Education

Experience

Founder, Woodshed Consulting

Arts Management and Writing Support for writers and other creatives
On-site, hybrid, and online staff development for organizations, businesses, and learning institutions in writing, cultural literacies, communication, instructional design, and articulation of philosophy.

Writing Specialist, Minnetonka Public Schools (2009-present)

Coached content area teachers in writing instruction through classroom visits and lesson planning
Integrated technology and writing instruction via Efolio, Schoology, Blackboard, SmartNotebook and SmartResponse, blogs, discussion boards, webquests, and class wikis; mentored teachers as they incorporate these strategies into units of study
Coordinated staff development in effective writing prompts, assessment, and writing to learn; also organized Minnesota Writing Project cohort of teachers from disciplines other than English
Assisted in development of a district-wide literacy plan, and facilitated regular, district wide staff development in Writing Across the Curriculum
Served as Language Arts department chair, guiding teachers through backwards planning, rubric development, group analysis and norming of student writing, and the district curriculum review process
Facilitated teacher development of pacing and curriculum mapping for writing instruction, created prompts and rubrics for on-demand writing, and monitored administration of school-wide writing assessments for course placement

English Teacher, Leuzinger High School (2004-2009)

Developed curriculum for, and instructed English at all grade levels, as well as Creative Writing, Honors, and AP English Literature
Piloted technology-rich program within the Environmental Careers Academy
Implemented and facilitated a school-wide Writing Across the Curriculum program as committee chair, and co-authored the “Olympian Writing Handbook”
Mentored novice teachers and supervised student teachers. Facilitated district-wide staff development in collaborative learning, writing assessment, goal writing for educators, and using technology in the classroom
Member of: Leadership Team, District Steering Committee, Restructuring Committee, and College Partnership Team

Staff Mentor, Centinela Valley Union High School District (2008-2009)

Observed and coached new teachers in instructional strategies, lesson scaffolding, backward design and curriculum mapping
Coordinated and facilitated staff development workshops in writing assessment, effective lesson planning, technology use, cooperative learning, culturally proficient instruction, and Writing Across the Curriculum

Department Chair, Leuzinger High School (2005-2007)

Hired teachers, assigned schedules, and led training in standards-based instruction
Facilitated bi-monthly department collaboration and led department meetings
Evaluated and maintained technology and textbook resources, and monitored department budget
Developed a district-wide English curriculum for summer school

English Teacher, Roseville Area High School (2001-2004)

Developed curriculum for and taught courses including Modern Poetry, Heroes in Literature, and CIS Literature (college credit course with the University of Minnesota)
Member of “Contextualizing Native American Literature” NEA grant group
Served as a committee member of the “Goal Team” and facilitated seminars as chair of the Writing Across the Curriculum committee

English Teacher, St. Charles High School (1999-2000)

Developed curriculum for and taught intermediate level sophomore English; also taught Contemporary Literature and College Preparatory Composition
Yearbook adviser for award winning “Halo” publication

Awards, Recognition, and Service

Instructor at the Loft Literary Center for the course: “Going in Sideways: Practical Strategies for Writing Memoir”
Minnesota Writing Project Advisory Board Member
2011 Minnesota Writing Project Fellow
MnCUEW conference presenter for workshop “Transitions to College Writing”
Secondary teaching certification includes Cross-Cultural, Language, and Academic Development (CLAD) designation
Recipient of the David and Linda Nelson Endowed Scholarship in English
Recognized by NIU women’s studies program for women’s history month essay
Published poet and creator of community poetry readings / workshops
Recipient of “Most Inspirational Teacher” award from Roseville High School (voted by students)
Recipient of “Olympian Vision” award from Leuzinger High School (voted by staff)
Community tutor for English Language Learners
Chaperone and leader for overseas student travel groups
Adviser of award-winning yearbook publications
Extensive participation in professional committee work
Member of NEA grant group in “Contextualizing Native American Literature”