Jane Jurgensen
AMES,Iowa
Summary
Trauma-informed, bilingual (English/Spanish) professional with 33 years of secondary teaching experience and a counseling degree, transitioning into an Abuse Intake Worker role. Proven strength in crisis response, mandated reporting, sensitive interviewing, risk screening, de-escalation, safety planning, and precise, confidential documentation. Collaborative partner with school counselors, social workers, law enforcement, and community resources; excels at multitasking in fast-paced, high-volume settings. Widely recognized for trust and excellence—Golden Apple Award, Wooden Award (2018), Governor’s Scholar favorite teacher (twice), and selected by students to read names at graduation more than ten times—reflecting exceptional rapport, reliability, and a positive, client-centered approach.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Spanish Teacher and Night School Coordinator
Ames Community School District
08.1997 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans to enhance student understanding of Spanish language and culture.
- Implemented differentiated instructional strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities.
- Facilitated immersive language experiences through interactive activities and cultural events.
- Collaborated with colleagues to integrate technology into the curriculum for enhanced learning outcomes.
- Mentored new teachers, providing guidance on effective classroom management techniques and instructional practices.
- Evaluated student progress using formal assessments, adjusting teaching methods as necessary for improvement.
- Boosted student engagement with interactive activities that incorporated authentic materials from Spanish-speaking countries.
- Enhanced cultural awareness in students by incorporating Spanish customs, traditions, and history into lessons.
- Contributed to curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards and incorporation of best practices in foreign language instruction.
- Evaluated student performance using various assessment tools, providing constructive feedback, and working closely with struggling learners to improve outcomes.
- Conducted foreign language exams to determine fluency and comprehension.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current on pedagogical trends and enhance teaching skills further.
- Organized extracurricular activities such as Spanish Club meetings and cultural events to promote language immersion outside of the classroom setting.
- Established strong relationships with parents, keeping them informed of their child's progress and offering tips for supporting language development at home.
- Advocated for importance of language learning in school's curriculum, leading to introduction of advanced Spanish courses.
- Adapted teaching methods and materials to meet needs of students with learning differences, ensuring equitable access to language learning.
- Contributed to school's online learning platform, creating engaging Spanish language content for remote learners.
- Strengthened parent-teacher relationships by communicating student achievements and areas for growth, fostering team approach to education.
Weight Watchers Leader
Weight Watchers International
01.2002 - 04.2013
- Led cross-functional teams to streamline operational processes and enhance productivity.
- Implemented strategic initiatives to drive project success and meet organizational goals.
- Mentored junior leaders, fostering professional growth and leadership skills within the team.
- Developed training programs that improved employee performance and engagement levels.
Education
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Iowa State University
Ames, IA12-1998
Skills
- Advanced Spanish language skills
- Clear communication
- Educational facilitation
- Responsive to evolving challenges
- Cultural immersion
- Skilled in discipline oversight
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Classroom management
- Creative lesson design
- Language immersion techniques
- Critical reading skills
- Student engagement
- Commitment to lifelong learning
- Educational program development
Affiliations
Board Member of the Iowa Association of Alternative Education
Ames Education Association
Certification
Spanish Teacher 6-12
School Counselor 6-12
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Interests
- Volunteer Travel
- Sharing travel tips, recommendations, and insights with fellow enthusiasts
- Participating in cultural exchange programs and homestays
Timeline
Weight Watchers Leader
Weight Watchers International
01.2002 - 04.2013
Spanish Teacher and Night School Coordinator
Ames Community School District
08.1997 - Current
Master of Arts - School Counseling
Iowa State University