Jenna Kowalke
Black River Falls
Summary
Highly motivated and passionate professional educator prepared for this role with strong classroom management, curriculum development, and student engagement skills. Known for fostering a collaborative learning environment and achieving educational outcomes. Adaptable and reliable, ready to meet changing needs and ensure student success. Strong in communication, problem-solving, and fostering a positive amd safe learning atmosphere.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
Melrose-Mindoro School District
08.2013 - Current
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Enhanced classroom management by establishing clear expectations, rules, and routines.
- Collaborated with colleagues to share resources, brainstorm ideas, and problem-solve challenges faced in the classroom environment through PLC's.
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plans for each student.
- Recognized children's physical, emotional and social needs for personalized support.
- Implemented differentiated instruction strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative and summative assessments to inform instructional decisions.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers, providing guidance on lesson planning, classroom management, and instructional strategies.
- Assisted in curriculum development to align lessons with state standards and improve overall instructional quality.
- Created, managed, and participated in variety of learning environments and activities to support opportunities for students to develop full potential and achieve learning objectives.
- Fostered social-emotional growth in students through daily morning meetings, conflict resolution strategies, and character education lessons.
Before & After School Care Coordinator
Melrose-Mindoro School District
08.2024 - Current
- Created fun, age-appropriate activities for school-age children.
- Managed behavioral issues and used positive behavior strategies for groups of up to 50 students.
- Supervised up to 50 students during indoor and outdoor exercise periods, monitoring group, and individual safety.
- Connected and frequently communicated with students and parents regarding programs, policies, and individual needs.
- Scheduled mini-lessons, art projects, and unstructured playtime for school-age children.
- Selected nutritious snacks and educational toys for students.
- Collaborated with teachers to reinforce academic concepts taught during the day through after-school activities.
- Established clear expectations for behavior and participation in the program, creating a structured yet enjoyable experience for students.
- Supervised high school childcare workers and oversaw facility.
- Maintained accurate records of attendance and monthly payments.
School Tutoring Coordinator
Melrose-Mindoro School District
08.2022 - Current
- Collaborated with faculty to develop after-school tutoring program for struggling students.
- Developed strong relationships with parents and teachers to facilitate communication and collaboration on student progress.
- Boosted student confidence through consistent encouragement, fostering a positive learning environment.
- Managed budgetary allocations wisely, ensuring optimal resource distribution across the tutoring program''s various components.
- Established clear expectations and guidelines for both tutors and tutees, maintaining a professional atmosphere conducive to effective learning.
- Implemented data-driven decision making by regularly analyzing student performance metrics and adjusting strategies accordingly.
- Increased overall academic performance by providing targeted assistance in areas of need for students.
New Teacher Mentor
Melrose-Mindoro School District
08.2018 - Current
- Mentored new teachers, fostering a collaborative work environment that promoted professional growth and development.
- Helped to create a positive and safe work environment by providing tailored guidance and support throughout their first year of teaching.
- Completed monthly check-ins with mentees to ensure teacher satisfaction and readiness.
Head Varsity Volleyball Coach
Melrose-Mindoro School District
08.2015 - 11.2021
- Elevated athlete motivation levels using goal-setting techniques paired with continuous feedback on their progress during practices and games.
- Championed academic excellence among athletes by prioritizing time management skills and providing resources for academic success.
- Developed strong team dynamics through effective communication, trust-building exercises, and fostering a positive environment.
- Enhanced team performance by implementing strategic practice sessions and focusing on individual player development.
- Designed detailed practice schedules with specific drills tailored to improve the team''s weaknesses and reinforce strengths.
- Maintained open lines of communication with parents and guardians regarding player progress, achievements, and areas for improvement.
Earle Brown Elementary IB World School
08.2012 - 05.2013
- Used Minnesota Common Core Standards to teach literacy, math and International Baccalaureate (IB) lessons for 28 kindergarten students
- Differentiated instruction according to the individual needs of the students
- Administered STEP testing and data analysis
- Worked in a corporative learning environment using inquiry-based learning teaching techniques
- Attended and participated in literacy, math and IB Professional Learning Communities (PLC’s)
Education
Masters in Education (M.Ed) - College of Education Initial Licensure Program (ILP)
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education Foundations
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota05.2012
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Parent-teacher communication
- Lesson planning
- Classroom/behavior management
- Classroom organization
- Documentation and record keeping
- Faculty collaboration
- Creative teaching strategies
- Social/emotional support
Accomplishments
- Completed Educational Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA), 2013
- Dean’s List, 2010 to 2013
Certification
- CPR (Adult, Child, Infant) with AED & 1st Aid with Environmental Emergencies, 2025-03-01
- IMSE Comprehensive Orton-Gillingham Plus Certified, 2024-07-01
- CPI Certified, 2023-08-01
Timeline
Before & After School Care Coordinator
Melrose-Mindoro School District
08.2024 - Current
School Tutoring Coordinator
Melrose-Mindoro School District
08.2022 - Current
New Teacher Mentor
Melrose-Mindoro School District
08.2018 - Current
Head Varsity Volleyball Coach
Melrose-Mindoro School District
08.2015 - 11.2021
Kindergarten Teacher
Melrose-Mindoro School District
08.2013 - Current
Earle Brown Elementary IB World School
08.2012 - 05.2013
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education Foundations
University of Minnesota
Masters in Education (M.Ed) - College of Education Initial Licensure Program (ILP)
University of Minnesota
Similar Profiles
Stacy StairStacy Stair
Special Education Paraprofessional at Melrose Mindoro School DistrictSpecial Education Paraprofessional at Melrose Mindoro School District
Marie SonsallaMarie Sonsalla
Director of Special Education at Melrose-Mindoro School DistrictDirector of Special Education at Melrose-Mindoro School District
Toni Lee GaschToni Lee Gasch
Early Childhood Education Teacher at Sparta Area School DistrictEarly Childhood Education Teacher at Sparta Area School District
Ava SchweitzerAva Schweitzer
Black River Memorial Hospital Volunteen at Sara OsegardBlack River Memorial Hospital Volunteen at Sara Osegard
Ashley JuhaszAshley Juhasz
Lead at Prospect HomesLead at Prospect Homes