Digital Learning Consultant - Grant Wood Area Education Association -- Coralville, Iowa
08/14 to Present
8th Grade Science Teacher - Mid-Prairie Middle School — Kalona, Iowa
08/04 to 05/14
08/14 to Present
- Train, coach, and support teachers with implementing technology into a classroom setting
- Design and deliver professional learning for teachers on a wide scope of topics
- Design and teach courses for area teachers to support them in learning about research-based instructional strategies
- Lead instructional coaching sessions for teachers
- Collaborate with science consultants to design student-centered science classrooms connected to the Science and Engineering Practices
- Create social media and blog posts for Grant Wood Area Agency and my Digital Learning Team
8th Grade Science Teacher - Mid-Prairie Middle School — Kalona, Iowa
08/04 to 05/14
- Awarded Mid-Prairie Education Association Teacher of the Year in 2011
- Created unique inquiry-based science curriculum based on Next Generation Science Standards and Common Core curriculum that was enhanced with technology - Read about it in the Kalona News
- Piloted and implemented the teaching method of the flipped classroom - Read about it in the Cedar Rapids Gazette
- Created online portfolio system for students based on Google platform
- Designed a metacognitive student work reflection system
- Work collaboratively with the 8th grade team to create interdisciplinary units
- Mentored student teacher in 2010 from University of Iowa’s teacher training program
- Created and organized the Outside the Box Career Conference designed for middle school girls to increase their knowledge of nontraditional careers in science and math
- Created a Grown-Up Day for 8th grade class immersing students in a real-world simulation
- Implemented and serve as adviser for student-run communications club, focusing on yearbooks, newspapers, and newscasts
- Organize weekly Olweus, an anti-bullying program, classroom meetings
- National Science Teacher Association Fall 2023 Conference
- Iowa Technology and Education Connection Conference
- Iowa Association of School Librarians
- Kirkwood Community College, Horticulture Department
What's it Like to Work With Me...
- "Amber is a respectful and hardworking individual with an innovative mindset. Her wealth of knowledge makes her a fantastic resource in any professional setting, consistently contributing valuable insights and solutions. With a dedication to excellence, Amber is a standout professional who excels in leveraging her skills to drive success. She is a valuable resource and friend that I look forward to working with in any capacity, but specifically when she provides me with assistance with new tech and professional development materials." Teresa Burg, Solon Middle School, Instructional Coach
- "I have had the privilege to work closely with Amber for more than 10 years in several different capacities. Most recently Amber has been a thought partner and inspiration as I have returned to teaching after 15 years out of the classroom. She has supported me by brainstorming and through resource sharing. Previously I worked with her for 9 years as part of the Digital Learning Team at Grant Wood Area Education Agency. Through those years we planned and taught courses for teachers, brainstormed instructional practices and learned and implemented new technology. We traveled together, taught adults together and learned together. And even before that, I worked with Amber at Mid-Prairie School district when she was the teacher and I was the coach. Through each of these different capacities the thing that has consistently impressed me is Amber's ability to cut through the 'noise' and focus on what is most important. She is able to do this by listening carefully and deeply, by asking questions, and then drawing on her experience, her knowledge base and her wisdom she says just the right thing to push the conversation forward. I am inspired and challenged each time I work with her. Amber is one of those people who quietly and graciously shines the light on those around - students, teachers and colleagues alike! She will be an asset to any staff and working environment!" - Beth Swantz, Hillcrest Academy, 6th Grade Teacher
Education and Training
Earth Expeditions: Costa Rica: Neotropical Ecology
Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, 12/2013 Masters of Education in Collaborative Teaching and Learning Graceland University, Lamoni, Iowa - 12/2007 |
Elementary Education Teacher Certification Program
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa - 05/2004 Science Specialization Bachelor of Arts in Communications Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois - 05/2001 |