Daniel Waldecker Email & Phone Number

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Minneapolis, Mn

As a lead teacher at KIPP North Star Academy (KNSA), I am responsible for ensuring the success of all students. Among my many duties is running advisory in which I provide support to students including a wide range of topics such as anti-bullying, team building, Black History, organization skills, current events, and social-emotional support. I also run restorative justice circles during this time and facilitate recreational activities or detention. My role as an ELA teacher is split into two domains—academics and culture building. Managing academics includes curriculum planning, implementing a data-driven approach, analysis of Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and curriculum alignment to the CCSS, differentiating lessons, assessing cultural relevancy of the curriculum and making necessary modifications to ensure cultural relevancy, keeping up with current research on evidence-based best practice, grading and tracking data, and ensuring all students receive frequent feedback on their academic progress. I also develop learning plans for students at their instructional level to be implemented during an intervention block. Because I am a veteran teacher and the longest-serving teacher at KNSA, I am also a leader in the ELA department which involves leading professional development sessions and mentoring peers through their internalization, planning, and implementation of the curriculum. My job building culture includes a laser focus on creating a positive environment in which children not only are empowered to learn but also enjoy their time as students. I do this through the use of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, Positive Behavior Intervention Systems, restorative justice, team building, and striving to ensure that my teaching practice is aligned with the 'Warm Demander' archetype. I'm proud to say that I have been successful at sustaining positive culture even though I've had nine principals in eight years of teaching.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area