Joel Olson

• Taught college-level writing to PSEO students through the College of Arts and Sciences, emphasizing academic research, critical thinking, and rhetorical analysis.
• Instructed adult learners in college-level writing and college readiness skills through the College of Adult and Professional Studies, focusing on academic writing, critical thinking, and student success strategies.
• Maintained online office hours for one-on-one consultations with students, addressing their concerns and providing additional support when needed.
• Developed instructional materials and exercises to reinforce course concepts, ensuring clarity through defined objectives and rubrics.
• Integrated instructional technologies to enhance online learning, fostering engagement and accessibility.
• Explored the best uses of AI technology in the teaching of writing, guiding students in understanding best practices for AI-assisted learning and ethical usage.

Curriculum Development & Instructional Design Instruction & Student Support

• Designed and developed curriculum for college writing and social sciences courses.
• Synthesized materials from four five-week courses into two new eight-week courses (ENGL130 & SOCS110).
• Expanded ENGL225R from a five-week format into a semester-length course.
• Collaborated to transition ENGL130 from a five-week to a full-semester course.
• Created instructional design plans for two new eight-week courses.
• Adapted and refined curriculum to enhance student engagement and success.
• Provided writing instruction across multiple genres, including narrative, expository, and research writing.
• Developed scaffolded instruction to teach APA citation, academic research, and source evaluation.
• Taught key skills such as annotated bibliography, literature review, and researched opinion papers.
• Emphasized prewriting, organization, thesis development, and evidence-based argumentation.
• Fostered student growth through detailed written feedback and individual conferencing.
• Guided online students through intensive five-week composition courses in a supportive environment.

Writing & Literature Instruction AP Language and Composition Academic Writing (EN151) – SMSU College Now Literature & Human Diversity (LIT100) – SMSU College Now Early & Modern British Literature

• Developed and implemented the AP Language and Composition curriculum.
• Instructed students in research-based essay writing with an emphasis on prewriting, organization, thesis development, and source documentation.
• Utilized individual student conferencing to provide targeted feedback and support.
• Taught college-level, multi-draft research writing, incorporating MLA and APA style.
• Integrated college writing and rhetoric texts to support student learning.
• Guided students through the analysis of poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction, and short stories.
• Focused on figurative language explication and thesis-driven literary analysis.
• Encouraged critical thinking and student-led literary exploration.
• Designed and aligned course curriculum with Minnesota state standards.
• Developed and taught a narrative writing unit culminating in a personal essay.
• Led a research writing project culminating in an MLA-style paper.
• Facilitated student engagement with major British literary works, including Beowulf, The Canterbury Tales, Macbeth, Hamlet, Frankenstein, Jane Eyre, Animal Farm, and Lord of the Flies.
• Integrated technology tools (Google Suite, Schoology, Canva) to enhance instruction.
• Collaborated with colleagues to develop common formative and summative assessments.

• Led the production of 16 high school yearbooks, overseeing content, design, and distribution.
• Developed and taught a yearbook curriculum focused on journalistic writing, photography, and design.
• Designed a workshop-style classroom to support hands-on, production-based learning.
• Instructed students in journalistic writing, reporting, and MLA formatting for coursework.
• Organized students into editorial and production roles, empowering decision-making and leadership.
• Taught photography, basic design principles, and web-based design software.
• Guided students in yearbook and ad sales, introducing fundamental sales and marketing strategies.

• Completed district-sponsored mentor training and served as a mentor to a probationary teacher.
• Conducted regular meetings, provided classroom observations, attended events, and offered ongoing support for professional growth.

• Managed operations of a 25-employee metal finishing company, overseeing production, compliance, and financial planning.
• Maintained customer relationships, provided estimates, and ensured timely delivery.
• Developed and implemented regulatory compliance plans, conducted annual reviews, and led recruitment efforts.
• Created and managed annual budgets, tracking expenditures for efficiency.
• Planned and supervised the construction of a 20,000-square-foot facility.
• Coordinated financial services with bankers, accountants, and community development organizations.

• Researched, wrote, and submitted grant proposals to secure funding for productions.
• Managed all logistics for the regional tour of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, including scheduling, budgeting, and venue coordination.
• Developed and executed marketing strategies, overseeing group sales and coordinating student matinee performances.
• Served as stage manager for Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill and the 1940’s Big Band Holiday Show, ensuring seamless production operations.

• Appointed city commissioner, providing strategic feedback and recommendations to the city council.
• Actively participate in monthly meetings, collaborating with fellow commissioners, city staff, and community members to address local initiatives and policy matters

Public Service

• Twice-elected member of the St. Francis City Council, representing community interests and shaping local policy.
• Appointed council liaison to Public Works, Upper Rum River Watershed District, and the municipal liquor store, facilitating communication and strategic planning.
• Collaborated with state representatives and lobbied legislators to secure increased local government aid for St. Francis.

Mayoral Candidate, St. Francis, 2001

• Campaign Leadership: Led a comprehensive mayoral campaign, developing and executing strategies that resulted in a narrow 14-vote margin.
• Community Engagement: Engaged with community members through town halls, debates, and outreach initiatives to understand and address local concerns.
• Fundraising and Budget Management: Organized fundraising events and managed campaign finances to ensure effective allocation of resources.
• Team Coordination: Recruited and led a team of volunteers, coordinating efforts across communications, canvassing, and event planning.