JENNIFER M. BURGARDT
Lindsborg,KS
Summary
Experienced and results-oriented education consultant with a deep understanding of educational systems and a passion for driving transformative change. With 25 years of experience in the field, I have a proven track record of providing strategic guidance and delivering customized solutions to educational institutions and organizations. Skilled in conducting comprehensive needs assessments, analyzing data, and identifying areas for improvement. Expertise in designing and implementing innovative programs, curriculum development, and instructional practices that optimize student learning outcomes. Strong interpersonal and communication skills enable me to build collaborative relationships with clients, stakeholders, and diverse communities. Proficient in delivering engaging professional development workshops and training sessions for educators and stakeholders. Committed to fostering inclusive, equitable, and learner-centered environments. Seeking opportunities to leverage my expertise in education consulting to empower institutions, support sustainable growth, and drive positive educational impact.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
4
4
Certification
Work History
Community Child Care Solutions Coordinator
McPherson County Community Foundation
McPherson , KS
2023.01 - Current
- Attend professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
- Partner with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
- Establish and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
- Utilize grant writing skills to secure additional program funding.
- Advocate for social and community service programs to increase awareness and funding.
- Coordinate with community stakeholders for successful implementation of community service initiatives.
- Collaborate with key community members to develop and implement service initiatives.
- Monitor program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
- Provide leadership, guidance and support to community coalition.
- Analyze trends and data to inform decision-making and program development.
- Conduct community workshops to promote different programs and educate public on available services.
- Manage events focused on providing community services to underserved populations.
- Coordinate individual referrals to obtain community services, advocate for client needs and resolve roadblocks.
- Conduct outreach activities to engage local stakeholders in programs.
- Implement strategies to increase public awareness of social and community service programs.
- Participate in community events to promote services and engage with public.
Lead Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Child Care Aware Of Kansas
Salina , KS
2021.01 - 2022.12
- Developed, implemented, and monitored project programming to ensure comprehensive and integrated approach that met contract deliverables, best practice standards, and program impact.
- Increased community outreach and engagement activities over 500%
- Ensured on-going monitoring, tracking, follow-up and analysis of services and outcomes.
- Created related program improvement plans and ensured successful completion.
- Supervised team members and oversaw work tasks and activities to ensure integrated service delivery approaches and consistent implementation of data processes.
- Led staff development meetings to organize tasks and move members toward unified goals.
- Transcribed data and organized spreadsheets for reporting and decision making.
- Synthesized and submitted monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to funders according to grant/contract reporting requirements.
- Analyzed data weekly to determine accurate records, successes, and areas for improvement.
- Delivered reports and presentations to board during regular operations and special meetings.
- Developed analytical documentation on potentially helpful state partners and regional leadership members.
- Developed and maintained partnerships with other early childhood service organizations and community stakeholders.
- Wrote content for e-mails and organizational newsletters, social media, magazine and blog articles and drafted phone scripts to engage community stakeholders.
- Identified community organizations and leaders to establish and nurture relationships to help build awareness for importance of quality early childhood programs, services, and opportunities.
- Conducted analysis of community needs and resources to support community coalition strategic plans.
- Collaborated with community organizations in other regions to support state-wide and national outreach initiatives.
- Fostered collaborative efforts to schedule, host, and facilitate events and identify further opportunities to reach members of community.
- Developed presentations and events fostering organization loyalty and educating groups about offerings.
- Coordinated 5+ monthly community outreach and engagement activities and events of 50+ participants, including presentations via virtual platform
- Coached effective social change leaders to run strategic campaigns by assisting in building strong coalitions and generating grassroots support.
- Built strong bonds with local cultural organizations by respecting unique differences and specific societal norms.
Early Childhood Care and Education Specialist
Child Care Aware Of Kansas
Salina , KS
2020.03 - 2020.12
- Managed two grant funded projects for tri-county area.
- Recruited participants for regionally grant funded projects for start-up child care businesses.
- Created and managed weekly personal schedule to accommodate ten visits per week with child care program staff, families, initial evaluations and reviews.
- Used tools to assess child care programs and supported provider driven quality improvement plans according to individual provider needs and desires for professional growth.
