Jay Cecrle
Classroom Teacher – Science
Hastings,NE
Summary
Experienced professional educator with over 25 years of experience. Specialized in working with students in grades 7-12 and recognized as a go-to person for technology-related challenges. Strong technology skills to effectively address any issues. Extensive expertise in curriculum development, delivery, and innovation. Quick learner, continuously acquiring new skills to stay up-to-date in an ever-evolving educational landscape and provide students with the best education possible.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
2000
2000
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Director
Central Nebraska Science and Engineering Fair
01.2019 - Current
- Work as a volunteer director.
- Oversee judge recruitment, fundraising, and event logistics for an ISEF-affiliated competition
- Coordinate travel arrangements and activities on-site to Nebraska ISEF student finalists
- Worked with the University of Nebraska at Kearney to secure event space and judges.
- Communicated with middle and high school principals across Nebraska to invite them to our science research competition.
- Match qualified judges to projects.
- Communicate directly with area businesses to raise money to run the competition and award student cash award and scholarships.
- Consistently securing over $17,000 per year that mostly goes to student awards.
Webmaster
Nebraska Junior Academy of Science
01.2017 - Current
- Troubleshot issues with websites and fixed scripting and use issues.
- Configured and purchased domains for websites.
- Conceptualized, planned and executed original designs for wide range of website properties.
- Ensured website security by implementing regular updates, backups, and monitoring for vulnerabilities.
- Developed a registration and awards system implementing Google Drive to the website.
Adjunct Instructor
Central Community College
01.2009 - Current
- Teach college-level dual credit biology course. I worked with Nate Allen, dean of skilled and technical sciences, to establish the course, a first of its kind in Hastings.
- Teach college-level dual credit medical terminology courses.
Science Teacher
Adams Central Public Schools
01.2005 - Current
- Develop and implement college-preparatory curricula in Biology, Honors Biology, Medical Terminology, Scientific Research, and Forensic Science
- Utilize cutting-edge classroom technologies such as Schoology LMS, Google Classroom, and Google Enterprise for Education
- Mentor 15-30 student research projects annually for competitive science fairs
Summer Science Teacher
Northwest Missouri State University
01.2005 - 01.2011
- Designed and taught rigorous STEM-focused summer courses for first generation college-bound high school students
- Worked with students from a variety of backgrounds from rural and urban areas in Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, and Missouri
Research Teacher
University of Nebraska at Kearney
01.2009 - 01.2010
- Work on biomedical research through the NIH-funded INBRE program
- Improved research skills and gained competency in DNA-relate research including gel electrophoresis, PCR, sequencing, and DNA analysis
Science Teacher
Giltner Public Schools
01.2000 - 01.2005
- Delivered comprehensive science instruction in a rural school setting
Education
B.S. - Biology
B.S. - Secondary Education
M.S. - Biology
7-12 Education Administration - undefined
Skills
STEM education
molecular biology
ecology
integrating technology into instruction
mentoring student research projects
managing online learning platforms
digital classroom tools
professional science education networks
event coordination
Project management
Certification
Nebraska Standard Teaching Certificate
Affiliations
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- American Junior Academy of Science
- Central Nebraska Science and Engineering Fair (Chairman)
- Nebraska Junior Academy of Science (Board Member)
- Nebraska Educational Technology Association
- National Science Teachers Association
- Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science
- Nebraska Coaches Association
Professional Activities And Presentations
- Advanced Research Science Teaching (A.S.R.T.), 2023, Grant writer and workshop coordinator for a five day immersive conference provided at no cost to any Nebraska Science Teacher hosted at Adams Central High School.
- ESU 9 Teaching and Learning Conference, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, Presenter
- Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science (NATS) Conference, 2021, 2016, 2015, Presenter
- Research Teachers Conference, Science for Society, 2020, 2021, Midwest Regional Captain and presenter
- Nebraska Junior Academy of Science, 2020 - Present, Technology Director, special awards chairman, and judging coordinator
- Science Fair Presentations at NATS Annual Meetings, 2019, 2020
- Advisor/Chaperone for Student Research Finalists (Regeneron ISEF: Phoenix, AZ, Los Angeles, CA, Dallas, TX)
- Advisor/Chaperone for American Junior Academy of Science Annual Meeting (Washington, DC, Seattle, WA, Denver, CO, Boston, MA)
- Advisor/Chaperone for Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (Albuquerque, NM, Stillwater, OK, Iowa City, IA, Ames, IA)
- Nebraska Education Technology Association (NETA) Conference Presenter (2011, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006)
Awards
- Teacher of the Year Winner, Adams Central Public Schools, 2016
- Teacher of the Year Nominee, Adams Central Public Schools, 2009 - 2015
- Who’s Who Among American High School Teachers, 2002
Community Service
- Trustee, First Congregational UCC
- Science Olympiad Sponsor
- Superintendent for Adams County Rocket Contest
- Superintendent Science and Technology, Adams County Fair
- Superintendent, Adams County Insect Identification and Contest
- Adams County 4 H Council
Professional Interests And Skills
- 24+ years of experience in STEM education with a specialization in molecular biology and ecology.
- Strong background in integrating technology into instruction and mentoring student research projects.
- Experience in managing online learning platforms and digital classroom tools.
- Active in professional science education networks and event coordination.
Timeline
Director - Central Nebraska Science and Engineering Fair
01.2019 - Current
Webmaster - Nebraska Junior Academy of Science
01.2017 - Current
Adjunct Instructor - Central Community College
01.2009 - Current
Research Teacher - University of Nebraska at Kearney
01.2009 - 01.2010
Science Teacher - Adams Central Public Schools
01.2005 - Current
Summer Science Teacher - Northwest Missouri State University
01.2005 - 01.2011
Science Teacher - Giltner Public Schools
01.2000 - 01.2005
University of Nebraska at Kearney - B.S., Secondary Education
University of Nebraska at Kearney - M.S., Biology
University of Nebraska at Kearney - 7-12 Education Administration,
University of Nebraska at Kearney - B.S., Biology