Jennifer J. Kalis
Holmen,WI
Summary
Education leader with 25+ years of experience in teaching, special education coordination, and program leadership across school, district, and state levels. Currently serving as Early Education Coordinator in La Crosse, managing multi-site teams and inclusive programming. Proven track record in enhancing student outcomes through effective Professional Learning Communities (PLC) and innovative access models, including a mobile preschool. Active in professional development as President of the Wisconsin Division for Early Childhood (WDEC) and adjunct faculty at UW–La Crosse and Viterbo University, with a focus on SEL, EMLSS, and PBIS practices.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Early Education Coordinator
La Crosse School District
, WI
07.2017 - Current
- Oversaw department managing early childhood special education and 4K programs with emphasis on inclusion and workforce development.
- Designed scalable systems for staff onboarding, training, and compliance monitoring to enhance program quality.
- Facilitated impactful professional development sessions for educators and stakeholders, focusing on best practices in inclusion and assessment.
- Spearheaded mobile preschool program initiative during COVID-19, transforming an RV into a classroom to serve community needs.
- Collaborated with HR and leadership to optimize hiring processes, improve staff retention, and enhance engagement initiatives.
- Developed quality rubrics and data systems for ongoing evaluation, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
Director of Early Education
WI DPI Office of Early Learning / CESA #4
, WI
02.2011 - 07.2017
- Co-chaired Statewide Early Learning Advisory Group to align goals across multiple agencies.
- Facilitated professional learning on assessment indicators, promoting equity through stakeholder collaboration.
- Developed state guidance and resources for curriculum alignment across districts.
- Served as statewide RtI Early Education Coordinator, enhancing program effectiveness.
Adjunct Faculty – Undergraduate & Graduate Studies
UW-La Crosse & Viterbo University
, WI
01.2010 - 01.2017
- Developed and instructed courses for pre-service and practicing educators in graduate and undergraduate programs.
- Delivered key topics such as Special Education Law, Educational Leadership, and Systems Thinking.
- Facilitated learning of Social-Emotional Learning, Multi-Level Systems of Support, and Assessment techniques.
- Promoted inclusive practices through evidence-based strategies and practical applications.
- Guided adult learners with mentorship, feedback, and reflective dialogue for professional growth.
- Enhanced understanding of Early Literacy and Language Development through comprehensive instruction.
Special Education Teacher: Early Childhood
School District of Onalaska
Onalaska, WI
07.2006 - 01.2011
- Directed case management and instruction for children with special needs in self-contained and inclusive 4K and 5K programs.
- Delivered consultative services to children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
- Developed high-quality IEPs and monitored progress through data analysis.
Special Education Teacher: Early Childhood
Arcadia School District
Arcadia, WI
07.1999 - 06.2006
- Executed assessments to evaluate student progress and identify specific needs.
- Developed individualized education programs to meet diverse student requirements.
- Implemented behavioral management strategies to improve classroom environments.
- Collaborated with parents and staff to support positive learning outcomes.
- Served as lead teacher and case manager for children ages 3-6 with multi-categorical disabilities.
- Supervised paraprofessionals to ensure effective support in classroom settings.
- Authored grants that secured funding for community collaboration activities promoting inclusivity.
Education
Administrative Licensure - Principal Focus
Viterbo University
La Crosse, WI 05.2025
Master’s Degree - Special Education: Early Childhood
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
05.2003
Bachelor’s Degree - Communicative Disorders
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
12.1998
Skills
Core leadership skills
- Collaborative team building
- Professional learning facilitation
- Equity-driven coaching
- Strategic planning and design
- Inclusive program development
- Staff mentoring and support
- Conflict resolution and communication
- Family and community engagement
Certification
- WI A001 #5051 Principal
- WI Teaching License #808 – Early Childhood Special Education
- WI Master Educator #1088 – Early Childhood
- National Board-Certified Teacher
Accomplishments
- National Board Certified Teacher
- Launched Mobile Preschool Program: Designed and led renovation of an RV into a mobile classroom, ensuring access to high-quality early learning during the pandemic.
- Developed Systems for Program Monitoring: Created tools and dashboards for tracking program quality and compliance, improving decision-making and outcomes.
- Drove Professional Development Strategy: Built and implemented a PD plan across multiple sites, enhancing staff capacity and alignment to strategic goals.
Affiliations
- President, Wisconsin Division for Early Childhood (WDEC) | 2019–Present
- Statewide Trainer, PBIS Pyramid Model | 2011–Present
- President of PTO, St. Paul's School
- Softball Coach
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Early Education Coordinator
La Crosse School District
07.2017 - Current
Director of Early Education
WI DPI Office of Early Learning / CESA #4
02.2011 - 07.2017
Adjunct Faculty – Undergraduate & Graduate Studies
UW-La Crosse & Viterbo University
01.2010 - 01.2017
Special Education Teacher: Early Childhood
School District of Onalaska
07.2006 - 01.2011
Special Education Teacher: Early Childhood
Arcadia School District
07.1999 - 06.2006
Administrative Licensure - Principal Focus
Viterbo University
Master’s Degree - Special Education: Early Childhood
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Bachelor’s Degree - Communicative Disorders
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire
Similar Profiles
Elizabeth BorchertElizabeth Borchert
5th Grade Teacher at La Crosse School District5th Grade Teacher at La Crosse School District
Melissa BerberichMelissa Berberich
Teacher at La Crosse School DistrictTeacher at La Crosse School District
Tawni O’RourkeTawni O’Rourke
Fieldwork in K-5 Schools at Pre-Student Teaching / La Crosse School DistrictFieldwork in K-5 Schools at Pre-Student Teaching / La Crosse School District
Stacy KewitzStacy Kewitz
Rental Property Owner at Self-employedRental Property Owner at Self-employed
Robert GlassmakerRobert Glassmaker
Chief Operating Officer/Co-Founder at Legally Loud Distro, LLC.Chief Operating Officer/Co-Founder at Legally Loud Distro, LLC.