TRISH KOBIALKA
SPECIAL EDUCATOR, LIGHT BRINGER, MAD SCIENTIST, JOY ENTHUSIAST, CHAOS COORDINATOR
Alton,IL
Summary
Experienced High School Math Teacher skilled in developing inclusive curricula and engaging lesson plans. Utilizes a background in social work to provide tailored support, enhancing communication with families and fostering collaboration. Implements differentiated instruction that promotes critical thinking and problem-solving. Committed to professional growth and employing trauma-informed practices to meet students' academic and emotional needs.
Overview
14
14
Certification
Work History
High School Math Educator
Lift For Life Academy
St Louis, Missouri
05.2025 - Current
- Developed engaging lesson plans for diverse math topics and student needs.
- Developed lesson plans for Algebra I, Pre-Algebra, and Math Foundations classes, incorporating differentiated instruction to meet students' individual needs.
- Facilitated interactive classroom discussions to enhance student understanding of concepts.
- Assessed student performance through quizzes, tests, and projects regularly.
- Conducted regular assessments to provide timely feedback, guiding instructional adjustments and supporting student achievement.
- Provided individualized support to students struggling with mathematical concepts.
- Encouraged critical thinking skills through problem-solving activities.
- Used data analysis techniques to track student performance over time.
- Kept regularly scheduled and extended office hours to advise and assist students.
- Organized extra help sessions for students who needed additional support in math topics.
- Collaborated with colleagues to design and implement a cohesive curriculum that enhances student learning across grade levels.
- Supported the school's math curriculum initiatives by providing feedback on existing materials and suggesting new content ideas.
- Maintained accurate records of grades, attendance and other pertinent data related to student performance in mathematics courses.
- Communicated effectively with parents regarding student progress and needs.
- Employed effective communication techniques when working with parents or guardians regarding their child's academic progress.
- Led parent-teacher conferences discussing student progress in math classes.
- Integrated real-world examples into lessons, increasing student engagement and making mathematics more relevant.
- Promoted positive relationships among all members of the learning community.
- Referred students with suspected learning disabilities to appropriate support personnel.
- Educated students on core principles and advanced concepts of mathematics.
- Built life-long learning skills and strong study habits in students to help each prepare for higher-level education.
- Created and used rubrics to assess student learning.
Permanent Building Substitute Teacher
East Alton School District 13
East Alton, IL
02.2025 - 05.2025
- Quickly became the favorite and requested sub due to my expertise and readiness in all environments.
- Managed classroom environments to enhance student behavior and engagement
- Cultivated positive relationships with students and staff to promote a supportive environment.
- Remained flexible and ready to pivot between age groups and curricula at all times.
Long-term Substitute Teacher - 6th Grade Special Education Science & Social Studies
Alton Unified School District
Alton, USA
08.2023 - 01.2025
- Taught diverse sixth-grade students, including those with developmental and academic disabilities, in both classroom and co-teaching settings.
- Differentiated instruction and created tailored interventions based on individual academic readiness and growth.
- Utilized specialized skills to support students with autism in overcoming academic and sensory processing challenges.
- Enhanced instructional effectiveness through expertise in educational curricula and digital platforms.
- Planned and implemented lessons, identifying obstacles that required strategic navigation.
- Coordinated schedules for speech, occupational therapy, and social work services.
- Communicated regularly with students and parents about progress and areas for improvement.
- Fostered a positive classroom environment by modeling kindness, calmness, and healthy boundaries.
Medical Office Manager
Healing Well Chiropractic
Independence, MO
06.2019 - 01.2021
- Taught health classes.
- Oversaw all billing and insurance concerns.
- Comforted patients and created an atmosphere of care and warmth using trauma-informed practices.
- Oversaw office inventory activities by ordering, requisitions, stocking, and shipment receiving.
- Monitored front areas so that questions could be promptly addressed.
- Implemented project management techniques to overcome obstacles and increase team productivity.
- Resolved issues through active listening and open-ended questioning, only escalating major problems to the owner.
Medical Reception and Mngmt
Burkman Podiatry
Smithville, MO
05.2020 - 03.2026
- Obtained insurance preauthorization for applied medicine.
- Applied effective time management to never fall behind in duties
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others, and comforting patients.
- Completed paperwork, recognizing discrepancies, and promptly addressing all needs of resolution.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness, and willingness to help wherever needed.
Kansas City Zoo Customer Relations
Kansas City Zoo
Kansas City, MO
02.2020 - 10.2020
- Welcomed all visitors and handled visitor conflicts and concerns.
