Kelly A. Pylkas-Bock
1592 Stillwater Street
White Bear Township, MN 55110
Phone (651) 238-1113
Kpylkas[email protected]
Objective
To create a learning community, that affirms the unique contribution of each individual
Education
2015 Doctorate in Education at Hamline University; Saint Paul, Minnesota;
Dissertation Title: How do families transitioning out of homelessness inspire a love for literacy in their children?
2004 Educational Administrative Licensure, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2002 Master of Arts in Education, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Thesis Title: A Family Literacy Component for Literacy Instruction in Kindergarten through Third Grade
1998 Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, University of Wisconsin-River Falls– Major: Elementary Education, Minor: Spanish
Honors
Teacher of the Year Nominee 2003, 2009
Honored as UW-RF Outstanding Elementary Cooperating Teacher 2005
Speaker at White Bear Lake New Teacher Orientation, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Senior Honors 1998
Selected Representative for UW-RF before NCATE 1998
K-12, University Level Teaching Experience
Professional Presentations and Publications
· Reading Superheroes: Written by Kelly Pylkas-Bock, www.readingsuperherbook.com
· Hastings School District: Guided Reading Training for Elementary Teachers; October 2010, December 2010, January 2011
· Minnesota Humanities Commission; Somali Bilingual Book Project Contributor; June 2008
· Hamline Literacy Institute: Family Literacy Fridays; Saint Paul, MN; July 2008
· University of Wisconsin-River Falls: The Hidden Curriculum; March 2008
· Hamline University: Advanced Foundations of Reading Course: Word Study; February 2008
· Lincoln Elementary School: Dynamics of Multi-Age Classrooms June 2007
· Hamline Literacy Institute: Family Literacy Fridays; Saint Paul, Minnesota; July 2007
· Teach for a Change, Novel Ideas: Teaching Comprehension Strategies Through Novels; Park City, Utah; June 2006
· Minnesota Council of Teacher of Mathematics Conference: Math Read Aloud: Teaching Mathematics through Children’s Literature; Fall 2006
Relevant Experience
Hamline University Graduate School of Education Instructor: Summer 2007-Present
· Teach professional development for practicing teachers in literacy fields including: Reader’s/Writer’s Workshop Grades 3-6, Family Literacy: Strengthening the Home-School Connection, Integrating Literature into the Content Areas: Grades K-6
· Developed new family literacy course for Graduate School of Education
· Bring current best practice research to practicing teachers in a practical, teacher friendly model
· High student evaluations
University of Wisconsin- River Falls Cooperating Teacher: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007
· Mentored and assessed pre-service teachers in a best practice first grade classroom
· Conducted formal and informal observations for student teachers
· Worked collaboratively with university advisor to provide enriching experience to student teachers with varying degrees of experience with children
K-12 Leadership Experience Lakeaires Elementary Summer School Principal: June 2003-August 2003
· Identified students for participation based on standardized and non-standardized assessments
· Instituted program for 4th graders with poor MCA performance
· Provided assistance to staff in implementing comprehensive literacy and constructivist math
· Responsible for program development, staffing, budgeting
· Increased attendance by communicating with families
· Conducted responsibilities in English and Spanish
Lakeaires Elementary School Administrative Intern: March 2003-June 2003
· Assisted in dis-aggregation, evaluation of MCA, ITBS, and CogAt standardized test results in accordance with NCLB
· Presented standardized test data in a multi-media presentation to school staff as part of strategic plan to increase student achievement
· Created staff development opportunities in best practice literacy and math
· Organized and conducted teacher interviews
· Problem solved with students and families regarding discipline and attendance issues despite language barriers
· Collaborated to write grant for district-wide early literacy program
· Scheduled and organized several school-wide activities, staff meetings, team-building activities for staff and achievement data presentations
· Worked through staffing and scheduling issues with principal
· Created on-line staff handbook, trained staff in its use
Lakeaires Elementary School Curriculum Leader 2001-2004
· Facilitated adult learning communities in literacy and mathematics
· Participated on the district cultural diversity committee, providing assistance and inservice for teaching cultural responsiveness in the curriculum
· Provided support and staff development to teachers in comprehensive literacy and constructivist mathematics
· Collaborated with teachers and administrators to support teachers with Charlotte Danielson’s teacher evaluation and support model
· Researched and developed district wide literacy framework based on a comprehensive approach to literacy
Lakeaires Elementary Enrichment Coordinator: 2002-2004
· Initiated and coordinated Destination Imagination program
· Significantly increased student and family participation in enrichment offerings outside of school day
· Elicited community and school support for enrichment programs
Lakeaires Literacy Committee Chair: 2003, 2004
· Collaborated in developing district continuous improvement plan
· Innovated on Lakeaires Literacy Lalapalooza to include family literacy component
· Organized “Community Heroes: Guest Readers Read Across America Day” at Lakeaires Elementary bringing local firefighters, police officers, and other public servants to read aloud in classrooms
· Elicited community support for “Community Heroes: Guest Readers Read Across America Day” by contacting local reporters to write a piece in local paper
References
Dr. Florence Monsour, Professor, Teacher Education Department, University of Wisconsin-River Falls 410 S. 3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022 USA (715) 425-3230
Dr. Kathryn Ernie, Professor, UWRF Math Department, University of Wisconsin-River Falls 410 S. 3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022 USA (715) 425-3119
Dr. David Pepi, Professor, UWRF Teacher Education Department, University of Wisconsin-River Falls 410 S. 3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022 USA (715) 425-3182
Dr. Walter Enloe, Professor Hamline University School of Education, Hamline University MS-A1720, 1536 Hewitt Ave St Paul, MN 55104 (651) 523-2810
Additional references available upon request.
