Karla Blakesley-Caldwell
Amboy,MN
Summary
Dynamic educator with a proven track record at Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Schools, excelling in differentiated instruction and technology related skill-building. A strong background in teaching and curriculum development. Proven ability to create interactive and inclusive learning experiences that promote student growth. Known for collaborative approach and adaptability in dynamic educational settings.
Overview
43
43
years of professional experience
Work History
Elementary Teacher
Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Schools
Lake Crystal, MN 56055
08.2007 - Current
- Prepared materials for lessons, assignments, and assessments, and evaluated, corrected and graded student performance to identify gaps in skills or knowledge and set realistic goals.
- Implemented creative classroom management techniques to maintain an orderly and focused learning environment.
- Promoted a positive classroom environment by establishing clear expectations and fostering strong communication between students, parents, and staff members.
- Evaluated student progress regularly through formative assessments, adjusting teaching strategies as needed for improved outcomes.
- Increased overall student achievement by utilizing differentiated instructional methods tailored to individual learning styles.
- Developed strong relationships with students and their families through consistent communication and involvement in school events.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop cross-curricular lesson plans, deepening students'' understanding of multiple subjects.
- Contributed to the improvement of school-wide curriculum by participating in professional development workshops and sharing insights with colleagues.
- Built positive relationships with parents to involve families in educational process.
- Served on school committees focused on improving instructional practices, furthering professional growth, and advancing educational initiatives.
- Worked one-on-one with students to determine strengths, weaknesses, and learning patterns.
- Improved students'' reading comprehension levels by implementing interactive and engaging literacy activities.
- Helped students develop self-esteem and life skills by fostering healthy conflict-resolution, critical thinking, and communication.
Spanish Teacher
Maple River Schools
Maple River District: Mapleton, MN 56065
08.2006 - 05.2007
- Used written exercises to test and develop reading and writing foreign languages.
- Boosted student engagement with interactive activities that incorporated authentic materials from Spanish-speaking countries.
- Enhanced cultural awareness in students by incorporating Spanish customs, traditions, and history into lessons.
- Contributed to curriculum development, ensuring alignment with state standards and incorporation of best practices in foreign language instruction.
District Tech: Networking, Installation & Training
Maple River Schools
Mapleton, MN
09.2005 - 05.2007
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
Elementary Librarian
Maple River Schools
Good Thunder, MN
08.2005 - 05.2006
- Catalogued and organized books, materials and other documents for proper library management.
- Maintained a high level of customer service by addressing and resolving patron concerns or complaints in a timely manner.
- Researched and acquired new library materials to maintain updated library collection.
- Trained and supervised library staff, volunteers and other personnel.
- Assisted students in locating and using library resources and assisted teachers with materials needed to enrich classroom instruction.
- Collaborated with teachers and school administrators to develop library resources for students.
- Enhanced library user experience by effectively organizing and maintaining a diverse collection of resources.
- Researched, planned, and set up attractive and informative library exhibits.
Middle School & High School Technology Teacher
Maple River Schools
Amboy, MN
08.1999 - 05.2002
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying current on trends and advancements in educational technology teaching methods.
- Assessed student performance regularly through formative assessments, adjusting instruction as needed for optimal learning outcomes.
- Improved student understanding of complex technology concepts by incorporating hands-on activities and real-world examples.
- Established a positive classroom environment where students felt comfortable asking questions and exploring new ideas.
- Streamlined grading process through efficient use of technology tools, enabling faster feedback to students on their progress.
- Contributed to curriculum development initiatives at the school or district level, ensuring alignment with state standards and best practices in technology education.
- Enhanced student engagement with interactive lesson plans and multimedia presentations.
Computer Programmer & Networking Specialist
Fred's Micro, Inc.
Amboy, MN
01.1982 - 08.1999
- Delivered scalable system architecture to support high-availability Internet site with various internal applications.
- Provided technical support using knowledge of complex technology to solve problems and support new projects.
- Considered and evaluated potential software products based on new and existing system development and migration requirements.
- Streamlined processes through the implementation of efficient automation tools, reducing manual workloads.
- Stored, retrieved and manipulated data for close analysis of database performance.
- Tested and deployed scalable and highly available software products.
- Tested hardware and performed troubleshooting techniques to identify problems.
- Built databases and table structures for web applications.
- Resolved critical system issues promptly, minimizing downtime and maintaining client satisfaction levels.
- Evaluated multiple software solutions during early software architecture plotting and system migration planning stage.
Design, Model & Customer Service
The Villager
Amboy, MN 56010
12.1981 - 12.1996
- Remained focused, motivated and professional throughout long shoots and events.
- Promoted products and services by posing for commercials, live shows, and photo shoots.
- Gained exposure for smaller businesses by modeling for local boutiques and designers, ultimately increasing their sales.
- Designed window displays to promote sales
- Helped customers locate items that made them feel good about themselves.
Education
Master of Science - Educational Learning Design & Technology
St. Mary's
Minneapolis, MN05-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Teaching
Bemidji State University
Bemidji, MN05-2006
Associate of Arts - General Studies
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ06-2001
No Degree - Graphic Design
Bethany Lutheran College
Mankato, MN06-1985
High School Diploma -
Amboy-Good Thunder High School
Amboy, MN06-1984
Skills
- Differentiated instruction
- Relationship building
- Lesson planning
- Team collaboration
- Parent-teacher communication
- Classroom management
- Positive reinforcement
- Technology integration
- Classroom organization
- Organizational skills
- Growth mindset
- Problem-solving skills
- Oral communication
- Individualized instruction
- Student motivation
- Student records management
- Field trip coordination
- Standardized tests
- Student monitoring
- Social studies instruction
- Science instruction
- Mathematics instruction
- Assigning and grading work
- Curriculum management
- Multimedia instruction
- Time management
- Curriculum development
- Multitasking and organization
- Interactive learning
- Elementary education
- Active listening
- Student assessment
- Verbal and written communication
- Distance learning
- Zoom
Timeline
Elementary Teacher
Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial Schools
08.2007 - Current
Spanish Teacher
Maple River Schools
08.2006 - 05.2007
District Tech: Networking, Installation & Training
Maple River Schools
09.2005 - 05.2007
Elementary Librarian
Maple River Schools
08.2005 - 05.2006
Middle School & High School Technology Teacher
Maple River Schools
08.1999 - 05.2002
Computer Programmer & Networking Specialist
Fred's Micro, Inc.
01.1982 - 08.1999
Design, Model & Customer Service
The Villager
12.1981 - 12.1996
Master of Science - Educational Learning Design & Technology
St. Mary's
Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Teaching
Bemidji State University
Associate of Arts - General Studies
University of Phoenix
No Degree - Graphic Design
Bethany Lutheran College
High School Diploma -
Amboy-Good Thunder High School