James Kruse
Wessington Springs,SD
Summary
Science Teacher with experience in creating engaging lesson plans adhering to state curriculum standards. Strengths include developing innovative ways for students to explore scientific concepts, fostering collaborative learning environment and promoting critical thinking skills. Notable impact made in previous roles includes improving student engagement and understanding of science principles, as well as encouraging interest in STEM fields.
I also embarked on the journey into educational administration over a decade ago. Because my children were young I decided to stay with my passion of teaching but I am looking for a new challenge and using the inspiration of many of my past administrative mentors to help serve our district.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Co-Transportation Director
Wessington Springs School District
Wessington Springs, South Dakota
08.2024 - Current
- Planned and coordinated bus routes with Jason Kolousek for the district.
- Scheduled daily and weekly routes for multiple drivers across various locations.
Driver's Education Instructor
Wessington Springs, Lower Brule & Miller
Wessington Springs, South Dakota
06.2019 - Current
- Encouraged students to practice safe driving habits at home by having them sign a contract outlining expectations for responsible behavior.
- Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
Science Teacher
Wessington Springs School District
Wessington Springs, South Dakota
08.2013 - Current
- Encouraged a culture of respect, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning within the classroom.
- Encouraged students to participate in science fairs and competitions.
- Conducted hands-on experiments to enhance students' understanding of scientific concepts.
- Also taught Language Arts for two years.
Science Teacher
White River School District
White River, SD
08.2011 - 06.2013
Teacher Team Leader at TCMS
Todd County School District
Mission, South Dakota
08.2000 - 08.2011
- Assisted in developing innovative teaching methods that support 21st century learning skills.
- Was an administrator for 60 students and 3 teachers in a high needs school district.
Science and Social Studies Teacher
Todd County School District
Mission, SD
08.1997 - 06.2011
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD05-2011
High School Diploma -
Huron High School
Huron, SD05-1992
Bachelor of Science - History & Education
South Dakota State University
Brookings, SDSkills
- Interactive teaching and learning
- Student engagement
- Instructional design
- Department leadership
- Organizational and time management skills
- Parent and student communication
- Faculty collaboration and support
Affiliations
- SACOTA (Springs Area Arts Council ) board member from 2013-2022
- President of the local living history club focusing on medieval studies
- Organized Science Fairs for almost two decades including students going to the International Science Fair
- In Todd County I participated in many professional devolepment activities including going to schools in Portland Maine among others
- Lead NASA Science teacher including a micro-gravity flight. This included training in Houston, Pasedina, and well as Alabama.
- Administered a grant in Todd County for the :"School Violence Prevention" that used social studies curriculum to teach social skills. I oversaw the grant and attended twice yearly trips to Californa and other locations.
Accomplishments
- Winner of the 2014 Daniel Swets grant which brought robotics to the Wessington Spring School District.
Certification
- Certified K-12 Administrator
- Certified Bus Driver
- Certified Teacher in High School Science, Social Studies, and Language Arts as well as Driver's Education.
References
- Peggy Diekhoff- Former Principal of Todd County Middle School
- Kendra Becker - Former Principal of White River Middle School
- Doris Ray- former consultant for Todd County School District
- Steve Heinert- retired teacher- math teacher who worked under me for a decade
- Rhonda Stoecklin- retired language arts teacher- also worked with me for over a decade.
- I can find contact information for these upon request.
Timeline
Co-Transportation Director
Wessington Springs School District
08.2024 - Current
Driver's Education Instructor
Wessington Springs, Lower Brule & Miller
06.2019 - Current
Science Teacher
Wessington Springs School District
08.2013 - Current
Science Teacher
White River School District
08.2011 - 06.2013
Teacher Team Leader at TCMS
Todd County School District
08.2000 - 08.2011
Science and Social Studies Teacher
Todd County School District
08.1997 - 06.2011
Master of Arts - Educational Administration
University of South Dakota
High School Diploma -
Huron High School
Bachelor of Science - History & Education
South Dakota State University
Similar Profiles
Vanessa StevensVanessa Stevens
Elementary School Teacher at Wessington Springs School DistrictElementary School Teacher at Wessington Springs School District
Angela LawlessAngela Lawless
Special Education Teacher at Excelsior Springs School DistrictSpecial Education Teacher at Excelsior Springs School District
Matthew ManningMatthew Manning
Paul Kinder Middle School Orchestra Director at Blue Springs R-IV School DistrictPaul Kinder Middle School Orchestra Director at Blue Springs R-IV School District