KJERSTIN SMITH
Centerville,SD
Summary
A creative, collaborative, and charismatic leader with a passion for opening people's minds and hearts to the world.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
1
1
Language
Work History
Tour Director
Explorica/EF Tours
Boston, MD
08.2016 - Current
- Led group tours, ensuring high-quality travel experiences and customer satisfaction.
- Managed on-site problem-solving for unexpected challenges, maintaining smooth tour operations.
- Facilitated group bonding activities, fostering an enjoyable atmosphere for all participants.
School Librarian
Sioux Falls School District
08.2008 - Current
- Provide instruction in functional, digital, and recreational literacies to enhance student learning.
- Oversee annual budget and supervise library clerical staff to ensure efficient library operations.
- Develop partnerships with local public libraries to encourage lifelong learning beyond the school setting for both students and teachers alike.
- Coordinate special events such as author visits and book fairs to heighten community engagement within the library setting.
- Contribute to a positive school culture by actively participating in staff meetings, professional development trainings, and collaborating with colleagues on projects enhancing student learning experiences.
Professional Development Trainer
Sioux Falls School District
08.1998 - 05.2014
- Developed and implemented professional development workshops to enhance instructional practices.
- Provided in-person and online instruction in the areas of English Language Learners, literacy, poverty, the affective domain, and school culture.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and best practices, integrating relevant content into professional development courses.
National Trainer
aha! Process, Inc.
08.2004 - 05.2006
- Developed and delivered day long trainings to school staff and community members to engage learners in Dr. Ruby Payne's work entitled A Framework for Understanding Poverty.
- Evaluated training effectiveness through feedback mechanisms, ensuring continuous improvement in program quality.
- Implemented best practices in adult education principles to enhance participant engagement.
Teacher
Sioux Falls School District
08.1995 - 05.2005
- Built mutually respectful relationships with learners to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
- Created and executed engaging including literacy, writing, music, history, and social-emotional health.
- Collaborated with colleagues to create interdisciplinary projects that promote critical thinking.
Education
English Language Learners Endorsement - English Language Learners
South Dakota State University
BrookingsLibrary Science Endorsement - Library Science
Black Hills State University
Spearfish05.2009
Masters of Education - Literacy
University of Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls05-2002
Bachelor of Education - Education
Augustana College
Sioux Falls05-1993
Skills
- Public speaking
- Communication
- Organization
- Thoroughness
- Time management
- Professionalism
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Tour Director
Explorica/EF Tours
08.2016 - Current
School Librarian
Sioux Falls School District
08.2008 - Current
National Trainer
aha! Process, Inc.
08.2004 - 05.2006
Professional Development Trainer
Sioux Falls School District
08.1998 - 05.2014
Teacher
Sioux Falls School District
08.1995 - 05.2005
English Language Learners Endorsement - English Language Learners
South Dakota State University
Library Science Endorsement - Library Science
Black Hills State University
Masters of Education - Literacy
University of Sioux Falls
Bachelor of Education - Education
Augustana College