This part of the site is under construction as I transition from full time teaching to farming... and teaching... and teaching about farming?
About Jennie Kies Educator
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I want to work toward a new model of education so students aren't focused on a diploma, but are instead focused on mastering fundamentals, finding their passion, and enjoying learning, which will serve them for the rest of their lives. Technology and teamwork offer us the opportunity to do this.
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Personal Teaching Statement
Upon graduating with a BS in Manufacturing in 2002, I spent six months studying in Florence, Italy. During my studies I realized a passion for discovering different languages and cultures. In the summer of 2004, I attended ITC Training in Barcelona, Spain to learn to teach English as a foreign language. With my TEFL certification, I taught English in Rybnik, Poland to intermediate and advanced learners. This experience ignited my passion for teaching.
While studying for my teaching certification, I completed my student teaching abroad. My experience in Germany at the Heidelberg American High School was rewarding. I learned that a school could be a community, and that cooperation and communication are vital for a successful school. My first full time teaching job was in my home state of Iowa. Just before I began, the Cedar River flooded a large part of my new city, and again I was impressed by how a school could come together and support its community.
After four years at Jefferson High School teaching pre-engineering classes, my interests took me to Guadalajara, Mexico. At the American School Foundation of Guadalajara, I had two roles, both of which used my Technology Education BA and Educational Technology MA. Instead of having stand-alone technology classes in middle school, I integrated concepts and skills into core classes as the technology teacher. As the technology specialist, I worked with teachers to improve their skills and lessons to deeply engage students in learning. I returned to the US to teach at Colorado Academy in Denver in 2016 where I developed a 6th and 7th grade Computer Science and Design Thinking curriculum and built a Makerspace. In my final year at CA, I collaborated with upper school art and computer science teachers to develop a new class called Visual Design & Algorithmic Art.
These experiences have shaped my love of education. I work to be a positive female role model for all students and contribute to a wider community. As a technology education teacher, I inspire students to use technology appropriately and make choices that will improve our world. The knowledge and skills required to use, manage, assess and understand technology are critical for students in the modern world. Technology courses and independent learning options like Makerspaces also encourage creative thinking, problem solving and adaptability. Finally, as a technology integrator, my goal is to help other teachers discover their inner geek.
While studying for my teaching certification, I completed my student teaching abroad. My experience in Germany at the Heidelberg American High School was rewarding. I learned that a school could be a community, and that cooperation and communication are vital for a successful school. My first full time teaching job was in my home state of Iowa. Just before I began, the Cedar River flooded a large part of my new city, and again I was impressed by how a school could come together and support its community.
After four years at Jefferson High School teaching pre-engineering classes, my interests took me to Guadalajara, Mexico. At the American School Foundation of Guadalajara, I had two roles, both of which used my Technology Education BA and Educational Technology MA. Instead of having stand-alone technology classes in middle school, I integrated concepts and skills into core classes as the technology teacher. As the technology specialist, I worked with teachers to improve their skills and lessons to deeply engage students in learning. I returned to the US to teach at Colorado Academy in Denver in 2016 where I developed a 6th and 7th grade Computer Science and Design Thinking curriculum and built a Makerspace. In my final year at CA, I collaborated with upper school art and computer science teachers to develop a new class called Visual Design & Algorithmic Art.
These experiences have shaped my love of education. I work to be a positive female role model for all students and contribute to a wider community. As a technology education teacher, I inspire students to use technology appropriately and make choices that will improve our world. The knowledge and skills required to use, manage, assess and understand technology are critical for students in the modern world. Technology courses and independent learning options like Makerspaces also encourage creative thinking, problem solving and adaptability. Finally, as a technology integrator, my goal is to help other teachers discover their inner geek.