MARGARET CHALLGREN
Apple Valley,MN
Summary
Science educator with proven track record of fostering academic growth and enthusiasm for life sciences. Expertise in curriculum development and hands-on learning activities to enhance student understanding. Recognized for collaborative spirit and consistent delivery of results through team-oriented approaches and responsiveness to evolving classroom needs.
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
7th Grade Life Science Teacher
ISD 191
08.2021 - 01.2025
- Implemented differentiated instruction techniques to accommodate diverse learning styles and ensure all students had access to the curriculum content.
- Increased overall class interest in life sciences by showcasing real-world applications of scientific concepts during lessons or using case studies for discussion material.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to create a cohesive interdisciplinary curriculum that integrated life science concepts with other subjects.
- Enhanced student retention by incorporating diverse teaching methods, such as lectures, group work, and individual assignments.
- Used technology to strengthen and enhance teaching and learning process and assisted students in analyzing and improving methods and habits of study.
- Established a positive classroom environment conducive to learning by setting clear expectations and fostering mutual respect among students.
- Organized various extracurricular activities related to life sciences, such as field trips and guest speakers, to enrich the educational experience for students.
- Created classroom environment conducive to scientific learning and appropriate to intellectual, physical, social and emotional development of students.
- Maintained accurate records of student attendance, grades, and behavior data in compliance with school policies and state regulations.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding their child''s academic progress through conferences, report cards, emails or phone calls as needed or required by school policy.
- Worked cooperatively with special education teachers and staff to modify curricula for special education students.
- Assessed student progress regularly through quizzes, tests, and formative assessments, adjusting instructional strategies accordingly for optimal results.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current with industry trends in education and life sciences content area expertise.
- Served as a mentor for new teachers within the Life Science Department, sharing best practices and providing guidance throughout their first year of teaching.
Continuous Improvement Coach (CIC)
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191
07.2016 - 06.2021
- Support staff by promoting and implementing best teaching and learning practices within the classrooms and throughout the schools across ISD 191
- Assist teachers to help all students meet or exceed their growth targets each year with the goal of increasing the graduation rate
- Promote practices of educational equity with the goal of establishing a culturally proficient school system
- Provide assistance to building and district administration
- Participate on the District Leadership Team and the Building Leadership Team
- Plan and implement professional development
- Provide weekly support for Collaborative Teams
- Provide Continuous Improvement Coaching for 68 teachers
- This includes meeting every teacher six times throughout the year (two observations in their classrooms, as well as a pre and post observation discussion)
- Observations are non-evaluative and serve as a vehicle for pedagogical reflection, as well as a forum for providing support to help implement best practices in the classrooms
- Create and implement the School Improvement Plan
- Gather and analyze data in ongoing assessment of the School Improvement Plan, which includes linking program goals to the vision and strategic direction of the district
- Facilitate and guide teachers in the creation, implementation and reflection of their Professional Learning Plans throughout the year
- Assist in the MN state review and approval process of the ProPay requirements, which results in the allocation of funds for the district, schools and individual teachers
Science Teacher, AVID Teacher
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191
08.2008 - 07.2016
- Teacher of 7th grade Life Science and 8th grade Earth Science/Chemistry 2008-2016
- AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) site team member 2013-2016
- AVID Summer Institute training sessions in Indianapolis (July 2014), Denver (July 2015) and Minneapolis (June 2016)
- AVID Critical Reading strategies training 2016
- AVID elective course teacher 2016
- Building Leadership Team 2013-2016
- District Leadership Team 2013-2015
- Parent Teacher Advisory Committee 2008-2016
- Middle School Advisory Committee for the district realignment process during the 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 school years
- Responsive Classroom training 2015
- Minnesota Department of Education MCA test evaluator 2012
- Executive board member on the Burnsville Education Association and a representative for ERJH 2012-2016
- Class Acts (district-wide teacher fundraising showcase) building representative 2008-2016
- Mentor for new science teachers in the building
- Organized multiple off campus learning opportunities for students each year to various venues including the MN Science Museum, the MN Zoo; Crystal Cave, WI
- Lead teacher for the 3 day 7th grade field trip to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in February 2012 and 2013
Science Teacher
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191
08.1987 - 05.1999
- Taught 7th grade Life Science and 8th grade Earth Science (1987-1999)
- Metcalf Teacher of the Year Award in 1997
- Rotary Club Outstanding teacher award in 1997
- "Shattering the Glass Ceiling," Program Co-Sponsor, 1993
- S.P.O.R.E
- Member, District Business Partnership 1995-1999
- Individual Learning Plan (ILP) Committee Member 1995-1999
- Metcalf Jr
- High Awards Day Committee Member, 1989-1999
- Safety Committee Representative for MJHS, 1993-1999
- MJH mentor for new teachers, 1993-1999
- Provided extensive field trip experiences for the students at MJH, including yearly trips to Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center (1987-1999), a trip to Costa Rica (1996) and one to Belize (1999)
- Coached freshman volleyball (1987-1995), basketball (1987-1994) and JV softball (1988)
- Minnesota Education Association Member, 1987-present
- Minnesota Science Teachers Association Member, 1987-present
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Biology and Science Education
St. Olaf College
Northfield, MN12.1987
Master of Arts - Science Education
University of MN
Mpls., MN12.1993
Skills
- Teachscape Trained and Certified
- Cognitive Coaching
- Danielson framework assessor
- AVID training
- Culturally Proficient School Systems training
- MN state science standards
- Curriculum development
- Lab safety procedures
- Collaborative teaching
- Scientific inquiry
- Genetics understanding
- Botany expertise
- Team building
Timeline
7th Grade Life Science Teacher
ISD 191
08.2021 - 01.2025
Continuous Improvement Coach (CIC)
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191
07.2016 - 06.2021
Science Teacher, AVID Teacher
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191
08.2008 - 07.2016
Science Teacher
Burnsville-Eagan-Savage School District 191
08.1987 - 05.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Biology and Science Education
St. Olaf College
Master of Arts - Science Education
University of MN
Similar Profiles
Rachel LuciusRachel Lucius
Advanced Learning and Pathways Coordinator at ISD 191Advanced Learning and Pathways Coordinator at ISD 191
AMANDA EWERSAMANDA EWERS
Long-Term Substitute Teacher at Isd 191Long-Term Substitute Teacher at Isd 191
Maria T. (Mary) LopezMaria T. (Mary) Lopez
Cultural Liaison at ISD 191Cultural Liaison at ISD 191