Michelle Niska
St. Paul,MN
Summary
Program management professional with robust experience driving impactful initiatives and delivering measurable results. Adept at fostering team collaboration, adapting to evolving requirements, and maintaining solutions-oriented mindset. Skilled in project coordination, strategic planning, and resource allocation, ensuring seamless execution and achievement of objectives. Reliable team player with proven track record of meeting organizational goals.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
English Learner Program Specialist
Minnesota Department of Education
11.2015 - Current
- Proficiency in ESEA, as amended by ESSA, and state requirements for multilingual learners.
- Ensured compliance with relevant regulations throughout all stages of program implementation by closely monitoring adherence to established laws and guidelines.
- Built strong relationships with external companies and organizations to secure resources and support necessary for program success.
- With a team, established a robust system for tracking and reporting key performance indicators, allowing for a data-driven approach to MLL program enhancements.
- Planned and executed training sessions and meetings for MLL educational leaders.
Federal Programs Coordinator
Shakopee Public Schools
09.2013 - 11.2015
- Coordinated Title I, Title III, and other grant funded programs.
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to.
- Assisted in recruitment efforts by coordinating interviews and managing onboarding activities for new hires.
- Collaborated with IT to develop a user-friendly project management tool, streamlining project tracking and reporting.
Multilingual Learner (MLL) Teacher, District MLL Lead Teacher
Albert Lea Area Schools
09.2011 - 06.2013
- Conferred with parents about student progress to boost family involvement and enhance student support.
- Implemented assessment tools that monitored student progress throughout the year, allowing for targeted interventions when needed to close achievement gaps.
- Started the district's first native language classes
MLL Teacher
Anoka-Hennepin School District
08.2005 - 06.2010
- Developed strong relationships with students, parents, and colleagues by maintaining open lines of communication and fostering a supportive learning environment.
- Assessed student performance regularly using both formative and summative assessments to inform future lesson planning.
MLL Teacher
Columbia Heights Public Schools
11.2004 - 06.2005
- Identified struggling students early on and provided additional support through tutoring sessions and modified lesson plans.
- Integrated cultural awareness into lessons by incorporating diverse perspectives and materials into the curriculum.
MLL Teacher, MLL Coordinator
Minneapolis Public Schools
08.1998 - 10.2004
- Led administration for the MLL and bilingual programs, supervised bilingual paraprofessionals and re-designed the program to meet the current needs of students.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents.
- Enhanced operational workflows by maintaining well-organized documentation systems and updating records accurately as needed.
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall program objectives, fostering a unified approach toward student success.
Education
Graduate Degree - Educational Leadership
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Cambridge, MA05-2025
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, English As A Second Language
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN06.1998
Skills
- Experienced in MTSS Strategies and Practices
- Microsoft Office Proficiency
- Digital Content Creation Proficiency
- Educational Program Evaluation
- Skilled in Creating Accessible Documents
- Co-Chair, Communications Committee for the National Association of English Learner Program Administrators (NAELPA)
Timeline
English Learner Program Specialist
Minnesota Department of Education
11.2015 - Current
Federal Programs Coordinator
Shakopee Public Schools
09.2013 - 11.2015
Multilingual Learner (MLL) Teacher, District MLL Lead Teacher
Albert Lea Area Schools
09.2011 - 06.2013
MLL Teacher
Anoka-Hennepin School District
08.2005 - 06.2010
MLL Teacher
Columbia Heights Public Schools
11.2004 - 06.2005
MLL Teacher, MLL Coordinator
Minneapolis Public Schools
08.1998 - 10.2004
Graduate Degree - Educational Leadership
Harvard Graduate School of Education
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, English As A Second Language
Minnesota State University, Mankato
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