Jessica Kaljaj

Email: jkaljaj1@gmail.com
Classroom Website: kaljajonlineclassroom.weebly.com
Michigan State University Portfolio Website: jessicakaljajmsu.weebly.com

Education Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI ​ May 2020

Master of Arts in Teaching and Curriculum ​ GPA 4.0
Concentration in Literacy and Language Instruction

​ Oakland University, Rochester, MI April 2016

Bachelor of Arts, History GPA 3.66
Secondary Teacher MI Certification in History CC and Social Studies RX ​June 2016
Dean’s List Oakland University Fall/Winter 2014 - 2015

Teaching Experience
Madison High School, Madison Heights, MI August 2016-Present
Social Studies Teacher; 11th Grade Economics, 11th Grade Government and Civics, 10th Grade American History,
and A.P. United States Government and Politics
● Taught 9th Grade World History, Current Events (elective), Law (elective), and Advanced Placement
American History in previous years
● Student Council Advisor (2018-Present); Class of 2020 Sponsor (2016-Present); Varsity Cheer Coach
(2019-Present); Women of Madison Empowerment and Activism Advisor (2016-2018)
● Develops unique activities for project-based learning, using student interests and passion as inspiration while
creating a growth-based environment for at-risk students
● Incorporates visual thinking strategies and multiple literacies through class discussions and group activities
● Forms daily lessons that are centered on answering essential questions and achieving learning goals
● Plans lessons based on state and federal standards, while centering focus on diversity of culture and thought
within the school community, while fostering meaningful relationships and engagement
● Elicits student thinking during class, as well as in scheduled tutoring lessons after school, while also constanly
staying connected via Remind, email, and updated class website for student and family needs
● Was the first teacher to instruct A.P. American History and A.P. United States Government and Politics in the
district, and plan curriculum centered around individual students’ needs for equitable outcomes

International Academy East, Troy, MI May-June 2016

Long Term Substitute, Honors World Studies, Diploma One History, Theory of Knowledge
● Prioritized primary source evaluation skills in daily lessons
● Planned group and individual activities based on state, federal, and IB standards
● Incorporated visual thinking strategies, multiple literacies, and facilitated classroom discussions
● Planned and concluded long term position on schedule for lead teacher/student benefit

Troy High School, Troy, MI Aug 2015– Apr 2016

Student Teaching, World History, Economics, Government and Civics; Co-Taught AP Government
● Developed unique activities for project-based learning in World History, Government, and Economics
● Formed daily lessons that centered on answering essential questions and achieving learning goals
● Actively helped the Troy Student Government school organization as an assistant advisor
● Developed unique and engaging formative assessments in Economics and Government
● Elicited student thinking during class, as well as in scheduled tutoring lessons after school
● Led current event discussions and lectured as a co-teacher in AP Government
Teaching Related Experience
Rochester Community Schools, Rochester, MI June 2017 - August 2017
Summer Camp Employee ​June 2016 – August 2016
● Assigned two second grade and third grade classrooms June 2015 - August 2015
● Monitored outside play, inside craft activities, and lunch
● Chaperoned weekly field trips and organized a talent show
● Regularly interacted with parents and ensured safety of students

Troy Community Schools, Troy, MI April 2016– August 2016

Substitute Teacher, Varied Classrooms and Subjects
● Managed diverse classrooms that vary in age, gender, race, etc.
● Utilized pre-prepared lesson plans in classroom
● Created an environment of respect, kindness, and equity

Rochester Community Schools, Rochester, MI ​ August 2013 – August 2015

School Aged Childcare Caregiver
● Kept a safe, fun, and engaging environment for elementary school students, ages 4-12
● Fostered meaningful relationships with students and school staff
● Developed activities that enrich and entertain while maintaining a safe environment
● Regularly interacted with parents and ensured safety of students

Kumon Tutoring Center , Shelby Township, MI May 2012 – May 2013

Tutor
● Tutored children from kindergarten to high school levels in math and reading, and introduced new concepts
● Encouraged independent, problem-solving skills necessary to improve grades, as well as future ACT/SAT
scores
● Assigned and graded homework, as well as entered all grades into Kumon grade book program
● Assisted in tutoring preschool children in math and reading

Non-Teaching Employment
Kohl’s Department Store July 2011 – July
2016
Department Associate
● Provided excellent customer service and ensuring a neat, convenient shopping experience
● Kept fitting rooms clean and pleasant, and answered all customer calls
● Facilitated the Kohl’s Credit Card application process for customers
● Utilized Point of Sale computers to complete customer checkouts

Skills
Google Drive Remind Weebly Kahoot Schoology MiStar Google Classroom

Socratic Prezi Blackboard Survey Monkey iMovie WordPress