Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
Timeline

Jess Spiewak

Manteno Middle School
Bourbonnais,IL
1
Certification
2027
years of professional experience

Dynamic elementary educator with 14 years of classroom teaching experience, specializing in instructional design, student engagement, and teacher mentorship. Holds a Master’s Degree in Teaching and Learning, a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, and LBS1 certification. Expertise in preparing future educators through the practical application of educational theory, differentiated instruction, effective classroom management, and inclusive learning environments. Proven track record of mentoring new teachers, supervising clinical students, and supporting teacher candidates during field placements to foster professional growth and development.

Work History

Clinical Student & Teacher Candidate Supervisor

Manteno Cusd 5
  • Hosted and supervised clinical students and pre-service teachers during field experiences.
  • Provided observation feedback, instructional coaching, and professional mentorship.
  • Modeled effective instructional practices and classroom management techniques.
  • Collaborated with university faculty to support candidate growth and evaluation.

5th Grade Teacher

9 Years 10 Months
Manteno Middle School | 08.2016 - Current
  • Design and deliver standards-based instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
  • Differentiate instruction to meet diverse student learning needs, including students with disabilities and varying academic abilities.
  • Utilize formative and summative assessment data to drive instructional decision-making and improve student achievement.
  • Integrate educational technology to enhance engagement and support learning outcomes.
  • Foster positive classroom culture through effective classroom management and relationship-building strategies.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support student success and inclusive educational practices.
  • Maintain strong partnerships with families and community stakeholders.
  • Increased student confidence and overall district and state assessment scores

Mentor Teacher

2 Years 9 Months
Manteno Cusd 5 | 08.2023 - 05.2026
  • Mentored and supported new educators through instructional coaching, collaborative planning, and reflective practice.
  • Provided guidance on classroom management, curriculum implementation, assessment, and professional growth.
  • Facilitated professional conversations focused on best instructional practices and student achievement.

Special Education Teacher

2 Years 9 Months
Indian Oaks Academy & Manteno Elementary School | 08.2013 - 05.2016
  • Developed and implemented individualized instruction aligned with students' IEP goals, resulting in measurable academic and behavioral growth.
  • Collaborated with general education teachers, specialists, and families to create inclusive learning environments and support student success.
  • Monitored student progress through ongoing assessment and data analysis to inform instructional decisions and interventions.
  • Facilitated IEP meetings, maintained compliance with state and federal regulations, and advocated for the unique needs of students with disabilities.

Education

Master of Arts - Teaching and Learning

University of St. Francis | Joliet, IL | 05-2025

Concentration in Instructional Coaching

Learning Behavior Specialist I - Special Eduducation

University of St. Francis | Joliet, IL | 07-2014

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

Saint Xavier University | Chicago | 05-2013

Skills

K–8 instructional expertise
Collaborative teaching & co-teaching models
Differentiated instruction
Classroom management
Student engagement strategies
Inclusive and special education strategies

Certification

  • Professional Educator License – Illinois
  • Elementary Education Certification
  • Learning Behavior Specialist I (LBS1)

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

I believe meaningful learning happens when students feel valued, connected, and supported within a strong classroom community. My teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive environment that fosters engagement, collaboration, and a sense of belonging for all learners. Through differentiated instruction, I strive to meet the diverse needs of students while encouraging curiosity, confidence, and academic growth. As an educator, I am passionate about helping students reach their potential and preparing future teachers to create classrooms where every learner can succeed.

Timeline

Mentor Teacher

Manteno Cusd 5
08.2023 - 05.2026Read More

5th Grade Teacher

Manteno Middle School
08.2016 - CurrentRead More

Special Education Teacher

Indian Oaks Academy & Manteno Elementary School
08.2013 - 05.2016Read More

Clinical Student & Teacher Candidate Supervisor

Manteno Cusd 5
Read More

University of St. Francis

Master of Arts from Teaching and Learning
Read More

University of St. Francis

Learning Behavior Specialist I from Special Eduducation
Read More

Saint Xavier University

Bachelor of Science from Elementary Education
Read More
Jess Spiewak