JILL McDONALD
421 E. Court Avenue, Winterset,Iowa
Summary
Highly organized and results-oriented teacher and librarian with 20 years of commitment to educational excellence. Recognized as a compassionate professional dedicated to supporting students and colleagues alike, as well as a trusted communicator with a proven ability to foster confidence and collaboration.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
K-12 Teacher-Librarian
Winterset Community School District
08.2020 - Current
- Develop and deliver library skills lessons for grades K-6, fostering information literacy and critical thinking
- Develop curriculum and teach a seventh-grade exploratory course focused on research and library skills
- Partner with classroom teachers to integrate library-based research skills into broader curriculum efforts
- Lead implementation of the Beanstack reading program at the elementary level, providing staff and student training and ongoing support, as well as spearheading promotional efforts
- Oversee and collaborate with library associates, ensuring smooth daily operations across three libraries
- Research, curate, and manage monthly book orders to maintain a fresh and diverse collection that addresses student preferences and complies with current state legislation
- Manage a yearly budget, including resource allocation, acquisition, and financial oversight
- Manage two annual Scholastic Book Fairs
- Oversee two additional out-of-district libraries as part of a district-sharing agreement, managing collection development and ensuring compliance with state legislation
- Serve on review committees to evaluate challenged materials
- Initiate and sponsor a junior-high level Environmental Club in collaboration with the 7th grade science teacher
Eighth Grade Literacy Teacher
Winterset Junior High School
08.2014 - 05.2020
- Established a positive classroom environment that encouraged collaboration, respect, and enthusiasm for learning
- Designed and delivered engaging literacy lessons aligned with state standards, district initiatives, and student needs
- Collaborated in Professional Learning Communities to develop cross-disciplinary units and assessments
- Applied research-based differentiation strategies to meet diverse learning needs and enhance student achievement
- Provided targeted intervention for small groups, addressing individual literacy challenges
- Participated in individualized education plan (IEP) meetings, contributing to the development of student-specific learning and behavior strategies.
Marketing Administrative Assistant
AGRILAND FS
07.2012 - 06.2014
- Assisted the corporate marketing coordinator in the development and maintenance of the company website and internal communications
- Managed employee clothing orders across 28 satellite locations and tracked inventory using Microsoft Excel and other tools
- Coordinated logistics for corporate meetings, including catering, presentations, and material preparation
- Supported corporate staff with administrative tasks, including customer inquiries, billing, and vendor relations
Education
Master of Arts - School Library Studies
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
08.2022
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
05.2002
Skills
- Library Management
- Curriculum Development
- Technology Proficiency
- Project-Based Learning
Professional Leadership and Community Involvement
- Developed and led professional development workshops on reading strategies and online curriculum mapping
- Mentored student teachers and new staff members, providing guidance on lesson planning, classroom management, and professional growth
- Served as a key contributor to the Positive Behavioral Supports initiative at the district level
- Graduated from the Madison County Leadership Institute, gaining leadership skills and expanding professional networks
Additional Information
References available upon request
Timeline
K-12 Teacher-Librarian
Winterset Community School District
08.2020 - Current
Eighth Grade Literacy Teacher
Winterset Junior High School
08.2014 - 05.2020
Marketing Administrative Assistant
AGRILAND FS
07.2012 - 06.2014
Master of Arts - School Library Studies
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education
University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Similar Profiles
Kari BroekemeierKari Broekemeier
School Bus Driver at Winterset Community SchoolsSchool Bus Driver at Winterset Community Schools
Heather Blue-BelieuHeather Blue-Belieu
Level III Special Education Teacher at Winterset Community SchoolsLevel III Special Education Teacher at Winterset Community Schools
Abigail KeefeAbigail Keefe
Elementary Long Term Substitute at John F. Kennedy School & Winter Hill Community School, Somerville School DistrictElementary Long Term Substitute at John F. Kennedy School & Winter Hill Community School, Somerville School District
Robin HughesRobin Hughes
Clinic Nurse at HealthTrust Physicians ClinicClinic Nurse at HealthTrust Physicians Clinic
Jodi LakeJodi Lake
Insurance Agent at Bridges Insurance GroupInsurance Agent at Bridges Insurance Group