- Supported and assisted providers in completion of quality improvement plans, parent events, group meetings, grant applications and professional development requirements.
- Ensured data accuracy by completing and maintaining records in data based system related to training, technical assistance, and community events.
- Reported assessment results for purpose of evaluating activities to meet goals and objectives.
- Designed instructional materials and presentations for professional development webinars.
- Delivered professional development events to child care providers in classroom and web-based settings.
- Supported child care providers in implementing organizational policies, procedures, and systems to promote safe and healthy environments in compliance with state standards.
- Cultivated and maintained strong relationships with child care providers.
- Coached child care professionals in preparing children for success in classroom settings through encouragement and exploration of learning activities.
- Conducted child educational, health, sensory and behavioral screenings and assessments and prepared observation results and reports for child care providers and families.
- Observed and assessed child care programs and activities to verify conformity with quality standards.
- Assessed exposure to substance abuse, violence and other risk factors.
- Developed level-appropriate lessons and activities to support skill-building needs as extensions of professional development and on-site visits
- Collaborated on strategies to enhance student learning and behavior alongside parents and teaching staff.
- Aided child care providers in Constructing age-appropriate goals and outcomes to assist children with special needs and developmental delays.
- Provided information on developmental milestones to coach child care staff and families on incorporating modeled interventions into children's daily routines.
- Communicated respectfully and thoughtfully with parents and guardians by remaining sensitive to different families' cultures, values and needs.
- Provided community resources and education to child care staff and families to increase knowledge and advocacy skills.
- Empowered child care staff to establish and optimize program schedules to cover planned needs while capitalizing on opportunities to improve student learning.
- Attended professional meetings and conferences to maintain and improve professional competence.
Science & Technology Teacher
Grades Fifth And Sixth, Smoky Valley Middle School
Lindsborg , KS
2017.08 - 2019.12
- Built and maintained professional relationships with students and faculty members.
- Expanded professional knowledge of subject(s) beyond requirements for teaching assignment(s).
- Applied knowledge of subject area(s) to evaluate and modify curriculum materials and instructional resources to meet student needs and national standards.
- Incorporated real-world examples and project based learning, resulting in students' above average scores on state assessments.
- Mentored and advised students to focus on academics and explore career paths and opportunities.
- Coordinated careers in science, technology, engineering, and math events for 150 students in collaboration with community stakeholders
- Collaborated with technology specialists to design instruction enhanced by use of multiple digital inputs and outputs
- Inspired students to take ownership of learning and become autonomous thinkers.
- Devised and implemented strategies to engage students in developing own explanations of natural phenomena through conducting investigations and research, solving problems, and engaging in discussions
- Assisted with development and implementation of new course materials to enhance learning experience
- Fostered Growth Mindset strategies in students to solve problems in a rapidly and continuously changing world
- Adapted and modified science instruction for inclusive setting of diverse learners
- Monitored student progress to identify weaknesses and provide recommendations for improvement.
- Helped students develop diligent study habits and strategies to achieve successful outcomes.
- Participated in regular student review teams
- Empowered support staff in facilitating instruction and strategies for students' individual education plans
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Implemented interventions through intensive individualized and small group instruction using check in/check out social academic instructional groups
Adjunct Professor
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina , KS
2017.01 - 2018.05
- Taught Music Methods course, providing instruction to up to 25 undergraduate students.
- Evaluated and selected instructional materials and texts to prepare course materials and lesson plans.
- Developed curriculum standards, lesson plans and syllabi.
- Developed course rubrics in order to assess each student’s performance related to course learning objective and to identify areas for student improvement.
- Used variety of instructional methodologies and technology to keep courses interesting and engaging.
- Advised students in academic matters to improve successful course completion.
- Appraised student understanding by applying course content and gauging comprehension.
- Designed and distributed feedback forms to continually improve teaching skills and develop stronger connection with students.
- Used Blackboard and Canvas to keep accurate records of students' attendance and grades.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve student-centered learning.
- Used variety of instructional methodologies and technology to keep course interesting and engaging.
