Mary Ross Olsen
Saint Paul,MN
Summary
Organized, team focused and dependable teacher leader with 25 years of experience in the field of education and event planning. Ability to collaborate, problem solve and coordinate resources within a program. Desire to take on new challenges and added responsibilities to support growth for teachers in the Peer Assistance Review (PAR) program. Enthusiastic and eager to contribute to teacher success through leading by example, considering multiple perspectives and teamwork. Dedicated to collaborating with teachers with a vision for professional growth. Using "growth mindset" attitude to support increased independence and the development of individual skills and knowledge for each teacher.
Overview
58
58
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Kindergarten Teacher
SPPS - ISD #625
Saint Paul, MN
08.1996 - Current
- Delivered lesson plans, implemented school curriculum and used data to create, monitor and establish personalized learning plan for each student.
- Created, managed and participated in variety of learning environments and activities to support opportunities for students to develop full potential and achieve learning objectives.
- Collaborated with other faculty and staff to promote rigorous learning opportunities, general well-being of school and collective interest of staff and student body.
- Provided guidance on policies and initiatives for kindergarten teaching team.
- Delegated tasks to teacher assistants and school volunteers.
Curriculum Writer
SPPS - ISD #625
Saint Paul, MN
09.2020 - Current
- Created content for Literacy/Phonics to be used during COVID/Distance Learning/SPPS On-Line School.
- Trained teachers on new curriculum and information.
- Designed course materials and supported implementation.
- Worked closely with instructors to prepare online materials, content, and tools to facilitate training globally.
- Provided subject matter expertise on all courses, materials and lesson plans.
- Planned and monitored implementation of technology-based learning programs.
Literacy Leader
SPPS - ISD #625
Saint Paul, MN
09.2018 - Current
- Assessed literacy needs of school by reviewing student data and current curriculum.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
- Attended monthly literacy meetings (district level) and brought information back to staff to present.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork.
- Used state and district assessments to determine student abilities and track academic progress.
- Met with parents and guardians to discuss children's progress and determine priorities and resource needs (school literacy night, grade level communication with stakeholders).
- Guided teachers to collect and analyze data and developed action plans in response to determined student needs.
Pre-K Summer Instructor
SPPS - ISD #625
Saint Paul, MN
07.2014 - Current
- Created a summer course for students entering kindergarten in the fall.
- Created curriculum that used state and district standards and sound early childhood practices.
- Educated students on kindergarten readiness by applying variety of instructional techniques within hands-on curriculum.
- Met needs of different students by adapting teaching materials and methods.
- Organized activities to promote learning and increase student enjoyment.
- Worked closely with students and parents to increase positive feedback from parents and boost overall student success.
Division Director
Twin Cities In Motion
Saint Paul, MN
06.2002 - Current
- Participated in leadership level managment.
- Recruited, directed and managed teams of volunteers (200+ per year) for four events per year.
- Successfully managed youth running events with up to 10,000 participants (kids, adults, families).
- Worked with vendors and community partners to build a diverse program.
- Trained staff and provided successful techniques to improve overall service to customers.
- Recruited talented individuals that bring a variety of skills related to event management including logistics, program development, marketing and long term planning.
- Provided strategic direction for team of 25+ people.
- Attended weekly meetings to discuss and optimize strategies.
- Established performance goals for each department and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.
- Assisted leadership with successful launch of start-up.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to strategically affect operational direction.
- Managed teams to guarantee successful supply chain pipeline for markets.
Education
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Management
Concordia University, St. Paul
Saint Paul, MN05.2012
Master of Science - Education: Teaching And Learning
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Winona, MN05.2001
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Duluth, MN05.1986
Skills
- Leadership skills
- Rapport building
- Organization and Time Management
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Self-Motivated
- Cultural Awareness
- Decision Making
- Attention to Detail
- Team Building
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Active Listening
- Interpersonal Communication
- Multitasking Abilities
- Learning disability awareness
- Intervention planning
Accomplishments
- National Board Certification
- Recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty.
- TCM award for Volunteer of the Year (The Mary O'Neil Determination award).
Certification
Teaching License - #180100 K-6 Elementary Education
Timeline
Curriculum Writer
SPPS - ISD #625
09.2020 - Current
Literacy Leader
SPPS - ISD #625
09.2018 - Current
Pre-K Summer Instructor
SPPS - ISD #625
07.2014 - Current
Division Director
Twin Cities In Motion
06.2002 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
SPPS - ISD #625
08.1996 - Current
Master of Arts - Educational Leadership And Management
Concordia University, St. Paul
Master of Science - Education: Teaching And Learning
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
University of Minnesota - Duluth