ELA and Humanities, grade 7

Ninth-grade English/Language Arts

High school English teacher

Middle school humanities teacher

I taught Journalistic Writing to sophomores (beginner course), and served as adviser to the student newspaper (Ahlahasa), yearbook (Tiger Yearbook), and student literary magazine (I-Mag).At the start of the 2014-15 school year I became one of two Building Coordinators for the District's ATPPS/PLC program. It was a two-year position. In this position, I was given release time from half my normal teaching load to do peer observations of teachers. I also help shape the agenda for our PLC… Show more I taught Journalistic Writing to sophomores (beginner course), and served as adviser to the student newspaper (Ahlahasa), yearbook (Tiger Yearbook), and student literary magazine (I-Mag).At the start of the 2014-15 school year I became one of two Building Coordinators for the District's ATPPS/PLC program. It was a two-year position. In this position, I was given release time from half my normal teaching load to do peer observations of teachers. I also help shape the agenda for our PLC work.I also served as adviser to Coffeehouse, an annual celebration of student art (both visual and performance ... in concert with publication of literary magazine).In addition, I am chairperson of the Continuing Education Committee. Show less

I coached from 2006 through 2014. I was coach of the 2010 Big 9 co-champions team, the first Albert Lea boys golf team to capture a conference title since 1994.Also, I (along with ample help from the team booster club) created the Albert Lea Invitational, a two-day, 36-hole tournament now in its fifth year and considered by many as one of the best-run events available to Minnesota high school golfers. Since its creation, the event has included many of the state's annual elite teams… Show more I coached from 2006 through 2014. I was coach of the 2010 Big 9 co-champions team, the first Albert Lea boys golf team to capture a conference title since 1994.Also, I (along with ample help from the team booster club) created the Albert Lea Invitational, a two-day, 36-hole tournament now in its fifth year and considered by many as one of the best-run events available to Minnesota high school golfers. Since its creation, the event has included many of the state's annual elite teams, such as Eden Prairie (2013 Class AAA state champions), Wayzata (Class AAA state champions 2009, 2010, 2011), Orono (Class AA state champions 2008, 2009, 2010), Rogers (numerous state appearances and many future college golfers) and more. Show less

This was not a paid position but did include as much or more responsibilities than a full-time paid position. I was part of the planning committee for the 2011 JEA/NSPA National Scholastic Journalism Convention in Minneapolis. My specific division of responsibility was to chair a major competition that took place at the convention. It involved approximately 2,000 students competing. I was responsible for identifying numerous high-interest speakers for these journalism "press conference"-type… Show more This was not a paid position but did include as much or more responsibilities than a full-time paid position. I was part of the planning committee for the 2011 JEA/NSPA National Scholastic Journalism Convention in Minneapolis. My specific division of responsibility was to chair a major competition that took place at the convention. It involved approximately 2,000 students competing. I was responsible for identifying numerous high-interest speakers for these journalism "press conference"-type situations, recruitment of close to 100 teachers and professional journalists to act as competition moderators and judges, and helping with the massive amount of paper-work and organization needed to pull off such an event. I consider it one of my proudest accomplishments and truly enjoyed that type of work. Show less

Taught a variety of English courses, including a remedial reading course focused on helping students pass the state's standardized writing test. All regular-education students in the class passed the test following the course.Part of a teaching unit that helped 100 percent of its sophomore class pass the state's standardized writing exam.

Wrote feature stories, games stories and columns for the sports department

National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) is a university-run program that provides students from under-priveleged situations experiences they wouldn't otherwise get. In addition, it provides a daily, summer structure, regular exercise, regular meals and access to a college campus. It also gave the students a positive interaction with local police officers and health education. In the three summers I worked there -- in addition to the activities the college could offer -- we also took the students… Show more National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) is a university-run program that provides students from under-priveleged situations experiences they wouldn't otherwise get. In addition, it provides a daily, summer structure, regular exercise, regular meals and access to a college campus. It also gave the students a positive interaction with local police officers and health education. In the three summers I worked there -- in addition to the activities the college could offer -- we also took the students hiking (on a rather steep hill) and horse back riding.Each summer I served the camp in a different role: 1) Junior counselor coordinator; 2) Police Liaison (on-site discipline); 3) Health educator. I loved and cherished each role. NYSP holds a special place in my heart. Show less

I wrote sports news, sports features, games stories and opinion columns. I also did page design. I won two column-writing awards while with the West Central Tribune.

This was my first job after graduating from college. While this was my first full-time position in journalism, I had been working/interning at newspapers the previous seven years (since age 15).