- Used variety of learning modalities and support materials to facilitate learning process and accentuate presentations.
- Identified academic strengths and obstacles and developed instructional techniques to accommodate different learning styles.
- Encouraged class discussions by building discussions into lessons, actively soliciting input, asking open-ended questions and using techniques to track student participation.
- Organized, prepared, and revised course material and applied technological options for online and course-related software.
- Developed creative and effective teaching methods for course content to capture students attention.
- Graded quizzes, tests, homework, and projects to provide students with timely academic progress information and feedback.
- Applied multitude of valid methods to employ and assess students' understanding of content.
- Examined and critiqued course material while incorporating instructor-specific policies.
- Demonstrated superb organization skills in classroom and with student records with specific attention to school policies for documentation.
Displayed professional demeanor and served as role model for students.
Program Director
Sprout House Learning Center
Lindsborg , KS
2016.08 - 2017.08
- Provided ongoing direction and leadership for program operations in tandem with the executive director.
- Developed and implemented program evaluation systems to assess program impact and areas of improvement.
- Supervised twelve program staff, managing and evaluating performance towards professional development goals using Practice Based Coaching, adult learning principles, and reflective supervision.
- Coordinated budgeting, scheduling and resource allocation to facilitate smooth flow of operations.
- Developed and guided classroom programming and assessments with curriculum and schedules grounded in current national best practices and State Early Learning Standards.
- Recruited and trained staff and volunteers to upgrade collective team skills.
- Established and enforced programming policies and standards to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and high quality programming.
- Scheduled and supervised staff weekly meetings to discuss new ideas and update staff on program details and milestones.
- Modernized instructional plans and educational approaches to enhance student learning.
Fourth Grade Teacher
Southeast of Saline Elementary
Gypsum , KS
2014.08 - 2016.07
- Managed student performance using progress monitoring, leveraging data to identify student learning needs and creating action plans to overcome learning deficiencies.
- Consistently improved student scores on local and state assessments.
- Utilized study guides and interactive study tools to increase standardized test scores.
- Employed experiential learning and Higher Order Thinking in daily instruction.
- Taught students subject-specific material, learning strategies, and social skills.
- Instilled highly effective classroom management and discipline using positive reinforcements, relationship building and consistent classroom expectations.
- Developed and researched rigorous teaching and learning extensions in English Language Arts for district adopted basal
- Optimized student learning opportunities and allocated time for departmentalization by creating self-directed daily and weekly work schedules focused on core objectives, student interests and assessed reading levels
- Stayed abreast of new trends in education by attending professional development courses and in-service trainings.
- Enhanced presentation of lessons, student work and parent connections through integration of technology and learning management systems
- Instilled positive mindset classroom culture.
- Implemented classroom management improvements to enhance class morale and engagement.
Kindergarten Teacher
Southeast of Saline Elementary
Gypsum , KS
2006.08 - 2014.08
- Curated successful proposal for all-day kindergarten program.
- Increased grade level assessment scores in all subject areas to grade level or above.
- Designed and implemented transitional activities for students and families to full-day kindergarten schedule and curricula.
- Collaborated in planning, organizing and implementing instructional programs to facilitate academic, intellectual and social development.
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor, and establish personalized learning plans.
- Promoted exploration of building blocks of learning by leading diverse, hands-on activities.
- Advanced learning techniques by using differentiated instruction strategies to accommodate student needs.
- Engaged administrators, parents and colleagues with learning programs to improve educational outcomes.
- Built positive relationships with students and families for safe, trusted learning support.
- Maintained stimulating learning environments through original, interactive classroom layouts and displays.
- Collaborated with other faculty and staff to promote and enhance rigorous learning opportunities, general well-being of school and collective interest of staff and student body.
- Launched Pathways to Reading and Daily 5 programs for K-2
- Delivered structured lessons on readiness skills by emphasizing phonics, language skills, literature, and handwriting.
- Identified characteristics, needs, abilities, and challenges of each child through personal interaction and progress reports to optimize approaches.
- Positive Classroom Management consistently recognized in evaluations.
