Monika Kurzac
Chicago
Summary
A passionate and dedicated elementary educator with 11 years of experience in diverse school settings. Demonstrates a proven ability to create engaging, inclusive classroom environments that support various learning styles and foster academic achievement and growth. Committed to helping students succeed academically, as well as developing well-rounded, critical thinkers. Actively seeks opportunities to expand professional horizons and apply my educational background to further enhance teaching practices and contribute to the broader educational community.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
First Grade Teacher
William E. Dever School (Chicago Public Schools)
08.2019 - Current
- Apply the Science of Reading framework to design and deliver systematic, explicit, and evidence-based reading instruction, incorporating phonemic awareness, reading fluency, decoding, and encoding activities.
- Piloted a new math curriculum, Beast Academy, exploring innovative instructional methods such as whole group teaching, small group activities, warm-ups, and math talks to enhance student engagement and conceptual understanding.
- Collaborate with the MTSS Coordinator, reading specialist, counselor, and case manager to develop and implement individualized learning plans that supported students both academically and socially-emotionally.
- Utilize Branching Minds to document and analyze student progress, providing targeted, evidence-based interventions in reading and math and making data-driven adjustments to address individual learning gaps effectively.
- Achieved 80% of students exceeding 100% yearly growth on math and reading iReady assessments by the end of the academic year through personalized instruction and data-driven strategies.
- Participate in various committees, such as the Instructional Leadership Team, contributing to the creation of school-wide learning cycles, while mentoring and guiding my grade-level team to align with instructional goals and best practices.
Kindergarten Teacher
St. Juliana School (Archdiocese of Chicago)
08.2015 - 06.2019
- Fostered positive relationships with families through consistent communication and by encouraging opportunities for parents and guardians to actively participate in their child's learning and growth.
- Integrated technology to enrich academic instruction and optimize classroom management strategies.
- Collaborated with colleagues to develop interdisciplinary thematic units that fostered cross-curricular connections and student engagement.
- Established a structured and positive classroom environment utilizing proactive strategies and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Co-led after-school programs, including Girls on the Run and the Yearbook Committee, promoting extracurricular learning and community engagement.
- Mentored teachers and staff in integrating PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and Thinking Maps into classroom instruction to enhance student outcomes.
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Creme De La Creme
08.2014 - 08.2015
- Communicated daily learning objectives and detailed student achievements to maintain effective and transparent communication with parents.
- Collaborated with an educational consultant to develop strategies for supporting students with behavioral and speech challenges.
- Enhanced student engagement and learning through innovative classroom management techniques, including creative activities such as hallway challenges.
Education
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
Concordia University
Chicago, IL08-2021
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
DePaul University
Chicago, IL 06-2013
Skills
- Proficient in Polish
- Trained in Orton Gillingham
- Classroom management
- Organizational skills
- Team collaboration
- Parent-teacher communication
Timeline
First Grade Teacher
William E. Dever School (Chicago Public Schools)
08.2019 - Current
Kindergarten Teacher
St. Juliana School (Archdiocese of Chicago)
08.2015 - 06.2019
Transitional Kindergarten Teacher
Creme De La Creme
08.2014 - 08.2015
Master of Arts - Curriculum And Instruction
Concordia University
Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education
DePaul University
Similar Profiles
Maria Del Pilar CastroMaria Del Pilar Castro
ESL Teacher at Boston Public Schools - Dever Elementary SchoolESL Teacher at Boston Public Schools - Dever Elementary School
Vivian James, EducatorVivian James, Educator
Caseworker & STEM Literacy Manager at Boston Public Schools/Paul A. Dever, Elementary SchoolCaseworker & STEM Literacy Manager at Boston Public Schools/Paul A. Dever, Elementary School
Ivan GomezIvan Gomez
Miscellaneous Worker at Chicago Public Schools William T. ShermanMiscellaneous Worker at Chicago Public Schools William T. Sherman