Karen Brenneke
Wilton,CT
Summary
Dynamic educator and curriculum expert with a proven track record in public schools and teacher preparation programs, specializing in curriculum development and fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments. Excelled in enhancing literacy through data-informed decision-making and collaborative stakeholder engagement. Known for transformative leadership and high-quality instructional strategies, resulting in improved student learning.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
K-6 Literacy Coach
New Milford Board Of Education
- Conducted professional development workshops on effective literacy strategies for colleagues, enhancing overall instructional quality.
- Analyzed student assessment data, providing insights for tailored instruction and support.
- Demonstrated instructional methods aligned to comprehensive literacy framework as the district established a guaranteed and viable curriculum K-8.
- Collaborated with classroom teachers and planned objectives and instruction for struggling readers.
- Established initial SRBI process at intermediate level.
- Introduced diverse literature selections into the curriculum, encouraging cultural awareness and empathy among students.
Grade 6 ELA Teacher
New Milford Board Of Education
- Established a safe learning environment where students felt comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions.
- Provided timely feedback on assignments, allowing students to improve their performance and master course material.
- Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on teaching strategies and best practices for ELA education.
Grade 8 ELA Teacher
Gaston County Schools
- Established a safe learning environment where students felt comfortable sharing ideas and asking questions.
- Provided timely feedback on assignments, allowing students to improve their performance and master course material.
- Helped students develop academic, social and emotional skills for long-term success.
- Participated in professional development opportunities, staying current on teaching strategies and best practices for ELA education.
Grade 7 Teacher
Stafford County Public Schools
- Promoted an inclusive educational environment by incorporating culturally responsive pedagogy and materials into curricula.
- Evaluated instructional materials, making recommendations for adoption based on relevance and effectiveness.
- Worked closely with instructional coaches to prepare materials, content, and tools to facilitate adult learning.
- Facilitated committees comprised of all stakeholders to build consensus around district initiatives.
- Facilitated faculty meetings, grade level meetings, and PLCs to promote continuous improvement, data analysis, and professional learning.
- Observed curriculum implementation and offered feedback to teachers to promote student learning.
- Planned professional learning for ELA and Social Studies.
- Coordinated, planned, and facilitated annual curriculum teams for summer writing and revision.
- Collaborated with buildings’ leadership teams to maximize effectiveness of instruction through continuous improvement cycles, data analysis, and monitoring of student-centered coaching.
K-8 Humanities Curriculum Coordinator
Wilton Public Schools
07.2018 - Current
- Promoted an inclusive educational environment by incorporating culturally responsive pedagogy and materials into curricula.
- Evaluated instructional materials, making recommendations for adoption based on relevance and effectiveness.
- Worked closely with instructional coaches to prepare materials, content, and tools to facilitate adult learning.
- Facilitated committees comprised of all stakeholders to build consensus around district initiatives.
- Facilitated faculty meetings, grade level meetings, and PLCs to promote continuous improvement, data analysis, and professional learning.
- Observed curriculum implementation and offered feedback to teachers to promote student learning.
- Planned professional learning for ELA and Social Studies.
- Coordinated, planned, and facilitated annual curriculum teams for summer writing and revision.
- Collaborated with buildings’ leadership teams to maximize effectiveness of instruction through continuous improvement cycles, data analysis, and monitoring of student-centered coaching.
Adjunct Professor
Manhattanville College
01.2017 - 05.2019
- Empowered students to take ownership of their education by facilitating opportunities for independent research projects within two courses: Intervention and Assessment and Transformational Leadership through Instructional Coaching.
- Built syllabi that included asynchronous as well as synchronous learning experiences.
- Strengthened critical thinking skills in students through the incorporation of problem-based learning activities.
- Built strong rapport with students through class discussions and academic advisement.
- Created positive and safe learning environment for students by setting and enforcing classroom code of conduct.
Education
21/25 Hours Completed - 6th Year Educational Leadership
Central Connecticut State University
New Britain, CTM.S. Education - Education
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12.1994
B.S Interdisciplinary Studies - Education Concentrations ELA And Social Studies
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA12.1993
Skills
High quality instruction
Continuous improvement
Data informed decision-making
Curriculum development and design
Collaboration with all stakeholders in an organization: administrators, teacher leaders, teachers, students, and families
Timeline
K-8 Humanities Curriculum Coordinator
Wilton Public Schools
07.2018 - Current
Adjunct Professor
Manhattanville College
01.2017 - 05.2019
21/25 Hours Completed - 6th Year Educational Leadership
Central Connecticut State University
M.S. Education - Education
Old Dominion University
B.S Interdisciplinary Studies - Education Concentrations ELA And Social Studies
Old Dominion University
K-6 Literacy Coach
New Milford Board Of Education
Grade 6 ELA Teacher
New Milford Board Of Education
Grade 8 ELA Teacher
Gaston County Schools
Grade 7 Teacher
Stafford County Public Schools
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