Head Start Lead Teacher
Heartland Programs Child Care Center
Salina , KS
2001.06 - 2006.07
- Fashioned cross disciplinary learning activities to educate multi-age special education, at-risk, and second language students in individual and group settings appropriate to individual needs in accordance with Head Start performance standards.
- Customized strategies from Conscious Discipline to classroom family dynamics to foster student involvement in conflict resolution and character development.
- Utilized Saxon Phonics Early Learning and Creative Curriculum training.
- Planned classroom events, activities, and field trips to encourage parent involvement and community awareness.
- Coordinated parent teacher conferences to involve parents, translators, second language teacher, special education staff, and family consultants.
- Screened, assessed, and recorded observations of child development, including referrals for further evaluation or for Student Improvement Team.
- Documented assessment findings related to individual progress plans, parent-teacher plans, and reviewed with appropriate staff and parents through weekly staffings, home visits, and parent teacher conferences.
- Increased student satisfaction by frequently communicating with students about needs and adapting lessons to interests and classroom progress.
- Modeled positive behavior and communication skills for students.
- Implemented age-appropriate curricula to meet needs of young learners.
- Guided students to develop social, emotional and physical skills.
- Developed and implemented behavior management plans.
- Developed innovative activities to engage young children in learning process.
- Monitored classroom to verify safe and nurturing environment.
- Planned and executed activities to stimulate physical, social and intellectual growth.
- Supervised two classroom employees and evaluated job performance through supervisions and annual review.
Education
Master of Education - Early Childhood Unified
Wichita State University
Wichita, KS05.2013
B.A. - Elementary Education
Kansas Wesleyan University
05.2000
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Kansas Wesleyan University
Salina, KS05.2000
Endorsement - Early Childhood Special Education
Kansas Wesleyan University, Colleges of Central Kansas
McPherson, KS05.2000
Skills
- Project Management
- Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion
- Government Regulations/Child Care Licensing Regulations/Head Start Performance Standards
- Regulatory Reporting Requirements
- Verbal and Written Communication
- Interpersonal Communication
- Coaching and Mentoring/Adult Education
- Collaborating Cross-Functionally
- Special Education
- Child Development
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Research, Data Analysis, Improvements, Process Knowledge
- School, Family and Community Engagement
- Early Childhood Systems, Programs and Partners
Certification
- Licensed K-9 Elementary Education - Early Childhood Handicapped
- ASQ-SE & ASQ-3 Training - 2023
- CLASS Certification - 2020-2022
- Kansas Leadership Center Training-Your Leadership Edge-Lead for Change-Equip to Lead-2022
- Loose the Lecture: Engaging Approaches to Early Childhood Professional Learning Training-2021
Timeline
Community Child Care Solutions Coordinator
McPherson County Community Foundation
2023.01 - Current
Lead Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Child Care Aware Of Kansas
2021.01 - 2022.12
Early Childhood Care and Education Specialist
Child Care Aware Of Kansas
2020.03 - 2020.12
Science & Technology Teacher
Grades Fifth And Sixth, Smoky Valley Middle School
2017.08 - 2019.12
Adjunct Professor
Kansas Wesleyan University
2017.01 - 2018.05
Program Director
Sprout House Learning Center
2016.08 - 2017.08
Fourth Grade Teacher
Southeast of Saline Elementary
2014.08 - 2016.07
Kindergarten Teacher
Southeast of Saline Elementary
2006.08 - 2014.08
Head Start Lead Teacher
Heartland Programs Child Care Center
2001.06 - 2006.07
Master of Education - Early Childhood Unified
Wichita State University
B.A. - Elementary Education
Kansas Wesleyan University
Associate of Arts - Early Childhood Education
Kansas Wesleyan University
Endorsement - Early Childhood Special Education
Kansas Wesleyan University, Colleges of Central Kansas
- Licensed K-9 Elementary Education - Early Childhood Handicapped
- ASQ-SE & ASQ-3 Training - 2023
- CLASS Certification - 2020-2022
- Kansas Leadership Center Training-Your Leadership Edge-Lead for Change-Equip to Lead-2022
- Loose the Lecture: Engaging Approaches to Early Childhood Professional Learning Training-2021
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