- Delivered services to customer locations within specific timeframes
- Exercised advanced proficiency at every level of my job.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
Volunteer Trauma Therapist
Camp Humphreys, Korea, U.S. Army
Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtake, South Korea
03.2012 - 05.2019
- Provided referrals to connect clients with other community resources to support mental health and well-being.
- Worked with the American Red Cross to assist individuals and families in crisis.
- Documented clients' progress to keep detailed notes on each client's treatment progress and changes in mental health status.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Managed patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
Long-Term Substitute Teacher (High School)
Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA, )
Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea
01.2017 - 05.2019
- Fulfilling short and long-term substitute teaching assignments, effectively teaching students of varied academic/age levels (grades K-12, but primarily 9-12) and diverse cultural backgrounds.
- Qualified to sub at any grade level, but primarily subbed grades 9-12, including long-term sub positions (greater than 3 months) in ELA11, ELA9, Geometry, BCOGP, AP Chemistry, AP Physics, Psych, Drama, and as a Paraprofessional.
- During the 2018-19 school year, performed responsibilities of a long-term substitute including 3 preps (English 9, English 11, and Geometry) for the entirety of 1st quarter.
- Led large class sessions and facilitated one-on-one instruction for students.
- Communicated effectively with teachers, administrators, parents, and students to build positive rapport and foster collaborative learning environments.
- Developed lesson plans and taught diverse subjects while administering tests, grading assignments, and providing tutoring to support student learning.
- Substituted for SPED (Special Education), Life Skills, Learning Strategies, Geometry, Algebra I & II, Chemistry, Physics (AP), Spanish, ELA 9-12, Geography, U.S. History, Psychology, Band, Choir, Spanish, Chinese, German, Art, Piano, Guitar, JROTC, Robotics, Communications, P.E., Culinary Arts, and many others.
- Adhered to IEP requirements by attending meetings and collaborating with case managers, social workers, counselors, and psychologists to support student needs.
Lead Costume Designer and Prop Tech
Camp Humphreys Community Theater
Camp Humphreys, Pyeongtake, South Korea
05.2014 - 03.2019
- Sewed full outfits for use by main actors and extras.
- Drafted new patterns for special genre and story requirements.
- Developed entire looks encompassing garments, makeup, and wigs using very creative materials on almost zero budget.
- Organized and managed all outfitting and styling for every cast member for many shows, including Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, and many others.
Professional Assoc. of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intern
The Equestrian Center at Beverly Farm
Godfrey, IL
2022 - 2022
- Shadowed a certified PATH instructor to enhance equine-assisted activities for developmentally disabled adults.
- Assisted in implementing equine-assisted programs to improve physical and emotional well-being.
- Communicated effectively with individuals across various speech abilities, including nonverbal participants.
- Developed strong relationships with coworkers, volunteers, residents, and patrons to identify needs.
- Gained technical knowledge regarding equestrian activities and horse care as collaborative partners.
- Exercised problem-solving skills while maintaining flexibility and gentle discipline in interactions.
- Ensured achievement of all program goals and objectives through effective management.
- Co-authored a grant proposal securing funding from the Herbert & Adrian Woods Foundation.
CEO of Lemonade for Orphans
Garage Sale for Orphans
Gilbert, AZ
01.2012 - 05.2026
- Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial sales entirely for charity.
- Built productive relationships with peers and the community that built trust and excitement for the cause of building safehouses for orphans in Haiti to prevent their abduction into the Dominican sex trade.
- Cultivated a forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented culture to lead others to give their hearts in service to strangers.
- Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships with fellow GSfO volunteers and the community.
