About Wcbpolish

Location

I was born and raised near Greenville, Michigan, and attended college at Cornerstone University from August 2002-May 2007. I taught science (6-12) as well as health, PE, math, and consumer life skills in Chefornak, Alaska from August 2007-May 2009. After leaving Alaska, I taught middle school science (6-8) at Emmanuel Christian School near Toledo, Ohio. Because my fiancée (now wife) was a Ph.D. student at the Mayo Clinic, I moved to Minnesota to be near her, and we lived in Rochester, MN for several years (2010-2016) Most recently, I am employed by Grand Rapids Public Schools and we are living back home "on the farm."

Work Experience

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Secondary Science Teacher

Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids, MI August 31, 2016 -

Chemistry and Biology Teacher

Kasson-Mantorville School District, Kasson, MN August 2012 – July 2016
- Taught courses in Chemistry, General Chemistry, Biology, and Environmental Science.
- Provided an academically challenging classroom environment for all students, while providing scaffolding for students struggling with content.
- Planned and supervised a variety of hands on activities including wet labs and field labs.
- Fostered the integration of academic and “real-world” concepts by facilitating dialog between students and community experts.
- Improved student achievement through lesson collaboration as part of the science department’s Professional Learning Community.
- Assisted in the planning and promotion of inter-district activities and services as a member of the Zumbro Education District Advisory Council from 2013 through 2016.
- Received recognition as Rochester Post-Bulletin’s Teacher of the Month in January 2015 and tenure after 3rd year of service.

Sales Associate

Rochester Fish and Pets
- Provided information about and demonstrated animal care
- Assisted customers in choosing the right care or food product for their needs
- Ran cash register
- Stocked and Faced shelves utilizing FIFO principles

Daily and Long Term Substitute Teacher

Rochester Area School Districts: August 2011 – July 2012
Rochester, Kasson-Mantorville, Dover-Eyota, Stewartville, & Rochester Central Lutheran
- Managed student behavior and maintained a safe classroom environment.
- Presented lessons prepared by classroom teachers.

Part Time Biology Teacher/Lunchroom Aide/ECFE Classroom Aide/M.S. Gifted and Talented Teacher

Montgomery-Lonsdale Schools, Montgomery, Minnesota August 2010 - June 2011
- Created and Implemented content-rich lessons for 10th grade biology students.
- Developed middle school enrichment programs to engage students in scientific pursuits such as a regional ISEF science fair.
- Maintained a safe and inviting school environment for students of all ages as a lunchroom monitor, an ECFE aide, and a positive adult role model.

Seasonal Farm Hand

Pine Flat Farms, Trufant, Michigan Summers 2000 - 2007, 2009 - 2010
- Operated farm machinery, moved and prepared irrigation equipment.

Middle School Science Teacher

Emmanuel Christian School, Toledo, Ohio August 2009 - June 2010
- Designed and implemented lessons for general, life, and earth science courses.
- Facilitated hands-on activities such as leaf collections, science fair projects, and lab activities.
- Coordinated lab use and maintenance with other science faculty.
- Promoted student involvement in community programs such as the ZOOTeen volunteer program and the ExxonMobil summer science camp.

Secondary Science Teacher

Lower Kuskokwim School District, Bethel, Alaska August 2007 – May 2009
- Designed and implemented lessons to ELL students.
- Assessed whether learning objectives had been met.
- Maintained and ordered lab supplies and curriculum resources.

Student Teaching

Tri County Area Schools, Sand Lake, Michigan January 2007 – May 2007
- Taught units in earth science and biology.
- Developed activities to promote learning in regular and inclusion high school science classes.

Foodservice Aide

Spectrum Health United Memorial Hospital, Greenville, Michigan January 2007 – July 2007
- Prepared and served food to residents in the Long Term Care Unit.

Zookeeper Aide

John Ball Zoo, Grand Rapids, Michigan June 2006-September 2006
- Prepared animal diets according to written and verbal directions.
- Cleaned enclosures while following safety protocol.
- Interacted with zoo guests to promote a positive experience.

Custodian/Housekeeping

Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Michigan September 2002 – December 2006
- Cleaned Van Osdel Hall, reported safety and maintenance concerns.

Zoology Laboratory Assistant

Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Michigan January 2006 – May 2006
- Maintained lab facilities and supplies such as microscopes and preserved specimens.
- Organized transportation for field studies.
- Prepared and presented material under the guidance of instructor.

Foodservice Assistant

Cornerstone University, Grand Rapids, Michigan September 2004 – December 2005
- Washed dishes, arranged ready to eat items, maintained an orderly dishroom.

Leadership and Volunteer Involvement:

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School Science Fairs 2006 – 2016

Judged middle and high school science fair projects at Algoma Christian School.
Organized the Chaputnguak science fair, grades 3-8.
Assisted with science fair preparation at Emmanuel Christian School, grades 8-10

First Lego League Robotics Competition 2008 – 2009

Initiated and coached the Chaputnguak “RoboShamans” team.
Co-coached the Emmanuel Christian “Warriors” team.

Michigan 4-H 2002 – 2007

Taught monthly lessons for the Sidney Lakers 4-H club.
Presented seminars and judged poultry activities in several counties.
Strengthened the poultry program in Montcalm County.

Rockford Freshman Center Fall 2006

Tutored freshman students in math and science.
Provided bi-weekly mentoring to at risk students.

Michigan Science Olympiad Spring 2005

Created, moderated, and assessed an event held at Montcalm Community college.
Directing students to event locations.

Community Rebuilders 2003 – 2004

Interacted with elementary students by playing board games and reading stories.
Motivated at-risk students to achieve academic, social, and personal growth.

Technology Familiarity

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Operating Systems

Familiar with both Windows and Macintosh

Gradebook Programs

Engrade
RenWeb
JMC
Infinite Campus

Other Programs

Microsoft office
- PowerPoint
- Word
- Excel
Google Applications:
- Google Documents
- Google Sheets
- Google Presentations
- Google Forms
SkillsTutor Online
FirstClass
TANDBERG videoconferencing
PowToon

Hobbies

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I enjoy reading, a few video games (no time for this in my life anymore!), and my biggest hobby was raising fancy poultry. I have recently began raising Blattodea sp.

Pages that are in progress and I intend to edit or that I intend to create:

Pullorum

Stinkheads

Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

Indian Fields Park

Rumex arcticus

Mousefood