1592 Stillwater Street
White Bear Township, MN 55110
Phone (651) 238-1113
Kpylkas[email protected]
Objective
To create a learning community, that affirms the unique contribution of each individual
Education
2015 Doctorate in Education at Hamline University; Saint Paul, Minnesota;
Dissertation Title: How do families transitioning out of homelessness inspire a love for literacy in their children?
2004 Educational Administrative Licensure, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
2002 Master of Arts in Education, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Thesis Title: A Family Literacy Component for Literacy Instruction in Kindergarten through Third Grade
1998 Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, University of Wisconsin-River Falls– Major: Elementary Education, Minor: Spanish
Honors
Teacher of the Year Nominee 2003, 2009
Honored as UW-RF Outstanding Elementary Cooperating Teacher 2005
Speaker at White Bear Lake New Teacher Orientation, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Senior Honors 1998
Selected Representative for UW-RF before NCATE 1998
K-12, University Level Teaching Experience
- 2nd Grade Matoska International Elementary: International Baccalaureate 2009-Present; White Bear Lake Area School District, White Bear Lake, MN
- Kindergarten: Escola Americana Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2012-13; At EARJ I taught Kindergarten in a highly diverse setting. This experience was an important experience as it gave me a chance to experience learning from its very earliest stages. I was inspired!
- 1st Grade, 1st-2nd Grade Multi-age Lincoln Elementary School 2007-2009; White Bear Lake Area School District, White Bear Lake, MN At Lincoln Elementary School I taught a 1st-2nd grade multi-age class followed by 1st grade. As a multi-age teacher I worked collaboratively with the traditional first and second grade teams to create a cohesive experience for students and families. I integrated a SmartBoard into daily instruction while piloting a Writer's Workshop in my
classroom.
- University of Wisconsin- River Falls Visiting Instructor of Reading 2005-2007; River Falls, WI As a Visiting Instructor at UW-River Falls I taught undergraduate and graduate level courses in elementary reading and language arts methods. This experience allowed me to hone my skills and become familiar with best practices in reading and language arts. I mentored pre-service teachers as they taught reading and language arts lessons to elementary aged children. I also collaborated with my professional team consisting of a math professor and a science professor to provide students background in classroom management and pedagogy.
- Grade 1, Grades 3-4 Multi-age, Grades 1-2 Multi-age; 2000-2005; Lakeaires Elementary School; White Bear Lake Area School District; White Bear Lake, MN As a teacher at Lakeaires Elementary I taught a variety of ages, including Multi-aged classrooms, while providing leadership in several areas. I collaborated with colleagues on several school and district level committees including Literacy Committee, Diversity Committee, Climate/Core Values Committee. I also provided leadership for Lakeaires teachers as a Curriculum Leader. During my time at Lakeaires I was deeply involved in the creation of several programs which provided new opportunities for children and families. I organized several literacy events after and during the school day and also coordinated and coached Lakeaires' first elementary Destination Imagination team. During my time at Lakeaires I also assisted with translation and communication for Spanish speaking families.
