timeline
Founder/Director/Administrator/Lead Guide
Water Lily Montessori School
05.2019 - Current
Substitute Teacher
08.2018 - 05.2019
Assistant Teacher
Jonathan Montessori School
08.2017 - 08.2018
Life Engagement Coach
New Perspective Senior Living
04.2017 - 12.2018
Assistant Manager
Juut Salon and Spa
11.2016 - 04.2017
LifeSpa Manager
Life Time Athletic
02.2014 - 03.2016
LifeSpa Assistant Manager
Life Time Athletic
07.2013 - 02.2014
Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Minnesota Waldorf School
12.2012 - 06.2013
Licensed Esthetician/Independent Contractor
Salon Ori
08.2012 - 11.2013
Licensed Esthetician
The Nature of Beauty Eco-Boutique
02.2011 - 06.2012
Master of Arts - Education
Saint Catherine University
AMI Primary Course -
Montessori Training Center of Minnesota
AMI Assistance Certification -
Montessori Training Center of Minnesota
Certificate of Esthiology -
Aveda
Bachelor of Science - Music Education, Elementary Education and Social Sciences
University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Advanced Training Esthiology -
International Dermal Institute
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