KATE MEAD
Des Moines,Iowa
Summary
Dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that prioritizes equity and values diverse perspectives. Proven expertise in engaging with students across various settings, complemented by 21 years of collaborative experience within cohesive teams and multiple Professional Learning Communities. Exceptional relationship-building skills with staff, students, and families from diverse backgrounds enhance the ability to create supportive educational experiences. Proficient in leveraging data, assessments, and standards to inform instructional strategies, ensuring equitable access and alignment of services for all learners.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Advanced Learning Program Consultant
Des Moines Public Schools
Des Moines, IA
08.2018 - Current
- Serve 3-5 buildings in the district providing support to staff and students
- Provide testing and data collection for identifications utilizing universal screeners, quantitative and qualitative data
- Support principals and teachers with district admin teams to ensure alignment of 6th grade elementary program with district goals and standards
- Provide rigorous and meaningful resources to teachers using the standards to provide challenge to students who are ready
- Mentor new consultants, providing guidance on program implementation and evaluation processes.
- Collaboratively works with teachers and ALP department in PLCs or individually to better serve our diverse student population with equity at the forefront of all discussions and decisions
- Pull small groups K-5 to support students advanced academic, social and emotional needs
- Lead data conversations throughout the district to teach and guide all staff how to analyze, interpret and understand data literacy
- Facilitate PLC meetings with ALP consultants to drive continuous improvement within our department and grade level bands
- Serve and collaborate on the ALP Leadership team to align elementary, middle and high school teams to deliver measurable outcomes
Extended Learning Program Teacher
Waukee Community Schools
West Des Moines, Iowa
08.2013 - 06.2018
- Collaboratively works with teachers in PLCs or individually to provide resources for advanced learners
- Use push-in model and small pull-out groups with identified students in 4th and 5th grade in the areas of verbal and math
- Use flex groups with Kindergarten-3rd grade in the areas of reading and math to support the needs of students
- Teaches Pre-Algebra to students who qualify
- Integrates technology (Seesaw, Google Classroom, Edmodo, etc) to enhance lessons
- Communicates effectively with parents through email, curriculum night, phone calls, etc. to ensure understanding of the extended learning program and how students are identified
5th Grade Teacher
Waukee Community Schools
West Des Moines, Iowa
08.2008 - 06.2013
- Worked collaboratively with 5th grade team to implement multiple teaching strategies to meet the needs of all students
- Implemented The Leader In Me concepts to build strong leaders in all students
- Administered strong classroom management skills and effective behavior management with a variety of student needs (ELL, Special Ed, Extended Learning, etc.)
- Used data (formative, summative, classroom, etc.) to guide my instruction
- Developed strong relationships and communication skills with parents through emails, phone calls, and conferences
3rd Grade Teacher
Waukee Community Schools
West Des Moines, Iowa
08.2005 - 06.2008
- Worked collaboratively with 3rd grade team to analyze student data and guide our lesson planning to meet the needs of all students
- Developed positive relationships with students and their families through face-to-face contact, emails and phone calls
- Piloted and implemented new math curriculum - Everyday Math
- Utilized effective classroom management skills
Education
Gifted And Talent Endorsement -
Morningside University
Sioux City, Iowa06-2018
B.A. - Psychology
St. Olaf College
Northfield, Minnesota05-2004
Skills
- Extensive understanding of analyzing and interpreting data to use in supporting needs of advanced learners
- Design and execute professional learning to a variety of stakeholders across the district to enhance data literacy and improve student outcomes
- Proficient with district technology systems
- Expert in fostering and cultivating collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders to best support advanced learners
- Mentor to new ALP consultants (2021-2025)
- Member of DMPS Facilities Committee working to reimagine learning and improve district services to families
- Honored as a teacher who has made a significant difference in a student's life at the University of Iowa's Belin-Blank Center Recognition Ceremony (2016 & 2017)
Timeline
Advanced Learning Program Consultant
Des Moines Public Schools
08.2018 - Current
Extended Learning Program Teacher
Waukee Community Schools
08.2013 - 06.2018
5th Grade Teacher
Waukee Community Schools
08.2008 - 06.2013
3rd Grade Teacher
Waukee Community Schools
08.2005 - 06.2008
Gifted And Talent Endorsement -
Morningside University
B.A. - Psychology
St. Olaf College