Education
Master of Arts - Teaching - Special Education
McKendree University
Lebanon, IL05-2026
Bachelor of Science - Marriage & Family Therapy Psychology
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, ID07-2022
Advanced Certificate - Human Services, Marriage and Family Functioning
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, IDCertificate - Marriage, Family, & Human Relations
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, IDCertificate in Human Services - Social & Behavioral Sciences
Brighham Young University - Idaho
Rexburg, IDCertification
- IL PEL
- Learning Behavior Specialist Certification
- FCS (FaCS) Instructor Certification
- MO - Content Substitute, currently pending reciprocity licensure from IL
- CPR, AED, First Aid Certified, 05/25
Skills
- Algebraic Reasoning, and Geometry Instruction
- Classroom management
- Lesson planning
- Curriculum development
- Behavior intervention
- School platforms
- Science enthusiasm
- Effective Diversified Teaching Methods
- Progress monitoring
- Crisis resolution training
- Trauma-Informed Teaching Methods
- Engaging presentation
- Diversified teaching
- Peer tutoring
- Small group tutoring
- Advanced placement preparation
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Proficiency with Google Suite
- Familiarity with Common School Platforms for Curricula
- Google classroom
- Planning and Execution Excellence
- Pattern recognition
- Error analysis
- Self-motivated
- Time Efficient
- Team Builder
- Motivator
- Goal Setter
- Achiever
- Compassionate Leader
- Compassionate Listening
- Active Listening
- Capable Public Speaker
- Non-violent Crisis Resolution Trained
- Safe, positive learning environment
- Interactive classroom instruction
- Positive reinforcement
- Hands-on learning
- Relationship building
- Life Coach
- Student Support Strategies
- Student Counseling Techniques
- Educational leadership
- Group leadership
- Health and wellbeing
- Abstract thinking
- Coaching and mentoring
- Master seamstress and pattern drafter
- Proficient Musical Instructor and Director
- Empathetic
- Encouraging
- Excellence in Writing and Writing Composition Instruction
- Online learning
- Real-world application
- Concept demonstration
- Writing instruction excellence
- Creative lesson planning
- Music instruction
Languages
Spanish
Limited
American Sign Language
Limited
Accomplishments
- Voted Teacher of the Month by the Studybody September 2025
- Voted Kindest Individual on Campus by Students and Staff for the 2025-2026 School Year
- Voted Staff Supporter of the Year by The Lift Athletics and Scholar Athletes
- Graduated Summa Cum Laude with Master of Arts in Teaching - Special Education maintaining 3.98 GPA while working full time and having back surgery
- Graduated Magna Cum Laude with Bachelors of Science in Marriage and Family Studies (applied psychology) with a 3.8 whie working and addressing insane family circumstances, including deploying across the world and moving across the US, among other upheavals
Work Preference
Job Search Status
Not actively lookingDesired Job Title
Special Education Teacher - High SchoolMath and Sciene Teacher - High SchoolFCS Teacher High SchoolGifted Eductor and Program DeveloperTrauma-Informed LeaderWork Type
Full TimeSeasonal WorkLocation Preference
RemoteHybridOn-SiteLocation: USSt Louis, MOAlton, IL
Open to relocation: Yes
Salary Range
$69000/yr - $145000/yrImportant To Me
Career advancementCompany CultureWork-life balancePersonal development programsStock Options / Equity / Profit SharingPaid sick leaveWork from home optionPaid time offTeam Building / Company Retreats401k match4-day work weekReferences
- Raushaunah Seals - 314-319-4850; rseals@liftforlifeacademy.org
- Sally Owens - 314-662-2107; sowens@liftforlifeacademy.org
- Vice Principal Amy Cotton - 618-531-4974; acotton@altonschools.org
- Shonna Schrock - 318-792-1485; sschrock@altonschools.org
Timeline
High School Math Educator
Lift For Life Academy
05.2025 - Current
Permanent Building Substitute Teacher
East Alton School District 13
02.2025 - 05.2025
Long-term Substitute Teacher - 6th Grade Special Education Science & Social Studies
Alton Unified School District
08.2023 - 01.2025
Medical Reception and Mngmt
Burkman Podiatry
05.2020 - 03.2026
Kansas City Zoo Customer Relations
Kansas City Zoo
02.2020 - 10.2020
Medical Office Manager
Healing Well Chiropractic
06.2019 - 01.2021
Long-Term Substitute Teacher (High School)
Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA, )
01.2017 - 05.2019
Lead Costume Designer and Prop Tech
Camp Humphreys Community Theater
05.2014 - 03.2019
Volunteer Trauma Therapist
Camp Humphreys, Korea, U.S. Army
03.2012 - 05.2019
CEO of Lemonade for Orphans
Garage Sale for Orphans
01.2012 - 05.2026
Master of Arts - Teaching - Special Education
McKendree University
Bachelor of Science - Marriage & Family Therapy Psychology
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Advanced Certificate - Human Services, Marriage and Family Functioning
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Certificate - Marriage, Family, & Human Relations
Brigham Young University - Idaho
Certificate in Human Services - Social & Behavioral Sciences
Brighham Young University - Idaho
Professional Assoc. of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intern
The Equestrian Center at Beverly Farm
2022 - 2022