- Grade 1; 1999-2000; Earle Brown Elementary School; Brooklyn Center School District; Brookly Center, MN
- Grade 1; 1998-1999; Wakefield Elementary; Turlock, CA
Professional Presentations and Publications
· Reading Superheroes: Written by Kelly Pylkas-Bock, www.readingsuperherbook.com
· Hastings School District: Guided Reading Training for Elementary Teachers; October 2010, December 2010, January 2011
· Minnesota Humanities Commission; Somali Bilingual Book Project Contributor; June 2008
· Hamline Literacy Institute: Family Literacy Fridays; Saint Paul, MN; July 2008
· University of Wisconsin-River Falls: The Hidden Curriculum; March 2008
· Hamline University: Advanced Foundations of Reading Course: Word Study; February 2008
· Lincoln Elementary School: Dynamics of Multi-Age Classrooms June 2007
· Hamline Literacy Institute: Family Literacy Fridays; Saint Paul, Minnesota; July 2007
· Teach for a Change, Novel Ideas: Teaching Comprehension Strategies Through Novels; Park City, Utah; June 2006
· Minnesota Council of Teacher of Mathematics Conference: Math Read Aloud: Teaching Mathematics through Children’s Literature; Fall 2006
Relevant Experience
Hamline University Graduate School of Education Instructor: Summer 2007-Present
· Teach professional development for practicing teachers in literacy fields including: Reader’s/Writer’s Workshop Grades 3-6, Family Literacy: Strengthening the Home-School Connection, Integrating Literature into the Content Areas: Grades K-6
· Developed new family literacy course for Graduate School of Education
· Bring current best practice research to practicing teachers in a practical, teacher friendly model
· High student evaluations
University of Wisconsin- River Falls Cooperating Teacher: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007
· Mentored and assessed pre-service teachers in a best practice first grade classroom
· Conducted formal and informal observations for student teachers
· Worked collaboratively with university advisor to provide enriching experience to student teachers with varying degrees of experience with children
K-12 Leadership Experience Lakeaires Elementary Summer School Principal: June 2003-August 2003
· Identified students for participation based on standardized and non-standardized assessments
· Instituted program for 4th graders with poor MCA performance
· Provided assistance to staff in implementing comprehensive literacy and constructivist math
· Responsible for program development, staffing, budgeting
· Increased attendance by communicating with families
· Conducted responsibilities in English and Spanish
Lakeaires Elementary School Administrative Intern: March 2003-June 2003
· Assisted in dis-aggregation, evaluation of MCA, ITBS, and CogAt standardized test results in accordance with NCLB
· Presented standardized test data in a multi-media presentation to school staff as part of strategic plan to increase student achievement
· Created staff development opportunities in best practice literacy and math
· Organized and conducted teacher interviews
· Problem solved with students and families regarding discipline and attendance issues despite language barriers
· Collaborated to write grant for district-wide early literacy program
· Scheduled and organized several school-wide activities, staff meetings, team-building activities for staff and achievement data presentations
· Worked through staffing and scheduling issues with principal
· Created on-line staff handbook, trained staff in its use
Lakeaires Elementary School Curriculum Leader 2001-2004
· Facilitated adult learning communities in literacy and mathematics
· Participated on the district cultural diversity committee, providing assistance and inservice for teaching cultural responsiveness in the curriculum
· Provided support and staff development to teachers in comprehensive literacy and constructivist mathematics
· Collaborated with teachers and administrators to support teachers with Charlotte Danielson’s teacher evaluation and support model
· Researched and developed district wide literacy framework based on a comprehensive approach to literacy
Lakeaires Elementary Enrichment Coordinator: 2002-2004
· Initiated and coordinated Destination Imagination program
· Significantly increased student and family participation in enrichment offerings outside of school day
· Elicited community and school support for enrichment programs
Lakeaires Literacy Committee Chair: 2003, 2004
· Collaborated in developing district continuous improvement plan
· Innovated on Lakeaires Literacy Lalapalooza to include family literacy component
· Organized “Community Heroes: Guest Readers Read Across America Day” at Lakeaires Elementary bringing local firefighters, police officers, and other public servants to read aloud in classrooms
· Elicited community support for “Community Heroes: Guest Readers Read Across America Day” by contacting local reporters to write a piece in local paper
References
Dr. Florence Monsour, Professor, Teacher Education Department, University of Wisconsin-River Falls 410 S. 3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022 USA (715) 425-3230
Dr. Kathryn Ernie, Professor, UWRF Math Department, University of Wisconsin-River Falls 410 S. 3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022 USA (715) 425-3119
Dr. David Pepi, Professor, UWRF Teacher Education Department, University of Wisconsin-River Falls 410 S. 3rd Street, River Falls, WI 54022 USA (715) 425-3182
Dr. Walter Enloe, Professor Hamline University School of Education, Hamline University MS-A1720, 1536 Hewitt Ave St Paul, MN 55104 (651) 523-2810
Additional references available upon request.